College of the Rockies has done it again. For the third year in a row, the College was ranked by international students as number one in Canada and, for the second consecutive year, first in the world for overall average student satisfaction.
Conducted by the International Graduate Insight Group (i-graduate) the International Student Barometer is the largest annual survey of international students in the world. It covers four benchmarks – arrival experience, learning, living and support. The College ranked number one in all four categories. Feedback was gathered from international students from 183 post-secondary institutions in 18 countries world-wide.
“The results point out the outstanding learning and teaching environment created by our faculty and also the exceptional support from everyone at the College, from the front door to our superb online environment,” says College President and CEO David Walls.
“This year’s ranking includes placing in the top three in the world for learning support, performance feedback, course organization, quality lectures, language support, virtual learning, IT support, finance and registration, international office support, accommodations, food services and social activities.”
The College’s approximately 70 active host families for international students were also rated number one in the world. This result is not a surprise to the International Department.
“The ranking of our host families as number one is a testament to the Cranbrook community and the wonderful and nurturing environment they provide for our students,” Executive Director, International and Regional Development Patricia Bowron says. “Our ability to deliver a great experience for our students starts with our host families.”
Acting as a homestay host allows local families to learn from and experience a different culture while providing room and board for the student. Remuneration is provided. Anyone interested in hosting an international student is encouraged to contact Saori at (250) 489-8248.
In addition to the i-graduate survey, the BC government also administered their own 2014 BC International Student Survey. Results of that survey confirmed that the College rates well above average with the student body in areas of interacting with instructors, academic expectations, approachability of staff, admissions and advising processes and more.
Annually the College welcomes approximately 200 international students with the vast majority attending the Cranbrook main campus. In the 2014 – 2015 academic year, the College welcomed students from 38 different countries who enrolled in a variety of programs including business, tourism and English.
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