As an American living abroad I think I can speak to the original poster’s questions about “recruiting” abroad. First, MHC is one of hundreds of colleges that have admissions officers travelling around the world to spread the word about their schools. We live in India, my daughter goes to an international school here. Last year there were admissions officers from Ivy League schools, from less well known schools, and from schools I have never heard of. They tend to travel in groups of about 4-5 schools and I can guarantee this is not a luxury expedition. They work hard - hitting as many schools in as many major cities in each country as they can. The talks are honest - no promises of huge aid packages or “free rides.” Instead talks about the facilities, the opportunities, etc.
Going to different countries and meeting international students is a part of the admissions job in almost every major college and university at this time.
WHY? Part of the reason is that for the most part international students are full pay students who can be used to subsidize the education of non-international students. I also believe that increasing the knowledge about different schools around the world and improving their name recognition helps current and future students in the international job market. Then there is the admission rate game we all know about. The more applications you receive…the lower your overall admit rate will be. This is part of the reality of admissions in the US at the moment. I also think they are looking to attract the best and brightest from a variety of backgrounds and cultures - because it is good for the school and the student body to have that diversity of backgrounds.
OP - international students are part and parcel of every major college and university. They are not taking your seat and they are not taking your money. These schools have financial and diversity reasons for recruiting abroad. You would be best served by increasing the strength of your application, applying to schools that are need blind and meet full aid ( you will find a number of them). If your stats are great - you may be surprised by the offers you get. However if your stats are mediocre it is not the fault of the international students if you don’t get any offers.
Best of luck.