#Jose Flores VisitDays

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College and University International Student Recruitment: A Guide for Educational Institutions

Importance of International Student Recruitment

‍ Enhance Diversity

‍ International student recruitment is essential in enhancing diversity in college and university campuses. A diverse student population enriches the learning experience for all students, promoting a global perspective that is critical for success in today’s interconnected world. A diverse student population also helps create a more inclusive and welcoming campus culture.

‍ Increase Revenue

‍ International student recruitment also increases revenue for educational institutions. International students pay higher tuition fees than domestic students, making them a significant source of revenue for colleges and universities. According to the Institute of International Education, international students contributed over $40 billion to the US economy in 2019.

‍ Expand the Institution’s Reach

‍ Recruiting international students also expands the institution’s reach beyond its local community, creating opportunities for global partnerships and collaborations. This exposure can attract potential research opportunities and investments.

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Guide to Effectively Recruit International Students

‍ Define Your Target Market

‍ The first step in international student recruitment is to define your target market. Identify the countries and regions that align with your institution’s academic programs, mission, and values. Consider factors such as language, culture, and lifestyle when defining your target market.

‍ Develop a Marketing Strategy

‍ Once you have defined your target market, develop a marketing strategy that aligns with your institution’s goals and values. Consider utilizing various marketing channels such as social media, email marketing, and search engine optimization (SEO). Ensure that your marketing materials are culturally sensitive and resonate with your target market.

‍ Provide Student Support Services

‍ International students face unique challenges when studying abroad, such as language barriers and cultural differences. It is essential to provide support services that cater to their needs, such as language programs, cultural orientation, and immigration support.

‍ Develop Partnerships

‍ Develop partnerships with local businesses, community organizations, and alumni associations in your target market to increase your institution’s visibility. This strategy can help build relationships that lead to international student referrals and collaborations.

‍ Streamline the Admissions Process

‍ Streamline the admissions process for international students by providing clear and concise instructions on the application process, requirements, and deadlines. Consider offering online applications and accepting electronic transcripts to make the process more convenient for international students.

‍ Offer Scholarships

‍ Offering scholarships to international students can be a powerful recruitment tool. Scholarships can attract top talent and promote the institution’s commitment to diversity and inclusivity.

‍ Conclusion

‍ College and university international student recruitment is essential in enhancing diversity, increasing revenue, and expanding the institution’s reach. To effectively recruit international students, educational institutions should define their target market, develop a marketing strategy, provide student support services, develop partnerships, streamline the admissions process, and offer scholarships.

‍ By implementing these strategies, educational institutions can attract the best talents from around the world and enrich their campuses with a diverse student population.

‍ FAQs

What is the benefit of recruiting international students?

Recruiting international students enhances diversity, increases revenue, and expands the institution’s reach.

How do I define my institution’s target market for international student recruitment?

Define your target market by identifying the countries and regions that align with your institution’s academic programs, mission, and values.

What support services should educational institutions provide to international students?

Educational institutions should provide support services that cater to international students’ needs, such as language programs,

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College Orientation: Why Colleges and Universities are now hosting Pre-Orientation Events

In recent times, due to the rise of online learning and remote communication, many colleges are now offering online orientations prior to physical orientation to ensure students and parents are prepared when attending the physical orientation. In this article, we will discuss why students should attend their college orientation, what to expect at orientation, and the benefits of participating in pre-orientation events.

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Why should students attend their College Orientation?

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Attending college orientation is an essential part of the college experience. It provides incoming college students with a smooth transition to college life and helps them connect with the resources they need to succeed. Orientation allows students to become familiar with their new surroundings, meet their peers, and learn about the resources available to them. It also provides students with the opportunity to get their questions answered and connect with the support services they need to thrive academically and socially.

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What should students and parents expect at Orientation?

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Orientation programs vary from college to college, but most include a mix of academic sessions, social events, and campus tours. Academic sessions may include presentations from faculty and staff about degree requirements, advising, and course selection. Students may also have the opportunity to register for classes during orientation.

Social events during orientation may include mixers, icebreakers, and opportunities to meet other incoming students. Campus tours are also typically included in orientation programs to familiarize students with the layout of the campus and the locations of important buildings.

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In addition to the typical orientation events, some colleges and universities now offer pre-orientation events online. These events are designed to give students a head start in their college experience and provide them with additional resources before the official orientation begins. Pre-orientation events may sometimes include presentation by financial aid, billing office, food services, student life, academic advising, health services, and student panels.

Online Orientations prior to parent and student arrival to campus

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Online orientations are becoming increasingly popular among colleges and universities. Many colleges now offer online orientations through the VisitDays platform prior to physical orientation to ensure that students and parents are prepared when attending the physical orientation. These online orientations allow students and their families to learn at their own pace and ask questions before they arrive on campus. They may include videos, interactive sessions, and required forms and links to help students learn about campus resources, academic requirements, and social opportunities.

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Here are some of our universities that are running Online Orientations through VisitDays:

University of Hawaii at Manoa

Austin Peay State University

Some colleges even offer virtual tours of their campus so that students and their families can get a sense of what the physical orientation will be like. Online orientations have become an essential part of the pre-orientation experience, and they allow students to feel more comfortable and prepared before arriving on campus.

Pre-orientation events also provide students with an opportunity to meet other incoming students before orientation begins. This can help students form new friendships and feel more comfortable when they arrive on campus. Additionally, pre-orientation events may provide students with a sense of community and belonging before they even arrive on campus.

College orientation is an essential part of the college experience. It provides incoming college students with a smooth transition to college life and helps them connect with the resources they need to succeed. With VisitDays, many colleges now offer online orientations prior to physical orientation.

