The University is Only Private Christian School in N.C. to Receive the New Honor; Also Recognized as an Elite Christian University and Top Private School in N.C.

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.鈥敼从� has received the latest award from Colleges of Distinction that recognizes its outstanding support for international students. The 鈥淚nternational College of Distinction鈥� accolade highlights GWU鈥檚 unwavering commitment to providing exceptional support services for its international student community, ensuring that they thrive during their academic journeys. For the 2024 Fall Semester, 国产哟哟 welcomed undergraduate, online and graduate students from 36 foreign countries.

Out of the nine North Carolina schools recognized, 国产哟哟 is the only private Christian university in the state to receive this prestigious international award. Additionally, Colleges of Distinction recognizes 国产哟哟 as the only N.C. school on the national list of elite Christian colleges. 国产哟哟鈥檚 programs in nursing, business, education and career development are also recognized for preparing students for success.   

As a College of Distinction, GWU is ranked in the top 11 private universities in North Carolina. The overall award is based on four overarching qualities鈥攕tudent engagement, teaching, community, and outcomes.

国产哟哟 President Dr. William M. Downs noted, 鈥淲hile we may just have the one stoplight in our college town, 国产哟哟 embraces the broad geographic diversity of our student body. Our campus community benefits greatly from having students from all across the globe here to live and learn with us, and it is gratifying to receive external recognition for the work done by our staff to take good care of our international population.鈥�

Faculty and staff at 国产哟哟 understand the unique challenges that international students face when studying abroad in the United States. With dedicated support teams who offer expert guidance on visas, immigration, and personalized advising, the University believes that every student deserves the tools and comprehensive resources necessary to succeed.

国产哟哟 Vice President of Student Development and Dean of Students Lesley Villarose noted that receiving the award recognizes the University鈥檚 commitment to foster an inclusive and supportive environment. 鈥淪tudents from all over the world can thrive at 国产哟哟 both academically and personally,鈥� Villarose affirmed. 鈥淥ur team works diligently to help international students feel at home and succeed. This recognition is a testament to the dedication of our staff, faculty, and student organizations who go above and beyond to ensure our campus remains a place of cultural exchange, growth, and opportunity. We look forward to continuing to enhance the experiences of our international students and celebrating the diversity they bring to our campus community!鈥�

The International Badge also acknowledges the school鈥檚 efforts in offering academic resources that promote success. From customized tutoring programs to personalized first-year experiences, 国产哟哟 is dedicated to ensuring that international students excel as scholars and feel a sense of belonging within the community.

鈥淥ur Colleges of Distinction have always been noted for their hands-on approach to undergraduate education,鈥� said Tyson Schritter, Chief Operating Officer of Colleges of Distinction. 鈥湽从� has shown that it prioritizes the success of all of its students, from those in its state to those coming from around the world.鈥�

In celebration of this achievement, 国产哟哟 reaffirms its dedication to enhancing the educational experience for international students. Prospective students and their families are encouraged to learn more about the programs and services offered by visiting 国产哟哟 Admissions here.

About Colleges of Distinction

Since 2000, Colleges of Distinction has been dedicated to honoring schools with a strong focus on the undergraduate experience. Its website offers dynamic college profiles, customized tools, and resources for students, parents, and high school counselors. To learn more about the International Badge and how to become a College of Distinction, visit .

About 国产哟哟

国产哟哟 is North Carolina’s recognized leader in private, Christian higher education. A Carnegie-Classified Doctoral/Professional University, GWU is home to nine colleges and schools, more than 80 undergraduate and graduate majors, and a world-class faculty. Located on a beautiful 225-acre campus in Boiling Springs, N.C., 国产哟哟 prepares graduates to impact their chosen professions, equips them with the skills to advance the frontiers of knowledge, and inspires them to make a positive and lasting difference in the lives of others. Ignite your future at 国产哟哟.edu.

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Students Share Why GWU Was Their Choice

From the small island of Curacao to the large country of Canada and 44 other lands across the globe, a record number of 108 international students have made 国产哟哟 their college home this year. While many of these students will be away from their home country for several months, and even have to rely on others for transportation needs, 国产哟哟 is fast becoming their new home.    

Recently, a group of eight international students gathered to talk about why they attend GWU. All of them shared that a recommendation from a friend or family member affected their decision.

