U of A’s International Admissions Team: Connecting Across Continents
Enrollment Counselor for Africa Michelle Tomei is one of the friendly faces that a student might encounter on their way to enrollment at the U of A.
With a mission to bring students from every corner of the world to the University of Arizona, the International Admissions team’s work spans continents, time zones, and cultures with dedicated enrollment counselors for nearly every global region, from India and China to Europe, South Asia, the Middle East, Latin America, and Canada. This fall semester, team members have traveled tirelessly across these regions to build personal connections with prospective students, serving as the university's warm, approachable face.
For Michelle, every day brings the satisfaction of building relationships that transcend borders, connecting dreams with opportunities at U of A.
By meeting students, families, and local counselors, the team creates a bridge to U of A, helping prospective students envision life in Arizona and ensuring they feel supported through the admissions journey. Enrollment Counselor for Africa Michelle Tomei is one of the friendly faces that a student might encounter on their way to enrollment at the U of A. She provides a window into a day on the road during recruitment trips across Africa, highlighting the excitement, challenges, and commitment behind each visit.
Like all enrollment counselors, Michelle's itinerary includes traveling to many key locations in her region. Ghana, Kenya, and Ethiopia are high-priority stops, with additional recruitment efforts reaching Nigeria, Uganda, and Rwanda. In North Africa, Egypt and Morocco play important roles as well. “Africa is an up-and-coming market for international education,” Michelle explains, noting the unique pace of communication and cultural emphasis on in-person connections. “Patience and flexibility are key!”
Preparation for each trip is extensive, requiring careful attention to health and safety, including consultations with travel nurses and securing transportation. “You have to be ready for anything,” she says. This can include many unexpected adventures, such as a bus breakdown in Kigali or an impromptu walk along a highway in Addis Ababa.
Michelle’s day starts early, rising at 7 a.m. for a quick breakfast before diving into back-to-back visits to four high schools. At each location, she connects with students and counselors, often providing her audiences with a first glimpse into U of A’s programs and opportunities.
One of Michelle's biggest challenges is overcoming misinformation about U.S. higher education and the high visa denial rates faced by many African students. Her goal isn’t only to promote U of A but also to educate students about the fundamentals of the U.S. educational system. “Explaining things like what ‘tuition’ means or the length of a bachelor’s degree can make a big difference in helping students see themselves studying in the U.S.,” she said.
U of A enrollment counselors often collaborate closely with EducationUSA, a network of US Higher Education advising centers in U.S. Embassies and Consulates worldwide.
After completing school visits, she heads to an EducationUSA mini-fair at the local U.S. Embassy. U of A enrollment counselors often collaborate closely with EducationUSA, a network of US Higher Education advising centers in U.S. Embassies and Consulates worldwide. At the fair, Michelle interacts with prospective undergraduate and graduate students, sharing insights into campus life in Tucson.
The day winds down with a networking dinner, where she meets local counselors, Embassy staff, and other stakeholders. A high point of Michelle’s trips is meeting virtually connected students and counselors in person. She recalls, “In Nairobi, a counselor traveled four hours by bus to meet me at a dinner. Moments like that are amazing!”
Once back home, Michelle doesn’t lose touch. She keeps in close contact with interested students through WhatsApp, personalized emails, and virtual meetings, ensuring they feel supported throughout the application process. The Africa recruitment team sees potential for even more African student interest, driven by efforts like showcasing campus diversity and advocating for resources like scholarships exclusively for African students.
For Michelle, every day brings the satisfaction of building relationships that transcend borders, connecting dreams with opportunities at U of A. Her advice for prospective students from Africa? “Apply early! Consider the visa process and give yourself plenty of time.”
As the U of A’s International Admissions team continues to forge connections across continents, its mission of welcoming students from all backgrounds grows stronger with each interaction. Through personalized outreach, dedicated enrollment counselors like Michelle Tomei ensure that prospective students not only feel seen but also supported every step of the way. These efforts extend far beyond traditional recruitment, forming lasting bonds that resonate across borders and bring unique perspectives to the U of A community.