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Sending Techniques. Key Sending Topics. Getting the word out! How to approach schools…. You’re in….How to present so you are invited back! Follow-up on high interest leads Interviewing = Closing the Sale Funding- a little help can go a long way! Maximizing returnees’ enthusiasm.
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Key Sending Topics • Getting the word out! How to approach schools…. • You’re in….How to present so you are invited back! • Follow-up on high interest leads • Interviewing = Closing the Sale • Funding- a little help can go a long way! • Maximizing returnees’ enthusiasm.
Approaching Schools • Identify Target Schools: • Language Magnet (e.g. Bellaire) • Internationally Focused (HAIS) • AFS Hosts • Schools serving “underserved minorities” that are seeking opportunities for their student • Identify Target students- IB students can only go abroad in 10th grade • Request a table for relevant events where parents are in attendance: • College Fairs, International Festivals, Summer Opportunities Fairs, AVOID LUNCH ONLY EVENTS
Making Contact • Identify persons who would be interested in providing students with study abroad opportunities: • Language Department Heads • Specific Language Teachers • Supportive Teachers of Hosted AFS Students • Principals of Target Schools • Many schools require approval from the principal; some require that you complete a background check
Making Contact • Prepare an Email that: • Focuses on the importance of Global Competency- learned only by study abroad • Request an opportunity to present scholarship opportunities • State Department Funded (Merit): NSLI, YES • BP Global Leaders (Need based) • AFS Country Specific (Merit- partial) • Briefly describes your presentation & time requirement • Emphasize that study abroad differentiates students on college applications • Customize the email for each school • Close by stating when you will follow-up
Follow-Up • Teachers and School staff are busy – follow –up with another email or a voice message • When someone responds to your solicitation email, respond ASAP! • Plan to accommodate THEIR desired dates and times! • Remind them of scholarship deadlines
Preparing Your Presentation • Remember your audience: Teacher sand Teenagers! • Interactive: quizzes, Q&A – have prizes! • Relevant even to those who will never study abroad: Fun but relevant cultural facts • Specific steps for students who will want to apply for scholarships • Music & short videos (You tube) are great • Include time to collect leads!
Example of Presentation • http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6_WAmt3cMdk
Preparing Your Presentation • Remember Your Presenters: AFS hosted Students & Returnees • Try to use students • Try to train the presenters on the presentation before it is expected to be given live! • Use simple language • Make sure the presentation slides includes all relevant info in case a presenter “forgets” or is not a good presenter • Include parts for even the shyest AFSer • Better to end early than to go over!
World Culture Quiz • Brazil has the second largest group of what ethnic people outside of their country of origin? Choose one: Japan, Germany, Angola, Spain
World Culture Quiz • In Thailand, what part of the body should never be touched by another person, as it is the place where the soul is believed to reside?
World Culture Quiz • Which continent does Turkey belong to: Europe or Asia?
What stereotypes do you have about.. Thailand Brazil Turkey
Obtaining Leads • Encourage students who are REALLY interested in study abroad to complete a student interest card. • This card can also be used to get Hosting leads! • Ask the teacher to identify best candidates! • Follow up with the students and their families and encourage them to sign up for an free online information session! • If you don’t like to do the follow-up find someone else to do it!
Sending Interview • AFS Sends an email to the Sending Coordinator as soon as a student submits a pre-application. • Many of these applications never get completed • Follow up with the student and the parents to encourage completion of the application. • Discuss the value of the opportunity and provide additional information; e.g. Fundraising, scholarship deadlines, etc. • BP and State Dept applications are free • Use this opportunity to assess parental support.
Remember to be Thankful! • Leave behind AFS Teacher Packets with your AFS business card - Free & Invaluable! • Send a thank you email afterwards - Remind them you will contact them again next year for presentations. • Make sure the presenters sign a “Thank you for allowing us to share ‘Our World’ card” with a personal message for the hosts. • Consider donating a small AFS token or $5 Starbucks Card - Really appreciated but cannot be reimbursed!
Interview Tips • Schedule the interview after the student has most of the application complete. • Bring a copy of Form 8 and the assessment questions used to interview NSLI applicants. • Ensure the parent gets the answers to their many questions- bring a translator if necessary! • Try to bring a returnee or parent of a returnee to the interview to lend support and help alleviate fears.
Funding • Students who do not get a full scholarship often become disillusioned and give up. • HELP them get started fundraising! • Selected Fundraising ideas: • Various internet “funding” sites • Appeal to all local AFS families and on AFS nationwide • Local restaurants • AFS Fundraising conference calls! • Request Students you have helped fundraise for “pay back” in volunteer hours when they return.
Funding Websites • Fund My Project • AFS Blog • Kick Starter • Indiegogo • RocketHub • FundRazr • GoGetFunding • Crowdfunder • StartSomeGood
Maximizing Returnee Enthusiasm • Invite returnees to help with Arrivals & Post –Arrival Orientations- the connection they forge encourages yearlong activity • Schedule Early Fall Presentations at the Returnees’ schools • DO train Returnees! Request attendance to as many as possible; • They are the best salesmen and it reinforces their positive experience! • Start an AFS or International Club – reflects leadership and civic responsibility on their college applications • Use them as References! Ask them for email addresses of their supportive teachers, counsellors, etc.
You Can Do it! It’s Worth the Effort! • You are introducing the opportunity of a lifetime to the students you introduce to AFS! • You are helping US students become more globally aware - even those who don’t want to study abroad! • You are helping the hosted students become better known in their school! • You are educating teachers while affirming the value of language teachers!
AFS Resources • Afswiki.org/Sending • www.afsusa.org • http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6_WAmt3cMdk • https://www.kickstarter.com/ • https://www.indiegogo.com/ • http://www.rockethub.com/ • https://fundrazr.com/ • http://gogetfunding.com/ • https://www.crowdfunder.com/ • http://startsomegood.com/ • http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TlzQC3raXpE
Recounts from Abroad • http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TlzQC3raXpE