Coastal Carolina University (CCU) has partnered up with the College of Charleston and the University of South Carolina to form a new consortium called Study South Carolina. The organisation has been set up with the objective to draw more international students to South Carolina.
The Study South Carolina is supported by the US Department of Commerce as well as the South Carolina Association of International Educators.
According to a news release, Coastal Carolina University has more than 200 international students from 50+ countries enrolled at present.
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Director of international recruitment and admissions at Coastal Leisha DeRiso said Study South Carolina will let the university reach more students and families and not stay limited to certain places.
The organization was developed last year by DeRiso, College of Charlestons Tina MacDonald along with the University of South Carolinas director of international recruitment and admissions.
Tina MacDonald said that schools in South Carolina, unlike other parts of the US, offer unique and high-quality student experience to international students. They expose these students to the unrivaled history, climate, landscape, and international trade.
Given the current situation caused by the pandemic and the budget cuts, the organisations members do have the question of funding at hand. However, they believe that once it grows and welcomes more institutions, it will gain more visibility.
A news release said that over 6,500 international students were studying in South Carolina in 2020.
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DeRiso said that international students play a crucial role in boosting the economy of a state and also elevates their relationship with the area businesses.
The organisation has already met with partners and diplomats from across the globe including Latin America, Africa, Europe, Eurasia, and the Indo-Pacific region.
Along with the three schools, other institutions such as Ashley Hall, Furman University, Lander University, Anderson University, Ben Lippen School, Trident Technical College, Winthrop University, Bob Jones University and Greenville Technical College are also part of Study South Carolina.
Stay tuned for more news on overseas education!