It’s 2020 so we weren’t surprised when a full moon on Halloween sent us catapulting out of October right into a time change and US presidential election. As we continue through November, we have some exciting things to share with you; first and foremost, we are honored to highlight our TVC: Life After Lockdown finalists. Contestants from around the globe have shared how their international education and cultural exchange programs have been impacted in recent months, and their stories have left quite an impression. We hope you enjoy the video entries as much as we do and have time to explore our other newsletter shares this month. However, before you continue on with this letter, other emails, and your day, we want to share how grateful we are to be a part of the international education community- an industry full of leaders who evoke inspiration around the world. This month we hope you all enjoy International Education Week, and have a happy Thanksgiving!

Sincerely,
Bryanna Davis
On behalf of the InternationalStudent.com Team

November 2020
 

TVC: Life After Lockdown - Finalists Announced

Last week, we announced our Viewers’ Choice Award Winner and nine other finalists in our 2020 Travel Video Contest. We’d like to extend a big congratulations to Larissa Silveira for winning the Viewers’ Choice Award and taking home a cash prize of $1,000 for her video Story of My Life. She will now move to the final round in which she will be considered for the $4,000 Grand Prize along with our other nine finalists:

  • In the Light of Covid-19
  • Corona Blues
  • Something Radical
  • The Home of an International Student
  • My Travel Video
  • What Could Have Been
  • Alone, Together
  • Dear 2021
  • Never Give Up - My Exchange Program

Stay tuned as our First Place, Second Place and Third Place winners will be announced on the last day of International Education Week- November 20th. To watch all of our finalists’ videos visit the official Travel Video Contest page!
Finalist Videos
 

Webinar: Using Facebook Live in your Recruitment Strategy

As the world of international education turns to more digital outlets during the recruitment process, exploring all available avenues is critical. Facebook can be a powerful tool to help supplement your plan- but there are a few key steps and tips to keep in mind when using a Facebook Live event to reach prospective students around the world. Join our free webinar on January 27th at 3pm ET as we provide you with details on how to get started and find success within the world of Facebook Live events.
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Win a Free Facebook Live Add-on

Not ready to go live on Facebook on your own? At InternationalStudent.com we can host a live event for you, providing hands-on assistance and access to our active social following. Plus, right now you have the chance to host a live event with us for free! Purchase a new package between now and the end of January to be entered to win a free Facebook Live Add-on ($3,995 value).
 
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2020 Open Doors Report:
International Educational Exchange

Each year we look forward to the release of the Open Doors Report on International Education Exchange. If you, like us, have been eagerly awaiting this data, you were likely pleased to see the 71st Open Doors survey results released Monday. During the Open Doors livestream from the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs and the Institute of International Education, despite seeing declines we also received many messages of optimism, including a historical glimpse from Allan Goodman, President and CEO of IIE. Goodman stated that after each of the 11 previous pandemics in IIE’s history, “international educational exchange rapidly resumes, and the number of students involved also grows substantially.” Although the 2019/20 data does not reflect any impact that we may see from Covid-19, here are just a few key pieces of data shared:

  • The 5th consecutive year the total number of international students in the US exceeded 1 million (1,075,496).
  • International students in the US declined by 1.8% from the previous year.
  • New student enrollment declined by 0.6%.
  • Top three places of origin continue to be China, India, and South Korea.
  • Top places of origin with an increase in students sent include Spain (+9.5%), Bangladesh (+7.1%), Brazil (+3.8%), Nigeria (+2.5%), Taiwan (+1.5%), China (+0.8%) and Germany (+0.6%).
  • Saudi Arabia (-16.5%), South Korea (-4.7%) and India (-4.4%) each had a decrease in students sent.
  • Personal and family funding continue to be the primary source of funding.

If you missed the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs and the Institute of International Education livestream, you can watch it here.
Watch
 

US Elections Explained

The US presidential elections might have already taken place- but many international students still have questions on the whole process. Since US elections aren’t exactly an easy-to-understand system, we’ve outlined the ballot, the electoral college, and things international students in the US can do in place of voting. Feel free to direct your students to our election blog if they’re interested in learning more about the US election process!
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Beam My Vote In, Scotty

Curious what voting from space looks like- or if it’s even possible at all? It certainly is, but has to be prepared for prior to the mission. If you think your voting venue was interesting, check out how NASA astronaut Kate Rubins submitted her ballot this year.
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