Navigating Change in International Admissions: A Reflection from Stella Wang

Written by: Stella Wang, International Admissions and Enrollment Rep 

As both a former international student and now a professional in higher education, I’ve witnessed firsthand how this field has transformed over the past decade. The shifts have been profound, influenced by global politics, evolving visa policies, and the rapid adoption of virtual learning. Today, students and their families are making choices with employability and global transferability in mind. They are exploring institutions that were once overlooked: from smaller liberal arts colleges and faith-based schools to STEM-focused programs, and considering destinations beyond the U.S., U.K., and Canada. At the same time, more students are pursuing non-traditional options, such as short-term or non-credit-bearing programs.

For institutions, this has created a far more competitive and sophisticated recruitment landscape. Universities across the globe are using similar outreach strategies, both in-person and virtual, to meet students where they are. Building brand recognition is no longer enough; the true challenge is converting interest into enrollment.

While recruitment efforts have advanced, admissions practices still have room to become more transparent, accessible, and culturally responsive. Too often, engagement ends once the admission letter goes out. However, students no matter if they defer, transfer, or choose another institution, benefit from ongoing support and consistent communication. Feedback loops, data-informed improvements, and culturally attuned practices are essential to making students feel seen and supported. That requires global curiosity and continuous professional development from staff, alongside a willingness to acknowledge how culture and context shape each student’s journey.

Admissions offices hold significant power in shaping not just who is admitted, but the future of higher education itself. Beyond metrics and quotas, we must ask deeper questions: Who are we cultivating as future leaders? What kinds of ideas and innovations will thrive on our campuses? Our work is not just transactional. It is deeply transformational.

Some of the most effective approaches I’ve seen involve cross-campus collaborations and faculty engagement. In STEM fields, for example, faculty participation in recruitment, yield events, and advising makes a tremendous difference. It signals to students that they are welcome and valued from the start. Partnerships across admissions, academic affairs, student services, and DEI offices also provide a holistic safety net that benefits not just students, but the staff who support them.

Looking at trends, the data tells an evolving story. According to IIE’s most recent Open Doors report, international student enrollment in the U.S. reached a record high of 1,126,690, a 7% increase overall. Yet the picture is complex: graduate enrollments are rising while undergraduate numbers decline, and while traditional source countries like China and South Korea are sending fewer students, India, Canada, Nigeria, and Bangladesh are on the rise. Institutions are responding by broadening their recruitment strategies beyond saturated markets, which also advances diversity goals by reaching underrepresented regions and socioeconomic backgrounds.

Of course, technology is reshaping admissions too. AI and data-driven tools can help with high-volume tasks such as document verification or application sorting. Still, they should never replace the human judgment that comes from reading essays, conducting interviews, or understanding the personal context behind an application. Students and families value that human connection. The most effective path forward is a hybrid one: leveraging technology to improve efficiency while preserving the humanity of holistic review.

At the end of the day, international admissions is about more than filling classes. It’s about welcoming students into life-changing journeys. If we approach our work with empathy and curiosity, we not only change individual lives, but also shape the global learning communities of tomorrow.

-Stella Wang
-International Admissions and Enrollment Rep, IEI
-Senior Assistant Director of Academic Programs, Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering, The University of Chicago