About the Episode
Dayana Kibilds gives her personal and professional perspectives on navigating international recruitment. As a former international student and staff, and now advising institutions on best practices in enrollment marketing, Dayana provides insightful takeaways, including:
- The importance of clear and accessible information on application requirements for international students.
- A need for better, more personalized communication and support throughout the entire higher education journey.
- Consideration for communicating outcomes and career opportunities for F1 students and H1-seeking graduates.
- The imperative to build bridges and assume the best intentions of international students.
Key Takeaways
- Simplify Admissions Processes
Websites must provide clear, centralized, and easy-to-navigate information for prospective international students. Avoid requiring multiple clicks or fragmented resources. - Invest in Outcomes Messaging
International students prioritize return on investment and career opportunities. Highlight pathways to employment, internships, and visa options in marketing materials. - Support Cultural Integration
Provide guidance for international students on practical matters like seasonal clothing, meal times, and workplace etiquette to ease cultural transitions. - Expand Recruitment Beyond Asia
Latin America offers a rich pool of talented prospective students. Institutions should prioritize outreach and events in this often-overlooked region.
What Challenges Do International Students Face During Admissions?
Dayana described how unclear requirements and disjointed university websites were major barriers. Prospective students often have to navigate through multiple pages to piece together information about their specific application requirements. Institutions should:
- Use dynamic, personalized content for admissions requirements.
- Offer credential analysts to interpret and validate international transcripts.
How Can Institutions Improve Support for International Students?
- Simplify Documentation Requirements: Be flexible with test requirements and consider eliminating redundant steps, such as English proficiency tests for fluent students.
- Provide Contextual Guidance: Help students transition to local cultural norms, like navigating winter weather or understanding meal schedules.
- Career Preparation: Mentor students on resume writing, interview etiquette, and job application processes in the host country. Offer coaching for visa navigation and job market insights.
What Role Does Marketing Play in International Recruitment?
Effective marketing for international audiences requires:
- Localized Messaging: Tailor communication to cultural and regional contexts.
- Highlighting Outcomes: Showcase alumni success stories, career services, and post-graduation visa pathways.
- Streamlined Websites: Ensure all information is centralized and accessible with minimal clicks.
Why Should Institutions Look Beyond Asia for Recruitment?
Dayana emphasized the untapped potential of Latin America, a region with talented students eager to study abroad. By increasing presence and recruitment efforts, institutions can diversify their international student populations.
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