Annie Reagan
Study Abroad Advisor, Loyola University Chicago
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What's your background in IE?
I have been in my current role of Study Abroad Advisor with Loyola University Chicago since June of 2016. In this position, I advise students across all study abroad regions and programs, supervise student ambassadors, and coordinate the Study Abroad Student Advisory Committee. I previously held the position of Enrollment Management Specialist for IES Abroad and obtained a Master’s of Education in International Higher Education from Loyola University Chicago. My first experience in the field International Education was my academic year abroad in Maynooth, Ireland. What's your favorite part of your role at Loyola? I enjoy supporting students through the full study abroad experience, from program selection to re-entry. Together, we navigate the exciting and often challenging study abroad process. When they return to campus, I get to hear about the many ways they’ve been impacted by study abroad. It’s a privilege to be a part of the study abroad experience alongside my students! |
Can you offer any strategies for study abroad advisors who do marketing and communications work without the assistance of dedicated marketing staff?
I recommend connecting and learning from peers in the field. Small to mid-sized study abroad offices are often running in to the same obstacles and searching for similar solutions. Connecting with peers through organized meetings, or even via phone/email, has proven to be helpful.
I also believe it is important to learn from our students! We have a study abroad alumni advisory committee that has been extremely helpful in brainstorming ideas for improving our marketing and outreach. They also keep our office up-to-speed on fresh marketing tools that are current for college students.
What unique ways do you use marketing and communications to get your student population engaged?
Each semester, we host unique and engaging activities to highlight our program options. Some of the more popular events have included potting bamboo plants, a spring roll lesson, a bánh mì street cart, and an espresso machine — each of which highlight Loyola's Global Centers.
We recently introduced Snapchat as a way to highlight our students abroad and engage with prospective students. You can follow us on Snapchat and other social media platforms at @lucstudyabroad!
I have also been involved in revamping the #RamblersAbroad blog platform and finding additional avenues for featuring our bloggers. In the last year, we’ve introduced a Blogger of the Month award as a way to recognize our most active bloggers around the world.
What marketing and communications tactics have you tried that haven't worked? What were the differences between the tactics that did work, and the ones that didn't?
We’ve made the mistake of assuming that free food or swag will bring the crowd. While it definitely helps, we often have to be very strategic in scheduling events and notifying students. I find that making emails and outreach more personal, and including the student’s name, can make a big difference.
What are the three things you'll never leave home without?
My watch, my cell phone, and my headphones!
Where's your most recent passport stamp from?
The UK. I visited Edinburgh and Skye, Scotland in November. Next up: South Korea.
What's your biggest cultural faux pas abroad?
One thing I always struggle with is the coffee culture abroad. I often make the mistake of assuming I understand enough about coffee to get by, but the coffee culture is so different around the world!
What's your favorite memory from a trip you've taken?
Some of my most memorable moments abroad involve visiting the hometown and families of my Irish housemates as a study abroad student. I’ll never forget hanging out on their farms, being fed by their Irish mothers, and really getting a sense for Irish humor and hospitality.
I recommend connecting and learning from peers in the field. Small to mid-sized study abroad offices are often running in to the same obstacles and searching for similar solutions. Connecting with peers through organized meetings, or even via phone/email, has proven to be helpful.
I also believe it is important to learn from our students! We have a study abroad alumni advisory committee that has been extremely helpful in brainstorming ideas for improving our marketing and outreach. They also keep our office up-to-speed on fresh marketing tools that are current for college students.
What unique ways do you use marketing and communications to get your student population engaged?
Each semester, we host unique and engaging activities to highlight our program options. Some of the more popular events have included potting bamboo plants, a spring roll lesson, a bánh mì street cart, and an espresso machine — each of which highlight Loyola's Global Centers.
We recently introduced Snapchat as a way to highlight our students abroad and engage with prospective students. You can follow us on Snapchat and other social media platforms at @lucstudyabroad!
I have also been involved in revamping the #RamblersAbroad blog platform and finding additional avenues for featuring our bloggers. In the last year, we’ve introduced a Blogger of the Month award as a way to recognize our most active bloggers around the world.
What marketing and communications tactics have you tried that haven't worked? What were the differences between the tactics that did work, and the ones that didn't?
We’ve made the mistake of assuming that free food or swag will bring the crowd. While it definitely helps, we often have to be very strategic in scheduling events and notifying students. I find that making emails and outreach more personal, and including the student’s name, can make a big difference.
What are the three things you'll never leave home without?
My watch, my cell phone, and my headphones!
Where's your most recent passport stamp from?
The UK. I visited Edinburgh and Skye, Scotland in November. Next up: South Korea.
What's your biggest cultural faux pas abroad?
One thing I always struggle with is the coffee culture abroad. I often make the mistake of assuming I understand enough about coffee to get by, but the coffee culture is so different around the world!
What's your favorite memory from a trip you've taken?
Some of my most memorable moments abroad involve visiting the hometown and families of my Irish housemates as a study abroad student. I’ll never forget hanging out on their farms, being fed by their Irish mothers, and really getting a sense for Irish humor and hospitality.