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The Truth About Rising Tuition Costs and Discount Rates

The Truth About Rising Tuition Costs and Discount Rates in Higher Education

As the cost of higher education continues to rise, many students and families are finding it increasingly difficult to afford a college degree. A recent report by Inside Higher Ed revealed that tuition discount rates in the United States have hit a new high, with colleges and universities offering more financial aid than ever before. But why are institutions raising tuition while giving away more money each year? In this article, we will delve into the truth behind rising tuition costs and discount rates in higher education.

Understanding Tuition Discount Rates

Tuition discount rates refer to the percentage of tuition revenue that is waived or discounted through scholarships, grants, and other forms of financial aid. In recent years, these rates have been steadily increasing, with the latest data showing that the average discount rate for first-time, full-time freshmen reached an all-time high of 53.9% in 2022.

While many students and families may see high discount rates as a positive thing, it actually highlights a deeper issue in higher education. Colleges and universities are raising tuition to compensate for rising costs, but they are also offering more financial aid to entice students to attend. This creates a vicious cycle where tuition costs continue to rise, but so do the discounts that institutions offer to offset these costs.

The Real Problem: Rising Costs of Higher Education

The truth is that the real problem in higher education is not discount rates, but rather the rising costs of college. The cost of tuition, textbooks, and housing has been skyrocketing in recent years, far outpacing inflation and making it increasingly difficult for students and families to afford a college education.

One of the biggest drivers of rising costs is the growth of administrative positions and bureaucracy in higher education. According to a report by the Goldwater Institute, the number of administrators in colleges and universities has grown by 60% since 1993, while the number of teaching faculty has only increased by 14%. This administrative bloat has led to increased overhead costs, which are ultimately passed on to students in the form of higher tuition and fees.

Another factor contributing to rising costs is the investment in expensive amenities and facilities. Many institutions have invested heavily in new dormitories, dining halls, and athletic facilities, which may be attractive to prospective students, but also add to the overall cost of attendance. While these amenities may be nice to have, they do not necessarily improve the quality of education or the value of a degree.

In conclusion, while tuition discount rates may seem like a good thing on the surface, they are actually a symptom of a much larger problem in higher education. Colleges and universities are raising tuition to compensate for rising costs, but they are also offering more financial aid to entice students to attend. The real issue is the rising cost of college, which is being driven by administrative bloat and investment in expensive amenities and facilities. To truly make college more affordable and accessible, institutions need to address these underlying issues and find ways to reduce the cost of attendance without sacrificing the quality of education.

Source: https://www.insidehighered.com/news/business/revenue-strategies/2023/04/25/tuition-discount-rates-hit-new-high

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The Changing Landscape of College Admissions: How New Behaviors Are Making it Harder to Predict Enrollment

The discourse from The Hechinger Report appraises the shifting behaviors that have rendered the college admissions process an arduous task for colleges and universities. The customary approach of colleges and universities, which depends on years of experience and past data to predict how many students to accept and enroll, is now faltering.

Several factors contribute to this unpredictability in the college admissions process. Firstly, the SAT and ACT tests, which were once an essential source of recruiting for colleges and universities, are now losing their appeal. A new generation of students is choosing not to share their personal information, and fewer students are taking these tests due to the test-optional policies of many colleges and universities. It's like asking someone to share their deepest, darkest secrets without even offering a slice of cake!

Colleges and universities must find new ways to attract students and generate leads. One option is to focus on digital marketing and outreach. Colleges can build  relationships and generate leads through referrals by partnering with community organizations, high schools, and other groups. Additionally, admissions offices can focus on building their databases of potential students through lead generation forms on their website and other digital channels. By expandingtheir reach and leveraging new technologies, colleges and universities can continue to attract students and generate leads even in the absence of traditional recruiting methods. It's like trying to catch a unicorn by luring it with a digital carrot.

Secondly, students are now applying to more schools than ever before. Thanks to the CommonApplication, students can apply to multiple colleges with just one application, and the number of applications sent out by the average student is up from five to six. This means that colleges and universities are receiving 20% more applications, without knowing if the students behind them are serious about enrolling. It's like a game of "Guess Who" but with hundreds of faces and no clues.

In the eyes of the students, after all the hard work that goes into submitting an application, it can be discouraging for them to not receive any follow-up communication from the institution. Therefore, it is essential for admissions departments to prequalify prospective student interest after they apply. Pre-qualification allows admissions departments to identify which students are most likely to enroll in the institution. By reaching out to students who show the most interest, admissions can provide them with the information and support they need to make an informed decision about attending. It's like trying to decipher a secret code, except it's in plain English.

Thirdly, students are putting down deposits at more than one school, making it impossible to know which one they will ultimately choose. Finally, a recent policy change means that admissions offices can now poach students who have already put down deposits at other schools, which further complicates the admissions process. It's like trying to juggle with slippery eels.

Universities need to continue engaging with parents and students. Unfortunately, families can face challenges when trying to contact admissions, billing, and financial aid departments. The college had three online portals, which only made things more confusing. I felt lost and disconnected from the institution, with no clear channels for communication or support. It's like a labyrinth with no exit.

It is clear that colleges and universities need to adapt their approach to admissions to remain competitive and ensure their long-term sustainability. The unpredictability of college admissions numbers is a complex issue with many contributing factors. While colleges and universities can make changes to their admissions processes, the only solution to truly understanding and predicting enrollment numbers is measuring engagement. By tracking student engagement with the college or university, admissions offices can gain a better understanding of their level of interest and likelihood of enrolling. Tools like VisitDays can help colleges and universities measure engagement