What’s Western Illinois University’s Caribbean Connection?
Western Illinois University now boasts a growing population of international students from the Caribbean, with more than 70 students enrolled at Western in the past two semesters. In July 2021, Western Illinois University signed its first MOU (Memorandum of Understanding) with The Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC) to assure seamless transfer opportunities for students from 16 Caribbean countries to study at WIU.
In addition to the CXC agreement, WIU has established partnerships with Clarence Fitzroy Bryant College, Anguilla Community College, Antigua State College, Charlestown Secondary School Sixth Form, Dominica State College, Sir Arthur Lewis Community College and TA Marryshow Community College. According to Associate Vice President for Global Studies Randy Glean, these agreements are fully articulated to ensure that students receive full applicable credit for their studies in the region.
“We look forward to a longstanding and positive relationship with our partners in education throughout the Caribbean and around the world, and providing outstanding academic experiences to students and faculty from abroad,” said WIU President Guiyou Huang. “WIU’s goal in the coming years is to further increase the number of international students on campus and to further internationalize the University. International students, faculty and staff further enrich WIU’s campuses and local communities by providing cultural exchanges among the University and local schools, organizations and churches, as well as expanding the cultural horizons of other students and area residents.”
Ebony Lindsay, a senior computer science major, and cannabis and culture minor from the Commonwealth of Dominica (Caribbean), transferred to Western in Fall 2021 from The Beijing Foreign Studies University in China. In addition to her studies, Lindsay works as a student worker in the Office of the President. Following graduation, she plans to explore obtaining her master’s degree.
“I chose WIU because it was an amazing opportunity that presented itself at the perfect time in my educational career. Transferring here is something I couldn’t pass up,” she said. “I really like the location of Western. Macomb is a nice college town, and everyone I’ve met on and off campus have been amicable and hospitable.”
Glean is heading out this semester to the Caribbean to continue to share the opportunities available at WIU for international students. Upper-echelon undergraduate students can compete for the International Presidential Scholarship, which covers full tuition and fees, and other high achieving students can earn up to $11,000 in scholarships towards tuition, making Western the most affordable option available to students in the region, Glean added.
“Students from the Caribbean region have incredible advantages at WIU,” said WIU Interim Provost William Clow. “Our international students are succeeding here, and bring so much to our university and our communities. We are partnering effectively with the governments to address teacher training needs; creating advanced degree opportunities for our partner institutions; and allowing students in the region flexible pathways to begin their studies.”
Basmattie Beephat, who is working on a bachelor’s degree in elementary education, is from Guyana, but grew up in Saint Kitts and Nevis, attending Nevis Sixth Form College. Beephat chose WIU for a fresh start at a university with numerous opportunities.
“The programs offered here grasp my attention compared to other schools, and align well with my career goals,” Beephat added. “The best thing about WIU is the variety of opportunities available academically and socially. No matter what your major is there is always an organization for you to join to gain more experience in the field. Every week, WIU hosts multiple events for students to come out and engage in. It ranges from sorority/fraternity, volunteer programs, sports, music and much more!”
Besides being a full-time student, Beephat is a student employee in the Office of the President and is a volunteer tutor with the America Reads program.
Sierra Duncan, who is from Grenada, is working toward her bachelor’s in economics and her commitment to her studies have landed her on the Dean’s List at WIU. She transferred here last fall from T.A. Marryshow Community College. The scholarship opportunities drew her to Western.
“Not only were the scholarships a good incentive, I really appreciate the diverse group of students the school welcomes and the recruiters’ determination to get me on board,” Duncan explained. “The best thing about WIU for me would be the professors. I’ve had some amazing lecturers here.”
Melissa Laudat is pursuing her bachelor’s degree in clinical laboratory science at Western so she can pursue a career in medical technology. Laudat, who also hails from the Commonwealth of Dominica, started at WIU in Fall 2021, transferring from Dominica State College.
“Western really appealed to me because it’s located in a quiet, peaceful town, that is considered safe, and the opportunities and incentives for international students are really good,” Laudat said. “Western is full of opportunities to learn and grow. One of the things which stood out to me was the abundance of help, and resources available to students.”
Chavez Archibald also came to WIU from Nevis Sixth Form College. At WIU, Archibald is studying public health, with a minor in nutrition.
“I chose WIU after sitting in a recruitment meeting with Dr. Randy Glean. He explained WIU to perfection. I loved every detail I heard ranging from day-to-day living, the programs WIU offered and also new experiences,” Archibald said. “The best thing thus far about WIU is experiencing the diversity compared to where I am from.”
Kaitlyn Gaillard is at WIU from St. Lucia, studying civil engineering. Gaillard, who transferred to WIU from Sir Arthur Lewis Community College, selected WIU because of the scholarship opportunities available.
“The affordability of WIU is also a big plus,” she said. “Plus, during my online studies, Western has been so accommodating. The amiability and understanding of the lectures have been great.”
More than 800 international students are currently enrolled at Western, in both undergraduate and graduate degree programs, with 247 new students enrolling this spring and 571 returning, for an increase of 160 over Fall 2021. Last semester, WIU saw its largest enrollment in international students since 1987, with 424 new students enrolling and 234 returning, for a total of 658 international students. The previous peak 35 years ago saw 547 international students at Western.
For more information or to apply, visit wiu.edu/global_studies.
