At the end of (almost) every summer, Brock’s team of international recruitment officers pack their bags and board flights in search of the University’s next cohort of Badgers.

This year, the COVID-19 pandemic forced them to get creative with online recruitment initiatives that showcase the Brock experience and dream of studying in Canada.

Along with daily outreach and interactions with prospective students and external stakeholders, the Department of International Market Development (IMD) had already transitioned their recruitment efforts virtually, including weekly Coffee with a Recruiter sessions, but students were craving more.

This led to the development of International Open Day. The virtual conference-style event was held on Aug. 12 and 13 and was designed to teach students about every aspect of university life.

More than 260 incoming and prospective international students, along with parents and high school counsellors from more than a dozen countries, took part in the pilot project.

Students from Bangladesh, Barbados, China, Colombia, Ghana, Grand Cayman’s, India, Indonesia, Jamaica, Kingdom of Bahrain, Mexico, Nigeria and the U.K. all registered in the days leading up to the event.

Sessions included an overview of Brock, a mock lecture from a professor, a live campus tour and an informative presentation on immigrating to Canada. In total, students could choose from more than 15 interactive webinars, which were offered in either the morning or afternoon to account for the time zone differences of a global audience.

One of the most well-attended sessions was a live panel discussion with Brock’s international student ambassadors, where they discussed why they chose Brock and shared their experience studying in Canada.

“Going to university is a big transition in everyone’s life,” said International Student Ambassador and Brazil native Marcelo Correa during the panel discussion. “I always advise students to make the best of their experience and get involved on campus.”

The panel discussion was led by Victoria Steele, Associate Director, IMD.

“We believe that it’s really important that our students share their Brock story,” said Steele. “Our ambassadors provide an invaluable addition to an event like this.”

The Open Day event was a collaborative effort from Brock International’s dedicated group of staff, who offered sessions in their area of expertise including academic support, getting involved, financial support, student engagement and a mock ESL class.

“With COVID-19 continuing to affect international travel and large event gatherings, students will be looking for new ways to learn about studying in Canada,” said Steele. “Open Day gives us a global platform to connect with students.”

Throughout the recruitment cycle, future Open Days will be scheduled to invite a wider audience, including international high school counsellors and transfer students. Prospective students can sign up for Brock’s future student newsletter or email international@brocku.ca to connect with a recruitment officer in their area.