Make Your University Website a Hub for International Student Success

Every year, thousands of brave students embark on a life-changing journey to study in the United States.

These pioneers of international education face a daunting challenge: leaving behind their families, culture, and familiar surroundings to pursue their dreams on foreign shores.

As revealed in a recent conversation between our CEO Kat Liendgens and Dustin Ramsdell on The Higher Ed Geek podcast, these students contributed over $40 billion to the U.S. economy in the 2022-2023 academic year and supported more than 350,000 jobs.

But before they can make this impact, they face a significant obstacle: navigating complex university websites to find the information they need to make informed decisions about their education.

The Challenge: More Than Just Language Barriers 

Liendgens, who brings unique insight as both a former international student, shares: 

"80% of international students rely primarily on university websites when deciding where to study."

The challenge isn't just about language – it's about creating clear pathways through what can often feel like an overwhelming maze of information.

International students frequently encounter:

• Complicated navigation requiring dozens of clicks to find basic information
• Confusion about which content applies to international vs. domestic students
• Uncertainty about academic expectations and cultural differences
• Fear of isolation in a new environment

Your Guide to Creating Better Digital Experiences

As higher education institutions, you have the opportunity – and responsibility – to serve as guides for these prospective students. 

Here's how your website can better support their journey:

1) Embrace Personalization

Don't just create an "International Students" section and call it a day. Use web personalization to show relevant content based on a visitor's location and interests. When a student from France visits your financial aid page, show them specific information about international student funding options.

2) Connect Through Stories

Share success stories of current international students and alumni. As Liendgens explains, "How powerful for this student from France to see they actually have somebody in the international student office who is from France, who graduated from this university, who can help me navigate this process?"

3) Simplify Language

Terms like "bursar" and "registrar" can be confusing even for domestic students. Use clear, straightforward language that anyone can understand, regardless of their background. 

4) Create Clear Pathways 

Make it easy for international students to: 

• Connect with current students from their home country
• Understand academic expectations and cultural differences
• Access information about housing, transportation, and cost of living
• Find support services and community resources 

The Results of Getting It Right

When institutions implement these strategies effectively, they can see conversion rates increase by up to 30%.

But the real success lies in the transformative impact on students' lives and your campus community.

"International students bring a global perspective," Liendgens notes. "This is crucial not just for them, but for preparing all students for an increasingly interconnected world."

Your Next Steps 

Ready to transform your website into a welcoming digital experience for international students?

Start by: 

1. Auditing your current website from an international student's perspective
2. Implementing website personalization to deliver targeted content
3. Creating opportunities for connection between prospective and current international students
4. Developing clear, accessible content that addresses common concerns and questions 

Remember:

Your website isn't just a collection of pages – it's often the first step in an international student's transformative journey.

By serving as a knowledgeable and empathetic guide, you can help these students write their own success stories at your institution. 

Want to learn more about creating effective digital experiences for international students? 

Contact Hannon Hill today to discover how our Cascade CMS and Clive can help you build a more welcoming and accessible website for your global audience.