Destination USA: Key Takeaways from our Hyderabad event
Study Group recently hosted its flagship Indian student recruitment event, Destination USA, in Hyderabad. With 200 students in attendance, this was its largest event in the country to date, bringing together U.S. university representatives, education agents, and prospective students. The event underscored the importance of face-to-face interactions in strengthening recruitment pipelines and enhancing institutional visibility.
Bringing partners and agents together
We were pleased to have representatives from across our U.S. university partner network in attendance, ensuring strong institutional presence in the Indian market. These included international recruitment and admissions staff and professors in STEM fields.
Partner U.S. university representatives met with in-country agents to highlight their universities’ program offerings, admissions requirements, and campus life. These interactions help agents better position universities to prospective students, leading to more well-matched applicants and improved conversion rates.
A reassuring, impactful experience for students
The event provided students with one-on-one consultations with Study Group’s admissions team, with 169 of the 200 attending students receiving tailored advice. The agenda also comprised a series of workshops and masterclasses to help support students to develop a clearer understanding of their study options and a more confident outlook on their journey to the U.S.
- A Visa Masterclass to simplify the student visa process
- A STEM Masterclass, offering hands-on insights into world-class teaching and career opportunities
- On-the-spot application opportunities for students who provided academic transcripts, English language test scores, and passport details
As one attendee, Poonam, noted: “As a dentist looking to study my master’s in the U.S., I found the Destination USA event very helpful. In particular, I felt that the universities were taking the time to understand each and every student’s profile individually, so that we could get a proper understanding of how the program at the university would suit us.”
Committed to fulfilling students’ dreams of studying in the U.S., Study Group provided attendees with opportunities for visa fee waivers and the chance to win scholarships.
Improved market insights
In-person recruitment events like this connect Study Group’s partner university representatives with students, offering real-time insights into student preferences and regional trends. Such details are essential for refining recruitment strategies and ensuring that marketing efforts align with student expectations. University representatives learned more about specific factors influencing students’ choices, such as career pathways, post-graduation support, and scholarship opportunities.
Enhanced institutional brand awareness
Study Group recognizes the value of face-to-face events for its partner universities, as demonstrated with a flagship event such as Destination USA. These events elevate university brand awareness in global markets and reinforces their own commitment to student success.
As Alex Marston, General Manager North America at Study Group, stated: “It was fantastic to see our U.S. partner universities connecting with students, agents, and in-country Study Group staff in Hyderabad. These sorts of events are crucial for building relationships with our 3,000+ agent network and ensuring that the university’s brand is carefully represented in key source countries. It was clear that the students attending felt more confident in their decision-making and enjoyed the support from the workshops made available to them.”
How Study Group supports partners with in-country events
Destination USA was the first event of its size and scale in India, with plans to make it an annual occurrence along with faculty workshops and agent events. Study Group’s expertise in organizing and managing these events ensures that universities maximize their recruitment efforts efficiently. From coordinating agent meetings to facilitating student interactions, Study Group provides the necessary support to help institutions build strong international recruitment strategies.
Learn more
If your university is looking to enhance its international student recruitment efforts through high-impact, in-country events, Study Group can help. Contact us today to learn more about how we facilitate connections between universities, agents, and students to drive successful enrollment outcomes.