Student/Parent Portal
The trends in international education, especially at the secondary level, are frequently changing and are not easily predicted. As schools who have been open for international applications for multiple years can attest, each year is different than the one before!
Due to the rise in more affordable destinations, it is important for schools to understand that they are competing with schools around the world, let alone throughout the United States, and need to take every opportunity to make an impression on applicants. The below items should be at the top of your priority list in order for your international recruitment partner to reach the highest quality, best fit international students for your school.
1. College Acceptances and Matriculation Data
International parents are investing a lot of money and giving up valuable time spent with their children to send them to study in the United States. The parents’ return on investment is an important factor when selecting a high school of study for their children. Historical data, indicating which colleges and universities students have been accepted and matriculated to, will naturally influence an international parents’ decision to apply to your school. Though many schools emphasize the preparation for life in their educational missions, it’s important to remember that international parents are specifically interested in the level of preparedness for college.
2. International Student Success Stories and Testimonials
Many parents also take notice of past successes of international students at the school when making their decision to send their child to study abroad. Parents want to see that schools have an awareness of the additional support that is necessary for student success, and that the school is proud of their international students’ success. International parents are weary of signs that a school is primarily profit-driven with their international student program. Information that is specific to international student support and a commitment to international student success counteracts any notion of a school being in the international education business for the “wrong reasons.”
Cambridge partners, did you have a student at your school this year who thrived after getting involved in an extracurricular activity? Have you decided to institute any new international student-specific programs next year?
3. Media on a Unique Educational or Extracurricular Program
International high school admissions is in many ways similar to college admissions with American students here. Students will choose to apply to certain colleges and universities based on size, tuition, and especially unique academic programming. In a similar way, some international students will look to apply to high schools based on distinct programs, such as STEM courses, additional college counseling, fine arts or music programs and opportunities to create unique memories during school breaks.
Though you may have provided information about these programs initially to your international recruitment partners, it’s never a bad thing to send new materials developed for marketing programs or share success stories of student participation. Did the robotics team recently win a national competition? Send video or photos of the competition and the student’s models. Did the school orchestra perform in the city’s music hall for the general public? Share the story and media with your international recruitment partner.
Cambridge partners, did any of your international students participate in specific marketable programs at your school? Can they provide a testimonial of participating in the program?
Reinforce and Re-share Success Stories, Unique Programming, and College Data During the International Student Interview
In addition to assisting your international recruitment partner establish your name overseas, don’t forget that one of the most important times for a school to differentiate itself is during the interview.
Remember, there’s no impression like the first! Since each applicant should have met pre-established admission requirements, be sure to give every applicant an equal opportunity to answer roughly a dozen questions.
Once you’re able to sense whether they would be the “right fit” for your school or not, don’t be afraid to brag about the unique academics, experiences and successes of your international program and lastly how you can see that applicant fitting into parts of your community. Even a student who gets rejected can share their positive interview experience with family and friends, which will more than likely bring that much more interest to your school.
Growing an international student program – never mind diversifying one – will take time and deliberate strategy alongside your international recruitment partner. However, with these tips your reputation and brand abroad is sure to launch with success.
