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Admissions experts recognize that the needs and concerns of students vary considerably by region. For example, students from China are most concerned about the safety of the campus and nearby area, while they're less concerned than their counterparts in other countries about funding their education. Also, students in some countries such as Canada express worries about being homesick at a university outside their home country. You can alleviate their concerns by customizing content by region, and by inviting international students to video chat online with a current student from their own home country. This way, they've made a personal connection, even before arriving on campus.

Learn more about how Centennial College personalizes outreach to students in different countries.

An astounding 70-80 percent of international students expect to receive some financial aid from a U.S. university, despite a 2012 Open Doors Report finding that less than 22 percent of international students actually receive aid as the primary source of funds. The good news is that even small scholarships can help win over international students. Many students are driven more by the prestige of receiving a scholarship than the actual dollar amount.

Demonstrate that you cater to international students by proactively answering top questions they have about student visas, passing the TOEFL, adapting to the U.S., and more. Contact our Client Services department for answers to hot button questions we hear most from international students. You may want to use this information to build out your International Student Services web pages or invite international students in your database to online information sessions designed just for them.

Keep the conversation going with students you've met at international college fairs by inviting them to online chat sessions at times that are convenient for them. Likewise, you can invite international students in your database who can't make it to campus to live chat with representatives from your Admissions, Financial Services, and International Student Services departments; watch an online campus tour; and/or join your Facebook page to stay connected.

Parents are a key influencer in international students' decision to study in the U.S., with more than half of students reporting that they made the decision in partnership with their family. Offering web copy and online chat sessions in their native language can make a big difference.

• Try to schedule your chats at least one week out from your live chat date so you have enough time to promote
• Make it fun and interactive! - mix up the folks that are staffing the chat so students can ask the questions they really want to have answered - we highly recommend getting current students on campus involved, as well as an admissions officer and a financial aid contact
• Know your audience - make sure your theme aligns with the students you are targeting
• Create a list of "canned questions" that can be used to help get students asking questions - sometimes students don't know what questions to ask, so having your staff throw out a few questions to get the conversation going can really help (sample questions below)
  • Are there any specific majors you are interested in? University of XXX offers a wide variety to choose from, such as xxx
  • Curious about our campus life? There are a lot of things to do and fun activities to get involved in both on and off campus, such as xxx
  • What are the top 3 things you are looking at when researching colleges?

1. Do you offer scholarships for international students?
2. Do I have to live on-campus and if so, are there specific international dorms?
3. What is the closest major city and how far is campus from there?
4. What is your national and regional school ranking?
5. What percent of your graduating class has a full-time job after graduation?
6. What is the crime rate on campus and in the surrounding areas?
7. What are your English language admission requirements?
8. How large is the international student population on campus and are there specific international student groups to support them?
9. What are your strongest academic programs?
10. What is the climate and landscape like at your location?