Storytelling for Impact: Revolutionising Pre-Departure and Orientation for International Students

James Martin1

1Insider, Adelaide, Australia

Many institutions rely on outdated methods and formats in the way they manage pre-departure and orientation information. But what do students actually want? How do they prefer to receive information, and what truly engages them?

This presentation explores how innovative storytelling and cutting-edge content creation can transform the pre-departure and orientation experience, setting up your students for success.

Discover key strategies to craft compelling stories that inform, inspire, and engage. Learn how to integrate storytelling into your programs with real-world examples and case studies showcasing measurable impact. From videos and social media to interactive guides and webinars, attendees will see what best practice looks like when it comes to pre-departure information.

James and the Insider team has been a leader in culturally relevant media production and storytelling with over a decade of experience of helping institutions improve how they talk to international students. His leadership has positioned Insider Guides as a trusted source of information and support, reaching over 70% of new international students in Australia annually.


Biography:

James is a recognised leader in the international education sector, specialising in media production and storytelling. His innovative approach to capturing the authentic international student experience and creating culturally relevant content across formats has established Insider as a trusted source for both international students and educational institutions. Through his work, James has significantly enhanced the way international education is communicated and experienced.

He was honoured with the 2019 IEAA Best Practice Award for International Education, highlighting his contributions and commitment to excellence in the field.