Promotion and recruitment are an essential part of any study abroad program. Active involvement in the recruitment process by the faculty leader makes all the difference in a program’s success or failure.

The Office of Education Abroad can collaborate with the faculty leader(s) on promotional materials and strategies, but brochures and website updates are no substitute for one-on-one faculty-to-student contact. All program details (budget, timeline, location, course, requirements) must be finalized before marketing can commence. Advertising must be truthful and emphasize the benefits, cost of the program, and relevant course information. Once the cost is made public, it cannot be adjusted.

Faculty leaders should plan to provide presentations about their programs in a variety of venues during the promotional period (end of September to early March for summer programs). The faculty leader should focus on the following at promotional events:

• Inform students of the course, requirements, and academic content of the program
• Articulate connections between destination country and course content
• Talk about the cultural experiences you will incorporate into the itinerary, including a tentative program schedule
• Explain how grading works
• Explain criteria for acceptance into course and/or program
• Encourage diversity among program participants
• Share your enthusiasm for the program with prospective participants
• Inform students of the first step in the application process, and the program application deadline

It is the responsibility of the faculty leader to initiate marketing efforts or planning conversations with the Office of Education Abroad.

Please allow approximately 2-4 weeks for creation of new marketing materials – re-using marketing materials for past programs will take less time. Program providers may be able to assist in creating marketing materials, but students tend to respond more favorably to Mines-branded content.

Successful marketing outlets include

• Info sessions (in-person or virtual)
• Advertising in the Daily Blast
• Requesting an Instagram takeover on the Mines Instagram (please contact Education Abroad to arrange this, limited places are available)
• Tabling at the Study Abroad Fair (usually 3 hours)
• Fliers, posters, and website (allow up to 4 weeks for development of new materials)
• Adding promotional materials to your Canvas Course (especially if this course is a pre-req for the course taught abroad)
• Class visits and other promotional activities in relevant courses
• Student organization meetings
• Departmental newsletters, list serves, meetings, or group advising
• CASA Advisors

Generally, program participants should be Mines students. Non-Mines students may be  permitted to apply, on a case-by-case basis after discussing the process with Education Abroad. Mines students will receive first priority for consideration, as long as they apply by the deadline.

Non-Mines students are able to be considered for program participation, but only after all eligible students have been considered. Program participants who are not currently students at Mines, must complete a quick admit form through Admissions and be accepted as a non-degree seeking student.