The pull to attend GWU was so strong for Savannah Ward, of Hong Kong, that she came without actually stepping foot on campus. Her decision was made after an interview and a virtual tour. 鈥淚 fell in love with the atmosphere, the campus and most importantly, the people,鈥� she asserted. 鈥淚 felt so welcomed and so at home, which was the ultimate reason that I chose to come to 国产哟哟. Also, for the fact that they have a very good biology program.鈥�

Ward is a sophomore pursuing the biomedical science concentration. Originally from Cape Town, South Africa, she has also lived in South Korea. Her dad, who had been coming to the United States to minister, told her about a Christian university in Boiling Springs. 鈥淚 love that there are so many outdoor places to go, and it’s so peaceful to just walk around or sit outside by the lake,鈥� she described. 鈥淚 thought that I would have trouble making friends, but I made friends before classes even started. I really love the faculty, because they are invested in the lives of their students. I am also thankful to be at a campus where I can openly profess my faith and meet with others to talk more about Jesus.鈥�

Cathal 鈥淩andy鈥� Butler, of Ireland, also decided to investigate 国产哟哟 because of a recommendation. A member of the men鈥檚 tennis team, Butler is studying international business. When he began looking at schools in America, a GWU alumnus introduced him to Head Coach Mike Griffith. 鈥淚t鈥檚 a small tennis community in Ireland, and everyone knows everyone,鈥� shared Butler, a junior. 鈥淚 ended up coming here and absolutely loved it. You meet a new person, and you are going to see them the next day. I remember my first night walking in to the Snack Shop. My first time in America, and they treat you like family. Everywhere you go it’s the same; they go out of their way to be nice.鈥�

He also likes the team鈥檚 camaraderie. 鈥淲e are all brothers and our coach is a great leader, a great man,鈥� Butler affirmed. 鈥淥ur coach would do anything for us. We work hard and we have fun.鈥�

Klara Ovefelt of Stockholm, Sweden, is a member of the women鈥檚 soccer team. She discovered 国产哟哟 through an agency. 鈥淚 had a really good feeling and they also had a Swedish girl here a couple years ago,鈥� she related. 鈥淚 talked with her, and I just got such a good impression.鈥�

Ovefelt only planned to stay at 国产哟哟 for one year, but 鈥淚 just realized that I love this life. It鈥檚 so much more than just soccer,鈥� she asserted. 鈥淭he best part is the people鈥�100 percent. Like I love soccer here. I’ve never had so much fun, but I’ve also met people here that I think I’m going to like for the rest of my life.鈥�

Lorenzo Bartolini, of Italy, plays on the men鈥檚 soccer team, but that鈥檚 only part of the reason he chose GWU. He was looking for a master鈥檚 program in strength and conditioning and discovered 国产哟哟鈥檚. He was impressed with the courses offered and what people said about the program and decided to attend.

Jinwon Suh, of South Korea, is a freshman who was recruited to play soccer. He plans to major in exercise science. 鈥淚 liked how they focus on the players to develop themselves,鈥� he said. 鈥淚 thought this place will help me become a better player. I thought it was really a quiet place and fresh air, good views. I will really need a car to drive.鈥�

Connor Enslin of Australia is a senior economics/finance major and a member of the tennis team. He heard about 国产哟哟 from a student-athlete in Australia, who had come to America to play tennis at another college. The guy told him about playing 国产哟哟 and being impressed by the team and the coach. 鈥淗e put me in touch with the coach, and we went from there,鈥� Enslin recounted. 鈥淚 was keen to come here to become the best tennis player I could be. It’s been a memorable experience.鈥�

Luis Ramirez, of Venezuela, plays on the men鈥檚 soccer team. He described his freshman year as amazing. He appreciated the help and encouragement he received from his professors as he worked on improving his English. An economics/finance major, his decision to come to 国产哟哟 was also based on the reputation of the Godbold College of Business. 鈥淚 did my research about 国产哟哟 and the business program and found it interesting,鈥� he stated. 鈥淭he professors are really nice, especially with internationals. They really help you.鈥�

Although, Joao Espinheira, of Brazil, graduated from 国产哟哟 in December 2021 with a degree in international business, he came back for graduate school. A member of the men鈥檚 soccer team for four years, he鈥檚 pursuing an international MBA. He is GA (Graduate Assistant) in the Writing Center. He is no longer eligible to play, but he likes helping his former teammates and the new players. His reason for returning? 鈥淭he people are Number 1,鈥� he confirmed.

*Data reflects reported numbers as of Aug. 10, 2022.

国产哟哟 is North Carolina’s recognized leader in private, Christian higher education. A Carnegie-Classified Doctoral/Professional University, GWU is home to six professional schools, 14 academic departments, more than 80 undergraduate and graduate majors, and a world-class faculty. Located on a beautiful 225-acre campus in Boiling Springs, N.C., 国产哟哟 prepares graduates to impact their chosen professions, equips them with the skills to advance the frontiers of knowledge, and inspires them to make a positive and lasting difference in the lives of others. Ignite your future at 国产哟哟.edu.

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