Supporting and Attracting International Students: Strategies for U.S. Universities

Changing Higher Ed

Caitlin Andersen, founder and principal consultant at Auxilium Education, discusses with host Dr. Drumm McNaughton the challenges and strategies for U.S. universities in attracting and supporting international students. They explore the changing landscape of international student recruitment, the value these students bring to campuses, and effective methods for universities to differentiate themselves in a competitive global market.

Key Discussion Points

Value and Challenges of International Student Recruitment:

• The significant economic contribution of international students to the U.S. economy, totaling over $45 billion annually.
• Declining international student enrollment, with a 15% drop in the 2020-2021 academic year, the steepest in over 70 years.
• The challenge for U.S. universities to stand out when 98% of institutions offer similar programs.

Understanding International Student Motivations:

• Career advancement is the primary driver for international students choosing U.S. universities.
• The influence of industry strength in different regions on students' university choices.
• The importance of practical experience and post-graduation work opportunities, particularly through Optional Practical Training (OPT) programs.

Effective Recruitment Strategies:

• Highlighting industry partnerships and career opportunities in marketing materials.
• Emphasizing STEM designations and OPT opportunities to attract and retain international talent.
• Developing robust career services tailored to international students' needs.
• Creating student ambassador programs to provide authentic insights to prospective students.

Supporting International Students on Campus:

• Providing language support and bridging programs to ease academic transitions.
• Leveraging alumni networks for recruitment and mentorship.
• Optimizing online presence for international audiences, including multilingual landing pages.
• Hosting virtual events and webinars at convenient times for global audiences.
• Addressing visa and immigration concerns proactively.

Comprehensive Support Systems:

• Developing orientation programs specifically for international students.
• Organizing cross-cultural events and activities to foster integration.
• Offering academic support services tailored to international students' needs.
• Ensuring culturally sensitive mental health and wellness resources are available.

Three Key Takeaways for University Leaders

1. Focus on career advancement opportunities in recruitment strategies, highlighting industry connections and post-graduation prospects.
2. Utilize data-driven insights from current international students and alumni to inform and refine recruitment approaches.
3. Invest in comprehensive support systems that address the unique needs of international students, from pre-arrival through graduation and beyond.

Final Thoughts

The episode concludes by emphasizing the ongoing importance of international students to U.S. higher education. As global competition intensifies, universities must continually adapt their strategies to attract and support these valuable members of their campus communities. Success in this area not only benefits the institutions financially but also enriches the educational experience for all students, preparing them for success in an increasingly interconnected world.

Read the transcript and extended show summary at: https://changinghighered.com/supporting-and-attracting-international-students-strategies-for-u-s-universities/

#HigherEducation #InternationalStudentEnrollment #EnrollmentStrategies

About our Podcast Guest

Caitlin Andersen is the founder and Principal Consultant at Auxilium Education, an education consultancy that serves international graduate business school applicants. Trusted by Forbes 30 Under 30 and senior managers at Google, McKinsey, and Amazon, Ms. Andersen has helped international applicants from 30+ countries across 6 continents successfully apply to all the top business schools in the United States, United Kingdom, Europe, China, and Singapore.

Ms. Andersen currently serves as the Business Roundtable Chair for the Independent Educational Consultants Association (IECA) Graduate Committee. Recently, she was featured on GMAT Club’s Live YouTube Channel (114K+ subscribers).

Originally from Boston, Massachusetts, Ms. Andersen became an international student when she moved to England to get her MBA from the University of Oxford, Saïd Business School (SBS). She is on a mission to ensure applicants everywhere have the chance to competitively apply to the best business schools in the world.

About the Host

Dr. Drumm McNaughton is the founder, CEO, and Principal Consultant at The Change Leader, Inc. A highly sought-after higher education consultant with 20+ years of experience, Dr. McNaughton works with leadership, management, and boards of both U.S. and international institutions. His expertise spans key areas, including accreditation, governance, strategic planning, presidential onboarding, mergers, acquisitions, and strategic alliances. Dr. McNaughton’s approach combines a holistic methodology with a deep understanding of the contemporary and evolving challenges facing higher education institutions worldwide to ensure his clients succeed in their mission.