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The Ultimate Guide for Growth in International Education
July 19, 2024
From a podcast interview with Mihaela Metianu, the Assistant Provost for Global Engagement at Florida Atlantic University.
“Being able to access and manage that story that the data says in an effective way is probably one of the most important aspects of what a young professional in this field should learn.”
International education is constantly evolving and impacted by various external factors. As professionals in this field, it is crucial to have a long-term plan for growth and success. This article will explore the insights and wisdom shared by Mihaela Metianu, Assistant Provost for Global Engagement at Florida Atlantic University, on effectively planning for growth in international education.
● International education is cyclical and influenced by various external factors, but there is a pent-up interest in studying abroad.
● Planning for growth in international education requires getting the fundamentals right, including understanding organizational structure and building expertise.
● International education can help address the enrollment decline in higher education by focusing on an institutional niche and providing students with a sense of belonging.
● Compliance and data are crucial in planning growth, ensuring regulatory compliance, and making data-informed decisions.
● Building strong relationships with colleagues, sharing knowledge, and using data to tell compelling stories are essential for earning respect and advocating for international education.
Before diving into the specifics of growth planning, it is crucial to have a strong foundation in the fundamentals of international education. Mihaela emphasizes the importance of understanding the organizational structure, securing resources, and continuously improving content knowledge. By mastering these fundamentals, professionals in the field can more effectively navigate challenges and adapt to changing circumstances.
She shares a story from her experience where a small change in the admissions process significantly impacted international student enrollments. By recognizing the need for a spring intake option and utilizing international students to follow up with prospective students, they were able to increase applications and enrollments. This highlights the importance of paying attention to small details and continuously improving processes to drive growth.
Building external partnerships is crucial for growth in international education, in addition to having a strong internal foundation. Mihaela emphasizes the importance of networking and collaborating with peers in the field. By sharing knowledge and expertise, professionals can learn from each other and collectively work towards the growth of international education.
She also highlights the importance of understanding the regulatory landscape and staying informed about changes in visa policies and other regulations. By being proactive and building relationships with relevant stakeholders, professionals can navigate compliance requirements more effectively and advocate for the needs of international students.
Compliance and data play a vital role in planning for growth in international education. Mihaela emphasizes the importance of having a strong compliance plan and ensuring effective communication about policies and procedures. By proactively addressing compliance issues and openly communicating, professionals can resolve problems more efficiently and maintain a positive institutional image.
Data-driven decision-making is another crucial aspect of planning for growth. She highlights the importance of utilizing data to identify trends, assess program effectiveness, and allocate resources strategically. By analyzing data, professionals can make informed decisions that drive growth and maximize the impact of international education initiatives.
In conclusion, planning for growth in international education requires a strong foundation in the fundamentals, building external partnerships, and utilizing compliance and data-driven decision-making. By understanding the core principles of international education, collaborating with peers, and leveraging data, professionals can effectively navigate challenges and drive growth in their institutions. As the field continues to evolve, staying adaptable and continuously improving processes is essential to ensure long-term success in international education.
To catch the full interview with Mihaela, CLICK HERE.
