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

Quick quiz

http://owl.li/mk1ca

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

Link to the quiz

http://owl.li/m90VA

Take-Aways / To Do List

• What will you be taking back with you today? • What concrete steps can you take?

Thanks!