Concordia takes blended approach to student recruitment in China
Concordia is implementing a series of actions to assume a more engaged and proactive role to recruit international students and to improve communication to Chinese students about studying and living in Montreal, in particular on housing and homestay programs.
Last fall, the university initiated a review of its international recruitment efforts, which are currently managed in-house for all regions except China. This initiative coincided with the ending of an agreement with Vancouver-based Orchard Consultants, contracted to recruit students in China.
“Our goal was to better respond to the needs of our prospective international students,” explains Roger Côté, vice-president, services. “That is why we have decided to introduce a blended approach to recruitment in China — in-house and third-party.
“We believe this blended approach best serves the unique nature of recruitment in China,” adds Côté. “We will be more involved with potential students in a country where a significant number of families rely on private agents.”
To support the university’s recruitment efforts in China, the agreement with Orchard Consultants has been extended to February 28, 2013. After this date, Orchard will continue to liaise with prospective students whose files remain open and will facilitate the transfer of these files to Concordia. The university will also reach out to these students and assist them in coming to Concordia and Canada.
To ensure Concordia’s presence in China for recruitment purposes, the university will issue a Request for Proposals (RFP) in February. The RFP will outline clear parameters that will ensure early and regular engagement with prospective students.
Côté thanked Orchard Consulting for their valued service throughout the years to help students from China begin their studies at Concordia.
Addressing homestay concerns
At the time Concordia was conducting its review, the university became aware of issues related to homestay and off-campus housing arrangements, arranged for Chinese students by the third-party recruiter.
In response, the university launched a number of initiatives, including the creation of a working group to address housing concerns involving international students. Members of this group included representatives from student associations, the university’s services sector, administration and the School of Extended Learning.
“I am impressed with the thought and commitment the working group brought to their mandate and in presenting recommendations for improvement,” adds Côté. “They clearly had our students’ best interests at heart.”
The university is now implementing an action plan to enhance its offering of support services, in collaboration with various stakeholders that include Concordia’s services sector, the Office of the Provost and student associations and groups.
For example, virtual and on-site orientations in multiple languages will be established and include information on housing and tenant rights. Certain sections of Concordia’s website, particularly those accessed most by international students, will also be available in Mandarin and other languages.
Related links:
• "Concordia responds to homestay allegations" – NOW, November 9, 2012
• "Concordia addresses homestay issues" – NOW, October 31, 2012
• "Important notice to international students about off-campus housing" – October 2, 2012
• Information for International Students