4 ways to build trust when recruiting international students online

Students coming from abroad often do not have the opportunity to visit your school, see your facilities and location for themselves, or meet face-to-face with faculty and admissions staff before deciding to apply.

This can make it very difficult for them to judge whether it is the right place for them, and to be confident that they are making a sound investment in their future.

How best can you establish real trust with international students, and convince them that your institution will provide everything it promises? We found few approaches to share:

1. Make Use of International Student Testimonials – And Put a Face to the Name Student testimonials are a great way to share enthusiastic reports about the quality of education and experience on offer at your school. Because they are delivered by individuals who are not your employees, they carry a valuable air of authenticity. Testimonials from others, particularly those from their own country, about the warm reception, special services, and other forms of help that a college offers can be the perfect delivery mechanism for the assurances they may be looking for.
2. Create or Promote a Student Ambassador Program to Enhance Follow-up International student ambassadors should be students at your school who are enthusiastic about the institution and eager to help newcomers with any questions or concerns they might have. Think of them as both live deliverers of testimonials and resources to whom prospects can refer for any questions they might have. They can also speak to prospective international students in their native language, which is a definite plus.
3. Let International Students Get a Better Look at Your Campus with Virtual Tours To help overcome this obstacle and allow international students to feel a greater level of confidence in their facilities, schools hoping to establish trusting relationships with potential applicants offer virtual campus tours.
4. Highlight Your School’s Commitment to Diversity & International Community Prospective students may worry about whether they will be welcomed in your country or city, or if your school will provide a safe, tolerant environment in which they can flourish. Making clear a commitment to cultural diversity and inclusiveness can be a great way to reassure prospective international students that they are making the right choice.

Learn more about students recruiting on MBA25 events!