In international education, trust is everything. When students are considering travelling thousands of miles away to study, they need reassurance from people who’ve walked that path before. This How to Tuesday we explore how authentic testimonials from students, parents, and agents can be your most powerful recruitment tool.

The power of real voices

Word of mouth remains the strongest influence on education decisions. Prospective students and their families trust peer experiences more than polished marketing copy. When they witness successful graduates sharing their journeys online, it creates emotional connections that brochures simply can’t match. So how can schools use testimonials to increase their chances of enrolments?

Collect meaningful testimonials

Firstly, reach out to your happiest stakeholders. Contact recent graduates, current students, satisfied parents, and agents who consistently recommend your school. Ask specific questions like ‘What surprised you most about the support services?’ or ‘How did the school help with your career goals?’ Specific stories resonate more than just generic praise.

Maximise video impact

Video testimonials are incredibly powerful because they show real faces and emotions. Keep videos short (2-3 minutes), ensure good audio quality, and let people speak naturally. Feature diverse voices representing different nationalities and courses to appeal to various prospective students.

Navigate legal considerations

Always obtain written permission before using testimonials. Include clear consent forms specifying how you’ll use their content and across which platforms. For students under 18, consider parental consent.

Ensure authenticity

Resist heavily editing testimonials, as authentic voices  (even with minor imperfections!) are more believable than overly-polished content. Include specific details and personal anecdotes that only genuine experiences would contain.

Place testimonials strategically

Once you’ve got some testimonials, feature them on your website’s homepage, in email campaigns, and across social media platforms where your target audience is active.

Carefully collecting and sharing authentic experiences will help you build the trust necessary for international enrolment success. Ready to highlight your school’s success stories? Get in touch with Schools & Agents today to learn how we can help showcase your testimonials to the right audiences worldwide.

Written by Stephanie Clark