About the Episode
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About the Episode:
Live from the Engage 2025 Summit, Dustin sits down with team members from DIS-Study Abroad to unpack how digital transformation is reshaping the student experience abroad. From streamlining pre-departure logistics to embracing CRMs and AI for internal efficiency, this conversation explores how DIS is thoughtfully building a more connected, student-first journey. Plus, the team opens up about their own AI learning curves and what inspires them most about working at the intersection of tech and travel.
Key Takeaways
- Digital platforms like CRMs streamline complex student journeys by reducing administrative burdens and enabling personalized communication.
- Study abroad programs like DIS are leveraging tech to enhance experiential learning, not replace it—focusing on place-based, student-centered outcomes.
- AI in higher education is best used as a collaborator, not a replacement—freeing up staff for more strategic, creative tasks.
- Digital transformation is messy but necessary—from replacing legacy systems to breaking down silos, it's all about long-term impact.
- Higher ed professionals are united by shared challenges like change management and data integration, making conferences key learning hubs.
What is DIS Study Abroad and What Makes It Unique?
DIS is a Scandinavian-based study abroad organization with campuses in Copenhagen and Stockholm. The organization partners with over 200 North American institutions, offering students rigorous, place-based academic experiences. Their approach centers around the idea that "Europe is your classroom," merging academic excellence with real-world immersion. Students engage in semester-long, year-long, or summer programs that emphasize experiential learning and cross-cultural exploration.
How Does DIS Use Digital Platforms Like Element?
DIS is undergoing a significant digital transformation. The team is phasing out a 30-year-old legacy system in favor of more agile, out-of-the-box solutions like the CRM platform Element451. This tool helps them segment communications, automate workflows, and support students at each touchpoint of the pre-departure and on-site experience. From sending timely reminders to tracking enrollment metrics, the digital ecosystem they're building is focused on both student support and operational efficiency.
How Are Internal Workflows Being Transformed?
With departments becoming increasingly interconnected through tech, DIS is focusing on integrating digital tools across the organization. The goal? Smoother handoffs, clearer communication, and better data flow. Though the shift is intensive, it enables DIS to better appreciate and track student interactions—freeing up staff to focus on strategy and creativity rather than logistical firefighting.What Role Does AI Play in Their Work?All three guests reflect on their evolving relationship with AI. Initially skeptical, they've begun to embrace AI as a helpful tool for ideation, productivity, and time-saving. Whether generating content drafts, creating formulas, or troubleshooting system workflows, AI is viewed as a collaborator—not a replacement. The team emphasizes that success lies in choosing the right tools, not just jumping on every trend.
What Insights Did They Gain from Engage 2025?
Being surrounded by like-minded professionals helped the DIS team feel less alone in their challenges—particularly with change management, CRM adoption, and marketing attribution. Conferences like Engage foster solution-sharing and spark new ways of thinking, helping attendees break free from the “we’ve always done it this way” mindset.
About the Show: The Higher Ed Geek Podcast explores the impact of edtech on the student experience by speaking with diverse leaders from institutions, companies, and nonprofit organizations. Each week we aim to provide an engaging, fun, and relevant dose of professional development that honors the wide range of work happening all across the higher ed ecosystem. Come geek out with us! The Higher Ed Geek Podcast is hosted by Dustin Ramsdell and is a proud member of the Enrollify Podcast Network.
Connect With Our Host:
Dustin Ramsdell
About The Enrollify Podcast Network:
The Higher Ed Geek is a part of the Enrollify Podcast Network. If you like this podcast, chances are you’ll like other Enrollify shows too!
Some of our favorites include Generation AI and I Wanna Work There.
Enrollify is produced by Element451 — the next-generation AI student engagement platform helping institutions create meaningful and personalized interactions with students. Learn more at element451.com.
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