international student-friendly websites-is yours? (forum 2013 skills lab) presentation
DESCRIPTION
EducationUSA release a new online interactive quiz tool to help US colleges assess the international student friendliness of their international admissions sites. See how you fair!TRANSCRIPT
International-Student Friendly Websites: Is Yours?
Marty Bennett Institute of International Education
Ellen Blauw Marquette University
Tammy Mireles College of Lake County
Agenda for this session
• Get your feedback • Share our stories • Take a quiz • Discuss take-aways
Department of State/EducationUSA perspective
• Tips from years of experience from advisers & REACs
• Examples of what works
• Steps to internationalize, putting your best web foot forward
College of Lake County - Structure
• Center for International Education – International Students and Study Abroad – Designing a platform that works for the Center – Easy to read/navigate – One click from the main homepage to get there
What is most important? Having a direct contact in our PR department
to help update website Accurate information, translated information,
testimonials from other students, Facebook/social media, how to apply, cost, meet the staff, direct access to staff, visuals/photos/video of programs
Credible Resources
Marquette University Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Office of International Education (OIE) Undergraduate recruitment & admissions Cross-cultural and immigration advising Study Abroad programs English as a Second Language – advanced courses International partnerships and internationalization
Website Development Who is involved?
OIE Marketing & Communications Coordinator Internal Office of Marketing and
Communications for Brand – Style – Images Internal IT support External consultants for translations, complex
revisions
What is our Message? Information driven
– Institutional identity – Quick access to process, requirements, costs and financial
aid – Meet needs of various audiences at different stages
Interculturally relevant – Appropriate content and context – Appropriate technology
Opportunities and Challenges
Powerful tool for multiple audiences Requires integration with overall recruitment
strategy High expectations for rapid response Reading the technology tea leaves
Take-Aways / To Do List
• What will you be taking back with you today? • What concrete steps can you take?
Thanks!