76% of Students Want Study Abroad: Scale Programs Without New Staff

In this episode of EdTech Connect, host Jeff Dillon sits down with David Nelson, Director of Study Abroad at Terra Dotta and a veteran international education leader.

David breaks down the findings from Terra Dotta's latest survey, revealing why 76% of students want to study abroad and how their motivations are shifting from personal growth to resume building. They explore the "clustering effect" of social media, why students are choosing "safe" destinations like the UK, and the critical role parents play in the decision-making process.

David also shares how technology—from AI-driven data analysis to automation—is helping understaffed offices meet student expectations and make global experiences more affordable and impactful. For anyone involved in international education, this is a deep dive into the data shaping the future of study abroad and practical solutions for expanding access while managing limited resources.

What you'll learn:

why 76% of students want to study abroad but are clustering in English-speaking destinations like the UK
how student motivations have shifted from personal enrichment to professional resume building and career differentiation
why parents are critical influencers in study abroad decisions and how to address their safety concerns
how understaffed offices can leverage automation and existing tech like Microsoft Power Automate to scale operations
why AI-powered sentiment analysis of student feedback helps universities make data-backed program decisions
how virtual internships with companies like Netflix and Nike offer affordable alternatives to traditional study abroad

Chapters:
(00:00:00) - EdTech Connect: David Nelson
(00:01:48) - The Teradata Director of Study Abroad
(00:03:21) - The Importance of Study Abroad
(00:04:18) - Study Abroad: More Secure, More Global
(00:06:17) - Study Abroad: Important to Personal Growth
(00:08:57) - The UK Remains the Top Student Destination
(00:11:15) - How to Automate Student Aid Formations
(00:13:12) - Can Colleges and Institutions Improve Affordability?
(00:15:14) - What's the College Student Travel Plan?
(00:17:15) - Education and AI: The Future of Student Experience
(00:19:43) - The Parent Involvement in Study Abroad
(00:22:14) - Diversifying the Message About Study Abroad
(00:23:38) - The Study Abroad Experience: Peer Influence
(00:28:16) - EdTech Connect

Find David Nelson:
LinkedIn:   / denelson123  
Terra Dotta: https://terradotta.com/

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Web: https://edtechconnect.com/

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About EdTech Connect

The EdTech Connect Podcast delivers cutting-edge insights for higher education professionals who want to stay ahead of the technology transformation reshaping academia. Host Jeff Dillon interviews top experts, educators, and technologists sharing actionable strategies for meaningful campus innovation.

Sponsored by: Mackey Strategies

Led by founder Pete Mackey, Mackey Strategies is a consulting firm that helps higher education and nonprofit institutions advance their missions through specialized services in branding, communications, marketing, and fundraising. Their services include crisis communications, campaign creative development, leadership counsel, and interim leadership to navigate challenges and achieve long-term growth.

learn more: https://mackeystrategies.com

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