Ridley College: Steeped in Tradition, Focused on the Future
Today we start a series of interviews with international education providers from around the world who have chosen ETN Focus Workshops as their navigator into the seas of international student mobility specifics. We will share with you first-hand insight into the reasons and motivations behind the international recruitment strategies of various educational institutions including universities, colleges, high schools, language schools and more. We will also explore the ways those institutions maintain diversity and retain their international students once enrolled.
Our first guest is Ridley College – one of the oldest private schools in Canada and the largest boarding institution in Ontario with a student body comprising of over 35 countries.
Ridley College will be exploring the Ecuadorian market with ETN Focus Workshops for a second year now. Ahead of the upcoming ETN Focus Workshop in Quito on 12-13 September, we caught up with them for a quick interview.
ETN Focus Workshops: Tell us a bit more about Ridley College?
Ridley College: Ridley College is an acclaimed co-educational boarding and day school that prepares meaningful and flourishing lives by teaching the habits of mind, body, and spirit, and the values needed to lead in a global society. We are Canada’s only IB Continuum boarding school and just one of three in North America.
At Ridley, it’s not just an education, it’s a life-shaping experience. We empower students to embrace their individuality, develop who they are, strive for who they will be, and define the lives they will lead.
ETN FW: Ridley College hosts more than 200 international students from 44 countries; how does having such a diverse mix of nationalities contribute to the school’s long-standing reputation for excellence?
RC: In the classroom, on the sports field, and in the Houses, the Ridley experience teaches students the importance of a community in their lives. It inspires students to develop the global literacy and competency needed to create and cultivate their role as leaders in the global community.
This experience is enriched by an international perspective provided by students from around the globe.
ETN FW: What kind of international students are you currently looking to attract?
RC: Ridley attracts students who are interested in an adventure and who value community. Students who seek out challenge and, when confronted by adversity, welcome support and demonstrate perseverance. Ridleians embrace opportunity, whether in the arts, academics, athletics, service or leadership.
ETN FW: What are the benefits you get out of working with student recruitment agents?
RC:Recruitment agents are in a position to introduce students to schools, such as Ridley, that can help to shape who students are, who they will become and where they will go.
ETN FW: How do you support the agents you work with?
RC: Agents support Ridley by introducing families to a school that provides opportunities for their children to flourish. In turn, Ridley supports agents and the families they represent by providing assistance before, during and following the enrollment process.
ETN FW: What is Ridley’s formula for successful student retention?
RC: The formula behind any successful retention initiative involves valuing, respecting and listening to each member of the community. This, along with providing engaging opportunities, challenge and support, help to build a healthy, happy student body.
ETN FW: Ridley has come such a long way since its establishment in the late 19th century. How do you see the school in 30 years from now?
RC: Ridley is steeped in tradition and focused on the future. We are consistently evolving to offer our students the learning experience that will best prepare them for the world they live in. Our foundation, traditions and values remain consistent, while we adapt to shifting needs of our students and the global landscape.
All images courtesy to Ridley College.
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