Forum discussion on international student recruitment and retention

Upper Iowa University Assistant Vice President for International Education Nadia Korobova recently participated in the U.S. Department of State’s eighth annual EducationUSA Forum in Washington, D.C.  More than 570 U.S. university representatives from 46 states, 60 EducationUSA regional coordinators and advisers from around the world, and U.S. and foreign government officials convened during the event to discuss international student recruitment and retention strategies.

The Forum, organized in partnership with the Institute of International Education, featured sessions on traditional and virtual recruiting strategies, comprehensive campus internationalization, student visas, maximizing recruitment resources, and partnering with EducationUSA advising centers around the world to develop comprehensive and innovative strategies for recruiting international students.

“Rather than having to travel to dozens of countries, the Forum provided an opportunity for EducationUSA advisors from around the world to network together from one location,” Korobova said. “I was able to personally communicate to individuals the top reasons for why their students should attend UIU. The most important insight I received was meeting with Eurasia EducationUSA tour advisors from Russia, Ukraine, Georgia, Armenia, and Azerbaijan.  I will be traveling there in October as a part of a recruiting trip and the detailed information I received about the tour, students and cities will be critical to its success.”

Upper Iowa University is among the colleges and universities playing an important role in strengthening ties between the United States and countries around the world. The Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs collaborates with accredited U.S. colleges and universities to help maintain the United States as the world’s top destination for international students and scholars and to promote diversity in international education.

The U.S. Department of State’s EducationUSA advising network includes more than 400 advising centers located in 177 countries around the world that provide international students with accurate, comprehensive and current information about study opportunities in the United States. International education increases American global competitiveness and creates relationships and understanding that contribute to increased national security.