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I am a high school adviser in Cyprus – a small country known for its high-calibre and multitalented students. So I have a particularly good vantage point on the potential that smaller countries have to offer.

Counsellors often assume that just because they work in a small country, they and their students are not going to get much attention from US universities. After all, US universities would rather recruit from large countries, such as India and China, wouldn’t they?

Perhaps they would – but they shouldn’t.

Why small countries?

I believe that we should be advocating for US universities to recognise the immense potential of actively engaging with and recruiting from smaller nations with strong educational standards and motivated school counsellors.

Students from small countries are not only academically talented, but also bring a distinctive set of qualities that can enrich, diversify and elevate university communities.

I’d even argue that attracting the attention of these students is not enough. Universities need to structure their recruitment methods to facilitate not only applications from students from small countries, but their actual enrolment.

Students who are driven to succeed

Students from smaller countries are often a reflection of robust educational systems that emphasise academic excellence, critical thinking, sense of community and innovative problem-solving. Our students excel in various international assessment and competitions, showcasing their readiness for the demands of higher education.

By actively engaging with counsellors and schools from small countries, US universities can attract students who are well-prepared, motivated and capable of contributing significantly to the academic environment.

Moreover, these students frequently seek opportunities abroad as a result of limited local options for higher education to match their ambitions. Often, they have outgrown these options, following involvement in a host of experiences not limited to Erasmus, Model United Nations, European Youth Parliament, national athletic teams, and STEM programmes.

These students arrive with a strong drive to succeed, an eagerness to engage in research and a readiness to participate actively in campus life. Their presence on campus not only raises academic standards but also fosters a culture of diverse talent and curiosity.

Education matters

Luxembourg, Ireland and Cyprus are prime examples of small countries with highly educated populations. Luxembourg has the highest proportion: 62.6 per cent of the population has a higher education degree. Ireland follows, with 61.7 per cent of the population, while Cyprus is listed third, with 58.3 per cent of the population educated at university level. All three countries surpass the European Union average of 42 per cent.

Students from these countries are typically fluent in multiple languages, possess a strong work ethic and have been exposed to a multicultural environment, making them well prepared to thrive in international settings. Their presence in US universities will, therefore, not only enhance the academic calibre of the university, but also bring diverse cultural perspectives and experiences to campus life.

Quality over quantity

While larger countries with substantial populations offer an enormous pool of potential applicants, recruiting from these countries is not without its drawbacks. The sheer volume of applicants means that universities might end up focusing more on quantity over quality, potentially diluting the academic standards and diversity that they aim to maintain.

Furthermore, larger countries are often the target of competition among universities, making it harder for institutions to attract those students who are already heavily recruited by other global universities.

How universities can have the best of both worlds

From my perspective as a high school adviser living in a small island nation, I believe that a comprehensive and strategic approach, embracing quality and quantity, can lead to a dynamic and academically enriched student body.

I would like to see US universities taking a more balanced approach to recruitment, optimising the benefits of small and large countries. Universities can prioritise quality students from smaller nations, while also tapping into the vast potential of larger countries. This strategy ensures a steady influx of motivated and talented students from diverse backgrounds.

By recognising the unique strengths of students from smaller nations and harnessing the vast potential of larger populations, US universities can cultivate a diverse and vibrant academic community that thrives on excellence and global perspectives. As the landscape of higher education continues to evolve, such a consideration will be key to sustaining and enhancing the reputation and impact of US universities.