Can prospective students get a glimpse into your program through your website? It's a nice goal, but how do you create a place where your students can share their experiences? Testimonials allow prospects to hear what life is like at your school and in your city. The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champagne does a great job with this, and even goes a step further by making it easy for prospects to contact student ambassadors. We recommend you take a look!


http://www.iei.uiuc.edu/programs_say.html

January Survey Results: Effects on Enrollments
Last month we asked readers which of three variables they believe has the greatest effect on their enrollment. Interestingly, marketing and program quality each pulled in 20%, while 60% of respondents indicated they believe government policy has the largest impact on their numbers.

Just because the government has a large impact on international student recruitment, you shouldn't become complacent in your marketing efforts. In fact, the harder they make it for students to enroll, the more important your strategy becomes. The most successful programs around the world always find a way to overcome challenges brought forth by outside factors and understand that they control enrollment. I urge you to be one of those programs.

Happy recruiting!

John Hayden, President, English, baby!

Actual Survey Results:

Which of the following variables do you think has the greatest effect on your enrollment?

  • 60% Government Policy
  • 20% Marketing Strategy
  • 20% Program Quality

February Survey:
Last month we shared an article on how one graduate school in the U.S. will reimburse students for the $100 SEVIS fee implemented last September. Even if a program has to increase its tuition, do you see this becoming a trend?
  • Yes, it shows a school is serious about bringing in international students
  • No, it's cost-prohibitive or simply not feasible for most programs


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US to ease student visa regulations
Daily Californian - Berkeley, CA
February 15, 2005

The US State Department announced relaxed security clearances for international students last week, a move that is drawing applause from many scholars and students.
http://www.dailycal.org/article.php?id=17628

Security checks relaxed for foreign students
The Mercury News
February 15, 2005

The State Department has extended the time that foreign scholars can remain in the United States before undergoing a renewed security check, reversing a tough policy that has discouraged students from applying to Stanford University and other American campuses.
http://www.mercurynews.com/mld/ mercurynews/living/health/10903344.htm?1c

Coleman seeks solution to decline in international students
MNdaily.com
February 14, 2005

Coleman's proposed legislation is called the American Competitiveness Through International Openness Now Act. It calls for change in the way visa applications are processed and how visas are issued. The legislation also attempts to improve communication among government agencies that deal with student visas.
http://www.mndaily.com/articles/2005/02/14/63236

Sallie Mae Brings Financing Solutions to International Student Market
PRNewswire
January 31, 2005

Sallie Mae, the nation's leading paying-for-college company, today announced a new initiative to offer financing programs tailored to the needs of international students.
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/050131/dcmv006_1.html

Recruitment, financial incentives boost enrollment
The Daily Evergreen
January 26, 2005

WSU has maintained a high international enrollment level with conscious recruiting, financial incentives and programs geared specifically toward international students.
http://www.dailyevergreen.com/disp_story.php? storyId=11371