Educational institutions have historically had a traditional outlook, and that includes how they have attracted and retained students. Even so, as educational methods change (for example, distance learning is constantly expanding), institutions are using different strategies to attract new international students, offer more courses, and connect with their audiences.

In other words, marketing is now seen as a great strategy to attract new international students. Institutions now recognize themselves as businesses and strive for financial health in their results. 

Schools and educational institutions are experiencing a change in the way they acquire international students. These students are looking for ways to learn and qualify online, so having a digital presence is more important than ever.

Believe us, it's not enough to have just a website. You need a structured digital marketing strategy to attract your potential international student and then to start an amazing journey with them. 

The next step of the journey is to engage visitors and convert them into leads — as well as engaging and educating the future student during her decision-making process.

We spend a lot of time talking about and sharing social media facts and tips with you — for a reason. It’s where international students are, so marketing to them on these platforms should be a no-brainer. ​

Are you curious about what Chinese students are thinking and planning around studying abroad? We have been too. So, looking for insight, we conducted a survey. Here’s some of what we learned.

Who they are
Current Chinese students interested in studying in the U.S. skew slightly more male (57%) than female (43%). However, the number of young women is an increasing trend in international education from China. Traditionally, it has been largely dominated by male students, but over the last several years there has been an increase in women interested in studying abroad.

In marketing today, it’s all about being real and transparent. Instagram — used by 72% of teens for an average of 28 minutes per day — maximizes that opportunity. Students tend to watch live video nearly 12x as long as regular video posts, so this is a great way to get your information out there!

Our Marketing Manager, Mildred Stephens, advises, "Do a Live Session with your current or alum students. Students appreciate when you’re authentic and real with them. It’s more relatable."

In a recent Study in the USA Live Session with Nicole Awad, a student from Brazil studying at Hillsborough Community College (HCC), interested students were engaged and asked questions about tuition fees, what it's like to be a student ambassador, and the challenges she's facing. Also, Nicole highlighted that when she was researching schools in the U.S., she found helpful student testimonials online about HCC. 

Get in touch to set up a Live Session → ​

Delve into how to leverage student voices for international student recruitment at our NAFSA 2021 poster session on Thursday, June 3, 8am PT. Study in the USA's Sandra Halladey and Truckee Meadows Community College’s Natalie Brown, Ph.D. will share strategies and showcase the success of the TMCC student blogger program on StudyUSA.com.

Join us at NAFSA or contact our team for more information → ​

Now is not the time cut back on international outreach — students are eagerly awaiting the time when they can travel and study abroad again. So use this year as a critical time to build and maintain engagement and loyalty. Keep your prospective students interested in your program. Connect with them consistently on your various social media channels and email. Respond to their questions quickly.

Consistent marketing and regular communication will keep your brand in front of your future students.

Let us help! Get in touch with our team to create an outreach plan → ​