The world came to Quest University earlier this month as ambassadors to Canada representing 93 countries met with staff and students to find out more about the school and the opportunities it offers for international education.
With a population of about 250 first, second and third-year students representing 23 different countries, it's no surprise delegates decided to make a stop on the hill during a tour of the Sea to Sky Corridor on Oct. 7. Students selected for their international experiences to host the ambassadors during a luncheon did such a good job that the delegates didn't want to leave, said dean of student of affairs Melanie Koenderman.
"They actually had to be encouraged to get back on the bus because it was just a beautifully sunny day and they were having such great conversations with our students. They were, for the most part, very interested in this model of education," she said.
The timing of the visit was perfect for students like Julian Sterling who are getting ready to spend two months over the winter continuing their educations in foreign countries. The second-year student from Germany will be studying the Spanish language in Argentina with about 20 peers, and he was able to gain insight into the country from Argentine ambassador to Canada Arturo Bothamley.
"I think that when representatives, especially ambassadors, see the school and think about education in their own country they will think of Quest," said Sterling.
He also received career advice from his home country's representative, German ambassador to Canada Johann Witschel. Sterling has aspirations of getting involved with international law and Witschel was able to help him understand graduate work possibilities, he said.
Student Maweuna Mallet hosted Togolese Republic ambassador to Canada Bawoumondom Amelete during the luncheon. Although a Canadian citizen, Mallet has visited the West African country twice because his father is Togolese.
Mallet said that because his father is an artist, it was interesting to gain insight into a diplomat's perspective. Even more intriguing was seeing so many international representatives interacting in one room.
"That was really cool. It was really interesting to see the different characters of different countries and cultures, their similarities and their differences," said Mallet, adding that the event was important for Quest's reputation as a school focused on teaching from a global perspective.
"I think Quest, in trying to promote an international education, to have people with that kind of immense knowledge and experience of international traveling and working in different countries really complemented Quest's vision," he said.
The event may boost the university's prominence abroad, said Koenderman, as ambassadors have since followed up by requesting information packages that can be relayed back to their respective countries.
