Article · International student recruitment
Why Recruiting Students from Bangladesh Needs Local Representatives
Originally published on LinkedIn on 29 May 2022, lightly edited for clarity.
As local representatives for universities in Canada, the UK, the USA, Australia and elsewhere, we work hard to identify the right Bangladeshi students. We prioritise students who are genuinely committed to studying abroad, have sufficient financial means, hold authentic documents, meet university entry requirements and will respect the laws of their destination country.
Local knowledge makes the difference
It is very difficult for a university, or a representative responsible for a specific market such as Bangladesh, to succeed without someone from that country who has relevant experience. Admission requirements and student profiles in Bangladesh differ from those in India, Pakistan, Nepal and other countries. Experience in neighbouring markets is useful, but it is not the same as local expertise, and without it universities struggle to reach the right students.
Representatives with a strong, proven track record and a deep understanding of Bangladeshi students are the best fit for this market. Students and families also feel more comfortable speaking with a Bangladeshi representative: they trust that someone local understands them and can be reached easily whenever they need help.
Options for universities
A regional office. A university office in Bangladesh builds even more trust, because students can visit in person to meet a university representative and resolve issues quickly. Some universities have already done this, including Laurentian University in Sudbury, Canada, and the University of Portsmouth in the UK.
A local representative. Where an office is not possible, a local representative is the next best option, provided they have a proven track record and in-depth knowledge of student recruitment.
An established recruitment partner. Universities can also work with reputable international student recruitment providers, such as LCI Education, that have a strong global presence and a local office in Bangladesh. Before partnering with any provider, universities should check its track record and global presence carefully.
Why Bangladesh is worth getting right
Whether through an office, an experienced local representative or a well-established partner, a local presence in Bangladesh matters. Most Bangladeshi students who go abroad do so to study: they complete their degrees and respect the law. Memorial University of Newfoundland, for example, noted that Bangladesh was among the top three countries of origin for its spring 2022 graduates, alongside Canada and China.