Study Abroad Toolkit for Faculty

Human Sciences TTU How to Market Study Abroad Program

How to Market Your Study Abroad Program

A successful study abroad experience starts with program design. Faculty leaders constructing programs that fulfill the academic needs of students while supplying a financially feasible experience for all typically depart with full rosters.

Recommended steps in student recruitment are outlined below.

Determine Your Target Audience

Who will be interested in what you have to offer, and why? Offer courses that Texas Tech students NEED to take. If core requirements cannot fit within your program, ensure the credits being offered count as electives that move participants toward graduation.
Upper-level courses are more attractive to students, even if that means more academic rigor.
Consult with your department chair about course credit flexibility and the potential for cross-listings.

Be Remembered

How will you attract and keep student's attention?
- Believe it or not, students still appreciate being handed a reminder. Keep it simple by providing the most need-to-know info. Hand this out during a brief in-class presentation.
  - A QR code (with a working link) is a must for any printed pieces or in-class presentations. The code should link the student to the application website managed by the Study Abroad office. These links are created as soon as the program has been approved at all levels.
  - Free QR code creator can be found here. Also available within Canva.com.
- Create a flyer or postcard printed in color that includes the program: Dates, Courses, Costs, Accommodations, Excursions, Contacts (yours + two past participants), Photos, and Info session details.
  - Want professional printing services? Email your design to printingcenter@ttuhsc.edu with your department FOP, quantity needed, and delivery information.
- Be sure to mention college and university-wide study abroad scholarships that are available.
- Utilize one of our provided templates below or contact the Office of Marketing & Communications to create a custom flyer.
Students relate to other students. This is why past participants are a vital tool.
- Consider student recruitment as you connect with your students while abroad. You'll need their help well after their study abroad experience ends.
- How might you involve them as future program ambassadors? Can you identify students pre-departure and incentivize their efforts conducted abroad to help with future promotion? Gathering photos & video
- Providing written testimonial quote
- Attending your callout to connect with prospective students
- Trustworthy feedback on program strengths & weaknesses

Reaching Your Target Audience

Be direct! Go directly to your target audience.
- Cognos Reports. Use targeted email lists, often via the help of business managers or marketing and communications staff, to generate an email list for all those determined as the target audience. Send an email from you personally.
  - In 150 words or less, introduce yourself and your program. Attach a PDF of the tri-fold brochure.
  - Include the date/time/location of your info session meeting. Set this info session no later than one month prior to the application deadline.
- Meet students where they are – classrooms!
Contact instructors of classes that include members of your target audience.
- Consult academic advisors, past participants, and the Texas Tech course catalog for course suggestions. Connecting directly with potential participants is key. Students want to see the face and hear the voice of the person responsible for their programs. Class visits allow for this. Do not rely on students coming to you!
- Make the simple request of 2-5 minutes at the start of their class to make a quick plug, promote the info session, and hand out flyers. Some may request a slide to display instead.
Look for any opportunity that the college or university is hosting where it might be possible to have a table promoting your program.
- What student events are posted in TechAnnounce? Check with the SUB for their latest events also.
Host an info session for your program
- Make the event social and short.
- Timing is key. Students have a lot going on but they tend to stay up late. Later evening info sessions (consider an online option, too) may not be convenient for you, but they might just be best for students. Consult past participants for their thoughts.
- Post your event on Tech Announce.
- Invite past participants to ensure a student's perspective. Choose your student wisely!
- Provide a snack or pizza. Tip: Have the pizza cut into squares instead of slices to extend the reach.
- Showcase a presentation with past photos and have plenty of flyers to hand out.
- Keep a contact list for all who attend.
- Follow up afterward with a link to the application page and suggested next steps (talk to families, advisors, financial aid, etc.).
- If a student attends, they're very likely to apply. If not right away, in the next year or two.