ECPI University: We are with you every step of the way

We live in times when political and other factors can affect the founding values of international education – diversity, inclusion and celebration of differences. As the world’s top study abroad destination, the US seems to be the most vulnerable to such threats. However, today’s episode of our Meet The Educator series comes to show you exactly the opposite. The US is full of institutions where international students feel at home, on top of receiving top-class education.

Looking for examples? Scroll down and enjoy our interview with Mr Jorge Calderon, Director of International Recruitment at ECPI University, Virginia. 

ETN Focus: Please introduce yourself to ETN Focus and tell us a bit more about your university?

ECPI University: Established in 1966 and with over 11,000 students, ECPI is a regionally accredited university offering Masters, Bachelors, and Associate programs. Our admissions process is selective as we strive to admit students with a high chance of successful program completion. For example, one of the key components of our admissions process is that we interview every applicant to ensure they are a good fit for ECPI University and that ECPI is a good fit for them. During this interview, we review the applicants profile for academic potential and readiness, as well as their personal motivation and goals.

When you choose to study in the United States, you want more than just an education. You want an experience. From the moment you arrive until the day you graduate, our faculty and staff is dedicated to making your time here special, both on and off campus. It begins with a safe, comfortable environment, access to quality housing, transportation, food, and activities – that makes going to school fun and creates peace-of-mind so you can concentrate on earning your degree.

Simply put, ECPI University is with you every step of the way, helping you get the most out of your educational experience and beyond. It is our honor to welcome you to our country and our campus.

ETN Focus: What are the main benefits and advantages of an ECPI education for international students?

ECPI: Some of the benefits and advantages include:

• Accelerated programs

  (Bachelor’s in 2.5 years and Master’s in 15 months)
  You have no time to waste in starting, or changing, your career.

• You Receive Your Education Two Classes at a Time

  As a student, you’ll immerse yourself in two classes at a time every five weeks and earn credits before moving on to the next courses. This schedule, along with our small class sizes, means you get unprecedented access to faculty and eliminate the juggling of several classes and assignments simultaneously.

• You’ll Experience Learning Through Hands-on Instruction

  To complement a strong theoretical foundation, instructors employ a range of interactive tools including simulations, virtualizations, and hands-on labs. This practical approach to teaching encourages independence, engages the mind, lends itself to greater retention, and builds valuable real-world experience.

• Curriculum is Focused Around Employer & Industry Needs

  Because ECPI University develops and updates its programs based on employer feedback and industry demand, our graduates have the opportunity to meet and exceed those expectations. Our valuable employer partnerships open doors for career-ready graduates.

• Student Success Services are Unmatched

  Whether it is providing résumé and interview assistance, or helping secure your dream job, your success is our priority. We understand that our job is not done at graduation—you chose ECPI University to prepare you for a long-term, rewarding and enjoyable career.

• Students Appreciate Small Class Sizes

  Classes are taught by faculty with real world experience who believe in utilizing technology in the classroom. We’re proud to say that we don’t just have teaching professionals. We have professionals who teach.

• Great Value in Education

  ECPI University aims to be your best value in higher education. We make college both affordable and predictable. Our fixed tuition pledge allows you to complete your program without experiencing any difficulties affording it.

• Industry-recognized Certifications Give Students an Edge

  In addition to your degree, we will support you in pursuing a number of certifications familiar to employers that will demonstrate that you’re ready to hit the ground running.

ETN Focus: What is the importance of diversity at ECPI? How diverse is your current student population?

ECPI: At ECPI University, we offer a welcoming environment. From the people who greet you at the airport to the student advisors who help you get settled in and see you in class each day, you discover that while you have traveled thousands of miles, you feel like you’re at home. You’ll also find there are plenty of people who are eager to meet you. ECPI University has a reputation as a culturally-diverse learning environment. We know there is much that we can learn from one another and your presence only enhances our rich tradition of inclusivity.

ETN Focus: Tell us a bit more about your international student recruitment strategy. How do you identify your target markets, and what kind of international students are you currently looking to attract?

ECPI: Our international office studies international student mobility and program interest across regions. Our recruitment strategy includes in-country visits and education fair participation.

ETN Focus: What channels and tools do you use to promote your programs internationally? Do you think having an agents network is important? How do you support the agents you work with?

ECPI: We put our efforts into selecting the best, the most reliable and consistent agents, rather than accepted every agent application we receive. We believe working with agents is important and we make every effort to provide them support. This includes an effective communication channel, video conference presentations by the international office and faculty when possible. In addition, we make in-country visits and provide up-to-date program information and marketing material.

ETN Focus: What is your biggest challenge when working with international students? How do you approach cross-cultural differences during recruitment, in the classroom, on campus? Do you have a recipe for successful international student retention?

ECPI: At ECPI we like to get things right the first time. We work hard to ensure all programs and services are in place and at a 100% before pursuing growth.

In the classroom, students notice that we do things a bit differently. Forget about long, drawn out lectures, as we’ve found a much better way. At ECPI University, it’s all about hands-on learning. Our classrooms boast equipment commonly found in the workplace. By applying what you learn, you reinforce this knowledge so it stays with you and becomes a skill that you carry with you beyond the classroom.

Thousands of employers that have hired our graduates throughout the past half century have validated this method of teaching time and again. They know our graduates don’t spend years memorizing abstract theories. That is why they look to ECPI University to hire graduates who already know how to do the job.

ETN Focus: Are there any new markets where you see untapped potential for selling your programs?

ECPI: ECPI plans to place specific focus and recruiting efforts in North East and South East Asia in 2018.

ETN Focus: Finally, what is your vision for the future? How do you see ECPI University evolving in the years to come?

ECPI: We see ECPI growing its international student population across multiple campus in various states in USA, adding a more diverse student body and contributing to the internationalization of our university.

ECPI University will continue at the forefront of cutting edge technology, always teaching skills that are in demand and leading to the successful employment of our graduates.