Communicating benefits
One of the most rewarding experiences a student can have is the opportunity to study abroad.
The choice to study abroad is not one that necessarily comes easy to students. Often times there are several limiting factors or barriers that weigh on a student's decision. How do you help a student leap over individual barriers and go abroad?
"HOW WILL IT FACTOR IN MY DEGREE?"
Understanding the many benefits helps to market your program and communicate in a relative way to students that they can appreciate
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Supporting students to find barrier-breaking resources makes a big difference in how a students thinks through their decision to study abroad.
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Think through what applies to that individual student. Connecting benefits as it relates to the students’ interests, needs and goals is key to having them see study abroad as a worthwhile decision.
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The 4 "F" Challenges
The perceived or conceived challenges students face can easily prevent them from thinking through how the benefits of study abroad may be worth the effort. Talking with a student about what may be preventing them from achieving their goal to go abroad allows you to share helpful resources to work through barriers and see the impact of study abroad benefits.
FINANCES
Challenge: Too expensive
Read up on the resources section and student FAQs section, as the answer to this one is multi-faceted. Planning early, applying to scholarships, financial aid, fundraising are good ways to raise the funds. Ed Abroad loves to talk with students about budgets and financial planning, so send them our way (early)!
FEAR
Challenge: Fear of....the unknown, going abroad, flying, and the list goes on.
Highlight the group dynamic of your program and how students go abroad with their Ramily. The support and community on a FLP may relieve apprehensions. Talk through preparations, program intinerary, and how it is okay to be scared. Much like when they first started VCU, going through an adjustment period will lead to a level of familiarity and accomplishment.
FAMILY
Challenge: Reluctant parents
Offer to talk to parents or suggest a chat with an Ed Abroad Adviser to help dispel misconceptions or misunderstandings and answer questions for the parents peace of mind.
FACULTY
Challenge: Rocking the boat with academic plans
Help students understand how the course abroad will fit in their degree. Refer them to their academic adviser, especially for students out of your department. They may not know they can satisfy electives or gen eds through the program.