Office for Education Abroad :: Information meetings

The purpose of program information meetings is to introduce prospective students to general aspects of education abroad and provide details about a specific program.

Information meetings are held prior to departure as a marketing and recruitment tool for faculty directors.

We promote information meetings via our website, the MSU adviser listserv, and the bulletin board outside the Office for Education Abroad (EA). We will also help with room arrangements, as needed.

Upcoming information meetings for specific programs are listed on our events page.

Other resources:

EA can arrange for a Peer Adviser to attend information meetings to help with questions about the application and acceptance process. New program leaders will have priority for this service.
Frequently asked questions from students can be found on the FAQ page
As always, feel free to refer students to the Education Abroad Advising Center - 108 International Center - where they can speak with a Peer Adviser Monday through Friday from 8 am to 5 pm.

Advertising your information meetings

• Announce upcoming meetings in your classes.
• Ask colleagues to announce your upcoming meetings in their classes.
• Send mailings via campus mail to students in targeted majors or colleges.
• Post upcoming meetings on the Web.
• Create flyers announcing your information meeting and post them where students who might be interested in your program will see them.
• Keep lists of students who may be interested in your program and email them with announcements of your upcoming information meeting.
• Announce your information meeting in college/department newsletters and other publications.
• Hand out announcements of your upcoming meeting at the Education Abroad Expo.
• Attend special events on campus – especially events sponsored by your college or department (Welcome Week, for example) – and hand out announcements about your upcoming information meeting.

Things to remember

The majority of students who apply to a program do so after an information meeting or other face-to-face contact with faculty. Recruit students for your information meeting as you would for your program. If students don't know about your meeting, they won't come.

There are two types of information students need: (1) information specific to your program and (2) general information needed by all study abroad participants.

1. Program-specific information: Expand on your program information sheets.

What is this program about?
When does it take place?
Where does it take place?
What field trips are included?
What is the itinerary?
What courses can students take? (Bring syllabi.)
What are the eligibility requirements?
What are the housing arrangements?
How much will it cost?

2. General information: Found on the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ).

How to apply
Expected time frame to learn of acceptance
Costs and billing
Financial aid and scholarships

Your Name *
Title of your program *
Semester(s)/year program is running?
Date and time of information meeting? *	:
Campus room for meeting? List TBA if unknown. *
Request for room scheduling? *	Yes No
Contact information? (email address) *
Any additional comments?

International Studies & Programs

Information meetings

Other resources:

Advertising your information meetings

Things to remember

Information Meeting Submission Form