TRU set to open its door to more international students

KAMLOOPS — Thompson Rivers University (TRU) is taking steps to expand its intake of international students in the future. This week, the school signed Memorandums of Understanding (MOU) with four counties in Kenya.

TRU Vice-President International Baihua Chadwick is pleased the school will be able to fill a need for students in the African country.

“This is an exciting opportunity for TRU to support our diversification efforts, offering enhanced opportunities for African students to study in Canada with county government support,” Chadwick said.

During meetings in Toronto, MOU’s were signed with governors of the four Kenyan counties. The MOU’s outline the funding models that will be available to support the students coming to Kamloops from the counties. Uasin Gishu County has already approved funding for 39 students to study at TRU next year during summer and fall semesters. Three other county governments — Elgeyo Marakwet, Nandi and Murang’a – are expressing interest in following the lead of Uasin Gishu County.

Chadwick said creating successful collaborations with international government agencies reflects a high level of trust that TRU has earned as a safe and welcoming place for Kenyan students.