Summertime is the perfect opportunity to engage with international students, but it’s also one of the most hectic seasons in the international education calendar. That’s why planning ahead can significantly boost your marketing efforts and take the stress out of it. Here’s how to stay ahead with creating summer content for your international education audience.
Begin your summer content planning in early spring. Consider the seasonal interests of students, such as summer language programmes, pre-sessional courses, or cultural exchange opportunities. Create a theme-based content strategy that aligns with these summer-specific offerings.
Showcase the unique summer experiences your location offers. You could, for example, look ahead at the events calendar for your area and create content around local festivals, outdoor activities, or cultural events that international students can enjoy alongside their studies. This helps paint a vivid picture of the lifestyle awaiting them.
Develop an engaging social media challenge that encourages user participation. For example, a photo contest of students’ “Dream Summer Study Destination” or a video challenge sharing “Why I Want to Study Abroad This Summer”. This user-generated content can increase engagement and expand your reach, as well as take the pressure off you during the busy months.
Why not anticipate and address questions students and parents might have using your content? For instance, think of common queries about summer programmes, visa processes, accommodation, or local weather, and present this information in easily digestible formats like FAQ blog posts, Instagram story highlights, or short YouTube videos.
These are just some of the ways language schools, universities, and education agencies can keep their content strategy active during the summer months. Remember to tailor your approach to your target audience, and always keep the unique value of your summer programmes at the forefront of your content. Happy planning!
Written by Stephanie Clark