As a Study abroad Advisor who has been relying on a single marketing strategy to appeal to international students looking for abroad study, need to rethink your approach.
The ideas discussed in this blog is for the most part based on a survey conducted in 2015 by student fair organizers FPP EDU Media and digital marketing firm International Education Advantage (IntEAd).
Several factors shape a student’s preference for study abroad destinations. So it’s important for study abroad advisor to pin down causes that have a greater say in their study decisions.
Who Your Prospects Prefer As Study Abroad Advisor?
It is unwise to judge a book by its cover. But it turns out students do tend to evaluate advice based on who is giving it.
The study found that students from South American countries rely on Admissions Representatives from partner institutions.
Asian students, on the other hand, trust local study abroad advisor who are more connected to their community lingually, geographically and culturally, more than ‘foreign’ representatives.
Advice from Fellow Students enrolled in universities in the destination countries also heavily influence prospective Asian students.
Have Your Prospects Traveled Abroad?
Of all your prospects, always make sure to give top priority to those who have traveled abroad. Abroad visit is one of those things that leaves people feeling ‘once is not enough’.
Since these students come with a very strong motivation to go abroad, they are your “most promising targets.” As per the report, 74% of students want to study abroad for travel experience and lifestyle. Just as store workers are taught to pay more attention to shoppers with shopping bags in hand, your study abroad advisor would do well to give more priority to students who have previously traveled abroad, the report’s authors note with the help of management system.
What Are Your Prospect’s Personal Goals
Find out what motivates your prospects at a deeper level. Categorize them based on their personal goals and then tailor your marketing strategy accordingly. Broadly, students are likely to fall into three categories: Idealist, Realist, and Free Spirit.
Who Is The Decision-maker
All businesses know why it is important to treat decision-makers with a certain respect.
