Social Media influence on International Higher Education
ua-networks.com, MAY 23 2021 at 10:57 AM
Students all across the world are using social networking sites to conduct research and make college decisions. The internet is used by more than half of the world's population, and the number of people using social media is growing.
Social media is altering not only the way people communicate, but also the way they receive information, make decisions, and comprehend the world. The relevance of social media among prospective international students is growing, and social media marketing is influencing how these students see the university abroad as a location to study.
Social media is increasingly the primary means of getting information and communicating with peers for young people in particular. While preferences differ by region, Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram are the most popular social media networks, but other platforms such as LinkedIn and Pinterest are also popular.
Before making an inquiry, some overseas students use social media, emphasizing the necessity of early interaction. There's also a growing interest in social messaging. Globally, 42% of respondents indicated they would want to contact institutions using WhatsApp, while 35% said they would prefer to interact via Facebook.
The discovery that there is a positive association between the popularity of a university's social media channels and the number of international students they attract also highlights the growing importance of social media. Although this does not prove causation, colleges social media presence appears to reflect their capacity to welcome international students.
Prospective international students' perceptions of foreign colleges can be shaped by social media ads that assure them that the institutions provide excellent education and that they are proud of the worldwide university communities.
International students are greatly driven by how welcome they feel while picking a destination. It was cited by 31% of respondents as the most significant factor to consider while choosing a university. It is vital that institutions build a welcoming culture across their social media channels, as social media is increasingly becoming the initial point of contact between a prospective overseas student and a university.
Higher education has a significant impact on the economy, society, and future generations. Staff and students at universities must create an adaptable reaction to the shifting global dynamics that pose a threat. Social media has proven to be a powerful tool in this regard, offering a forum for prospective students to learn more about our universities, make informed decisions about where to study, and gauge how welcome they will be at international institutions.
