In October 2022, representatives from nine Southeastern Conference universities traveled to Africa to focus on student recruitment in Ghana and Senegal.
From the LSU press release:
Diversifying the international student population provides an opportunity to develop a healthy and sustainable enrollment rate at U.S. higher education institutions. The majority of international students in the U.S. come from China and India. However, over the past four decades, tertiary education enrollment in Sub-Saharan African countries has been growing at a faster rate than any other region in the world. African student mobility rates are currently the highest globally, according to UNESCO. The large number of African youths seeking education abroad provides further opportunity for U.S. universities.
Primarily focused on undergraduate recruitment, the group met with more than 2,000 students in Ghana and Senegal along with counselors, parents and U.S. ambassadors. Most of the fairs were at international schools with the addition of one open to the general public in Senegal that attracted about 800 students.
"Initiatives like this creates synergy among SEC institutions, and the collective effort around global initiatives such as this one underscores the importance of partnerships in internationalization efforts." - Samba Dieng, Senior International Officer and Executive Director, LSU International Programs
The group had time to explore a few area sites, including the House of Slaves in Senegal, various museums, dinners with high school counselors and cultural performances in both places.
One stop included the Monument to the African Renaissance. It symbolizes Africa’s bright future and was initiated by Senegal’s former president, Abdoulaye Wade.
"SEC SIOs are planning to travel to East Africa. Meanwhile, we may have colleagues from our respective institutions travel to West Africa again in order to build upon the relationship we started this year. In other words, we will have colleagues in West Africa while we are visiting the East, covering East and West Africa consistently on an annual basis." - Dieng on the future of SEC SIO travel