Study Abroad Advising Content Samples
Since 2016, I have worked as a part-time study abroad advisor. My goal is to help as many students as possible worldwide experience the positive impacts of international education by showcasing the benefits it has brought me, with an understanding that having a broader education outside of your home country can set you up for further success in the future. Below are some recent samples of online content I have produced.
ISFAA Financial Aid Content (2023)
Project Synopsis: Many of the students I work with are international students interested in studying in the US. In comparison to other western countries, the US has more complex rules and detailed processes, in particular when applying for financial aid. For many students, they are fearful of not being able to afford the price tag of a US higher education, which is often much higher for international students.
The International Student Financial Aid Application (ISFAA) is the primary way students can receive aid. Each college/university that participates in ISFAA controls their own form so it is important for students to be able to understand that they have to apply individually. In 2021, I produced an informational content video (follow-up walkthrough video in 2023) for my YouTube and blog audience to share more information about this process.
Note: There is currently at 2025 video in production for release in February, that aligns with the latest changes from December 2024. I regularly check the standards for this program in partnership with schools and information from the Federal government.
Contributions: I am the sole creator, producer, and editor of this video content.
Key Skills Used: Scriptwriting, Marketing, Communication, Public Speaking, Video Editing, Research
Outcome: The ISFAA walk though instructional video is my most watched on my YouTube channel. It currently ranks #1 in Search for ISFAA on the platform and also pull as the first video resource for ISFAA on Google search. A related free eGuide that I created was downloaded over 340 times in 2024.
Find Your Perfect Study Abroad Program Free e-Guide
Project Synopsis: My ‘Find Your Perfect Study Abroad Program’ Guide has been a flagship product of my study abroad advising program since the beginning. Originally created in 2014 for me to share with a peer, it is now in its third edition and includes relevant information for students interested in studying abroad globally for 2025. This guide was created from the perspective of providing students with all the information I wish I had on hand when I was first venturing into study abroad in the early 2000s. As with all my projects, I provide information in a digestible format so students can get what they need and get going on their plans.
Contributions: I am the sole creator and editor of this guide and all of its elements.
Key Skills Used: Content writing, research, editing, design intuition, marketing
Outcome: This guide has been downloaded 683 times since 2020. The latest version has also been a key lead generator for me to connect with new advising students. In 2022, I also created a “sister” product for this guide in the form of an online planner for study abroad students to use during their First Month Abroad.
The eGuide’s lead generation form is also the start of a two week email cycle campaign for those who sign up. I have promoted this free product on Instagram, Pinterest, Facebook Groups, and Google as well as in my YouTube videos.
How to Study Abroad in 30 Days YouTube Series
Project Synopsis: My ‘Learn How to Study Abroad in 30 Days’ YouTube Series focuses on providing guidance on all aspects of the global education journey from Finding a Program to Applying for Financial Aid and all other elements of the process. This course is primary tailored to American students but can also be used by Europeans and some students in Asia, particularly if that are interested in coming to study in America.
Contributions: I am the sole creator and editor of this YouTube Series and all of its elements.
Key Skills Used: Content writing, research, editing, design intuition, marketing, risk management
Outcome: This YouTube series continues to receive monthly views. I have found that many students prefer to focus on the Program search module and financial aid elements the most. This series also has a follow-up email funnel that I built to provide resources along their journey.
Surviving Your First 30 Days Away Free Mini e-course
Project Synopsis: As part of my study abroad advising, I consider all aspects of the journey my students take. I also reflect on the information I wish had been available to me when I first began my study abroad programs. In 2021, I created a free downloadable mini-course titled “Surviving Your First 30 Days of Study Abroad” to help students in short-term study abroad programs adjust to all the aspects of being in a new country. This course, which can be completed in approximately 90 minutes, covers topics such as adjusting to a time difference, connecting with peers, managing homesickness, and also the challenges of reverse culture shock, as well as how to prepare for this phase.
Contributions: I am the sole creator of this free asset, having planned all content, recorded and edited the videos, and added supplementary content pieces, as well as designed the landing page to make the mini-course accessible.
Key Skills Used: Content Creation, Researching, Public Speaking, Presentation Skills, WordPress, Google Analytics
Outcome: This free mini-course has been accessed over 80 times since 2021 and is often the one I receive the most emails about, as students start planning their journey. Ironically, they often discover this course before applying, but as they are in the ‘gathering information’ phase before applying.