Perspective on International Programming

St. Thomas has totaled a record number of 54 international students this year.

In its brief existence, the International Programming unit has been making global strides. The office’s endeavours to alert international students to the unique attributes and initiatives of the close-knit St. Thomas community are beginning to pay off.

“We are an active office, and we’re enthusiastic,” Karen Taylor, director of international programming, proudly proclaims of the small team working with her.

Karen’s background in human rights and diversity management lends itself to her position. Coupled with her commitment to St. Thomas’s success (she chaired the first Gala Dinner in 1999), the University obtained her services last January on a two-year secondment from the Province of New Brunswick. (Karen works as director of education and development for the New Brunswick Human Rights Commission.)

“The traditional role is to focus on recruitment. That’s still a very important part, but it’s equally important to create opportunities for international students and to hear their point of view so that they will maximize their experience on campus,” Karen explains.

Karen’s efforts follow those of Peter Alderman, who took on the task of building St. Thomas’s international vision in 1998.

St. Thomas recruited Peter to further its program development and assist in developing the University’s strategic plan. “I was hired to work on special activities such as BA Co-op and distance education but the international aspect popped up,” Peter explains. “Universities were being pushed by the provincial government to recruit more international students. There was also encouragement from the Association of University and Colleges of Canada and at the national level.”

Peter’s duties quickly adapted to encompass a coordinator position for international affairs. After gaining $1.2-million from the provincial government (divided amongst New Brunswick universities) to develop recruitment materials, Peter began attending education fairs and visiting embassies and recruiting organisations. “For the first few years, I was simply trying to get our name out there,” Peter says.

His efforts have proven successful, Karen says. This year, international students total 54—the highest in the University’s history, and a 54 per cent increase from last year.

Tony Okoye, a first-year student from Africa, indicates his home country on a map during the international office's Open House.

Now, with more students expected, Karen frequently collaborates with the St. Thomas University International Students Association (STUISA) to promote their distinctive cultures to a vast audience. An “Open House,” held November 7, welcomed members of the St. Thomas and Greater Fredericton communities to share students’ international perspectives through conversation, food and music. Members of STUISA also volunteered at a recent Dialogue New Brunswick Youth Forum for New Brunswick high school students. They offered insight into their countries and cultures as part of the forum’s theme.

In addition, an international discussion series entitled “Our World at a Glance” debuted this past semester. “These are student-led initiatives,” Karen says. “They’re organized by students to create opportunities to discuss their ideas and feelings.” International and domestic students blend with faculty to express viewpoints and share information on topics such as “The Impact of the September 11 Crisis in New York on University Students” and “Faith and the Media, Faith in the Media: Does the Mainstream Media Ignore or Question Faith and Religion?”

In addition to accommodating the influx of students, it is becoming customary for St. Thomas and the international office to host delegations from around the world. For example, officials from several Chinese universities have visited the University to learn about its programmes. “This is another part of our focus,” Karen says. “Encouraging exchanges and the development of articulation agreements are becoming stronger components of the University.”

The University is currently conducting exchanges with 13 universities from around the world. “We’re focusing on expanding our opportunities, too, because exchanges create worldly learning opportunities for those from other countries,” Karen says. “It’s a chance to learn another culture.”

The campus is moving toward its future goal of an international student body totaling five per cent of the university population. It currently accounts for just over two per cent of the students. This level of progression has avoided costly growing pains, Karen explains. “The University has wisely chosen to grow in stages,” she explains. “It affords us the opportunity to learn as we grow.”

However, as numbers are rising, the international office has acquired several assistants. Maureen Balcom, a St. Mary’s graduate in both International Development and Economic Trade, is working as an intern at St. Thomas for six months to assist in enhancing international roles. “I’ve been conducting research for operational plans, and working on a student survey and the promotion of international students,” she explains. She has already intensified the international section of the University’s Web site.

Ms. Balcom volunteered with international students at St. Mary’s and brings her insight to the new intern position. “I can see a lot of potential here,” she says. “And this office has a lot of good ideas to bring to the campus.”

Third-year student Irenia Davis is also assisting the office on special projects, and works with international admissions coordinator Louise Laberge on various undertakings. As well, Mei Qian is completing a six-month training programme, made available through the Multicultural Association.
“The work and the people make this a very interesting and fun job,” Karen says. “My work with STUISA gives me great insight. I hear how much they love the size of the campus and I hear really positive comments about professors and specific programmes.”

To assist Karen’s international goals for the University, Student Affairs has launched a number of initiatives to accommodate the increasing international population. In place are a structured airport welcome programme, international student orientation, and a new JOBS programme designed to specifically assist international students.

Student Jeanette Borg confirms Karen’s view. Jeanette is the University’s first ever student from Norway. “It is a small city,” she says, explaining her decision to enrol at St. Thomas. “It is safe and the people are nice. I like my professors a lot. That’s the best part.”