Study-abroad programs can be intimidating to young students, many of whom have never left the country before. However, gaining international experience is an asset, especially for students in fields that lead to international careers, like political science, foreign languages and international relations. Aside from general promotions, arranging special visits to classrooms in these areas of study can also be a helpful recruiting technique.
Instructions
1. Set up a table in the college or university's common area by reserving a space. Ask at the information desk in the commons to reserve a space. Distribute plenty of information about the programs, the locations, requirements of the programs and financial aid. Notice students who show special interest and try to get their contact information. Depending on the budget, it is also good to have a website; an account with a social networking site, like Facebook.com, can also work. Print out contact forms, which will include ready-made spaces for students to fill in their names, years of expected graduation, majors, email addresses and the program(s) in which they have expressed interest. This comes in handy when lots of students are crowded around the table and when students are in a hurry to get to class on time.
2. Schedule a room for an official informational session. This is a good time to show a video or bring in any speakers associated with the program. Invite all the students who gave contact information and expressed interest at the tabling session, and try to get a confirmation.
3. Inform students about the credit hours that can be transferred. Students may not know that studying abroad will count toward the hours for their academic-degree programs. Some students may benefit from study-abroad program credits more than others, such as freshman and sophomores who are not yet locked into degree-program requirements.
4. Focus on the benefits of studying abroad. According to the University of Maryland Office of International Programs (UMD-OIP), the benefits of study-abroad programs include increased adjustment to new surroundings and, therefore, increased "academic discipline." In other words, employers value the ability to function in a new environment, out of the "comfort zone" of your home city. Study abroad is a good resume builder in today's global economy.
5. Inform students about the financial aid that is available to them for study-abroad programs. Students may simply assume that studying abroad is a financial impossibility. However, the same financial-aid programs they are already using can often be applied to study-abroad programs. According to the UMD-OIP, some students may have financial aid "packages" that can be partially or, in some cases, completely applied to the cost of study abroad. Internal scholarships (through the school) and external scholarships are also available.
Tags: study-abroad programs, studying abroad, contact information, expressed interest, Inform students, Inform students about