She provides them with a packet that includes an undergraduate catalog or college information sheets. She also provides international applications and brochures and a list of prospective students in the area where the traveler is going. The faculty members are also given names of the alumni in the cities or areas of their travel who participate in the Hokies Abroad program. This new program involves nearly 100 Virginia Tech alumni living abroad who assist the Admissions Office in identifying and recruiting talented international undergraduate students. Drowne says she hopes more faculty and staff members will participate in the program.
Competition is keen for international students.
Other countries are actively recruiting internationals. In addition, many developing countries have improved or expanded their own colleges and universities, so students remain in their own countries. A lack of funds to send students abroad causes others to stay home to study. Personal contact can make a difference in convincing international students to enroll. Once they get here, they are happy because Tech offers a quality education in a safe campus environment, both of which are very important to international students.