University News

Carter Traveling to Brazil to Enhance WIU Recruitment

October 13, 2015

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MACOMB, IL – International students are an important part of the Western Illinois University campus and promoting the University in other parts of the world is a vital component of the international recruitment process.

Richard Carter, executive director of the School of Distance Learning, International Studies and Outreach at Western, has taken a hands-on approach to recruiting international students to the University. He serves as WIU President Jack Thomas' liaison for international affairs and travels several times a year to promote WIU.

Carter's relationship with the country of Brazil began over three years ago, with a visit to the Embassy of Brazil in Washington, D.C. He met with embassy officials and before long WIU received its first group of Brazilian students studying in Illinois. Currently, there are 37 students from various parts of Brazil studying on the WIU campus.

Carter will travel to Brazil Thursday, Oct. 15-Friday, Oct. 23 to continue and enhance the University's relationship with the country.

"WIU offers great value for those who wish to study in the United States," said Carter. "A variety of programs are available to study, including agriculture, logistics, engineering, engineering technology, music, accounting and many more. Those students who want to improve their English language proficiency before beginning their academic program can attend Western's English as a Second Language Institute (WESL).

Carter's visit will focus on sharing information about WIU's high quality programs and affordable education. While in Brazil, Carter will meet with Embassy officials, the Higher Education Agency, local government, universities and alumni to promote Brazilian students traveling to Macomb to attend Western. He will also promote the WIU services available to help students adjust to the United States, including year-round housing, free bus service, orientation on a variety of topics including banking, health and safety, as well as academic support and free tutoring.

These are some of the reasons why more than 500 international students from more than 58 countries call WIU home.

"Students have many opportunities for American and cultural experiences by participating in the International Bazaar, Cultural Café, International Friendship Club, Conversation Partners, International Neighbors and field trips throughout the year to other cities and points of interest in Illinois," Carter said. "WIU offers great value for those who wish to study in the United States. Established in 1899, Western Illinois University (WIU) is located in Macomb, Illinois, in the heart of the Midwest United States. WIU is ranked a 'Best Midwestern College' by the Princeton Review; a top tier 'Best Regional University' by U.S. News & World Report; is ranked among the best of 650 institutions in the country by Forbes; and has received the U.S. President's Honor Roll for Service."

Carter's activities while traveling in Brazil are being aided by Doug Adair, a 1976 WIU alumnus who currently lives in Bahia, Brazil. Carter will visit Salvador, Brasilia, and Sao Paulo. Stephen Rimmer, Isabel Rimmer and Lakshmi Iyer of Sannam S4 will lend their efforts and expertise on Brazil to enhance the trip.

For more information on WIU Center for International Studies, visit wiu.edu/international.

Posted By: University Communications (U-Communications@wiu.edu)
Office of University Communications & Marketing