I think the most challenging aspect is trying to figure out return on investment, especially if you use several different strategies.
We use Facebook in several ways. One of the most effective uses is to keep in touch with our alumni. It makes it much easier to stay in touch, and in my recent trip to Turkey I was able to reconnect and meet with a former student of ours. It can be a big help if you use alumni to assist in recruiting.
FB also seems to be a good way to get in touch with students on time-sensitive issues. It’s a constant struggle to get students to use the university email address they are assigned. If I notice that a student’s I-20 is about to expire, frequently I can send them a quick FB message and I reach them much quicker than if I sent them an email and hope they check it.
Student activities are also much better organized when putting up announcements on FB. Our Association of International Students put on a food fair last week, and attendance and participation was phenomenal. They had a fairly accurate attendance count, and were able to plan who would bring what items. All of it was organized on a Facebook group.
Our current efforts have focused on the UAE, Kuwait, Turkey, and some recent work in China to establish some 2+2 programs. Our largest student population is from India, though. Our technology management master’s degree is quite popular.
As a US citizen, I hope that our gov’t puts a bit of consideration into this “bailout” scheme. I always believe that if people tell you that something must be done quickly, and with little deliberation, then it’s likely that something other than the anticipated outcome will ensue.
We have a large Indian population at our school, and one of the reasons I hear of why they chose to study in the US is the opportunity to work and gain experience in their field before returning to India. CPT and OPT work approval is a good source of major-related work experience, and it allows a student at least one year(and now a 17-month extension to that) to gain the experience they can use to get a better job upon returning home.
As far as brain-drain goes, it’s a valid point that many people who choose to study in the US want to remain and work after completing their programs. However, I think it would be incorrect to say that US schools are encouraging only the “best and brightest” students to apply. The US education system is known for being open and welcome to students of varying degrees of ability, and provides the tutoring and support services that students need to be successful.
Options are beginning to open up for loans and other financial support that were previously not available to the average student. A year ago I met in Washington DC with the educational attache at the Indian Embassy, and he talked about the fact that banks were beginning to offer loans for students wishing to study outside India. This development seems to indicate that students of average monetary support might now be able to consider studying in the US.
Excellent information on the processes involved in coming to the US. Students planning their visa interviews should be aware that the SEVIS fee of $100 is being changed to $200. That will take place in a few months, so the SEVIS link in the post above should be one that students go to and update themselves with.
If you are large framed or have difficulty in buying “off the rack” clothes that fit properly, it’s always a good idea to check with a tailor and invest in some shirts, trousers and sport coats. One good tailored suit can in many cases get you by until your budget gets bigger. Clothes are “tools”, and just as a carpenter, mechanic or other types of tradesmen doesn’t scrimp when buying the correct ones for the job, neither should you.
AS mentioned several times above, thinking about potential questions and how you’ll respond is a great strategy. In addition, you might consider doing a practice interview with friends, and taping it for review. Many people use “Um” and “Uh” or other verbal tics quite often, and don’t realize it. it makes you sound sort of, uh, unprofessional.
Another idea would be to take some time to research the company and be able to talk about things like their corporate credo, mission statement, and other policies. When you are in the interview it helps when you can show a knowledge of how your potential role with the company matches their goals, and how you plan to add to the overall success.
Good points, but taping wouldn’t work for me at all – I hate the sound of my own voice, so it would only make me even more nervous about the interview after listening to the many flaws in my speech!
I personally think the best way is just to keep practicing – don’t rehearse it word for word because they might ask you a different question that you have not prepared for, so just have a good idea about what you want to say, and then practice lots with your friends and family. Practice makes perfect, and (hopefully) you should be able to trust them to give you constructive criticism.
The US is also a great place to gain work experience, especially now that the US govt. is offering 17-month extensions to to the normal one-year Optional Practical Training that most intl. students qualify for. There is quite a demand for Technology jobs, and most students I work with who are tech. majors go on to do quite well.
The US is a great place to study, and it’s easy to get around if you want to see a lot of it. Wherever you choose to go, be sure to get out and see as much as you can!
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JohnPhilipGreen said – Fri, 26 Sep 2008 00:24:45 -0000
Its great to hear the perspective from an international student recruiter with so much experience with Indian students. Thanks Bill!
I’m curious, what Eastern Illinois programs are most interesting to the Indian students you’ve helped?