On September 6th, our GoElite team of eight traveled to Sofia University’s Palo Alto campus for an on-site engagement with international students. The purpose of the visit was simple but important: to connect directly with students, listen to their experiences, provide resources, and share services—especially in light of the newly proposed H-1B and F-1 visa updates by DHS, which have created new questions and concerns for international students.
International students consistently tell us they want more than information, they want resources, guidance, and community. That’s why we believe showing up in person matters. The visit allowed us to not only support students face-to-face, but also gather feedback that can help both GoElite and our partner universities better serve this community.
We conducted nearly 40 student interviews, most of whom are currently enrolled in the MBA program. The students represented a diverse mix of nationalities, including China, Korea, Vietnam, India, and Zambia.
Several themes emerged throughout our conversations:
Flexibility matters. Students emphasized that flexibility in program design and scheduling is one of the most important factors in their decision-making.
Student services are critical. Many students noted that services beyond academics, such as career support, visa guidance, and community activities play a vital role in their overall satisfaction after enrollement.
Location remains number one. While proximity and location are still the top factors when choosing a university, students pointed out that flexibility and student services are often overlooked by schools—yet are deeply needed.
The atmosphere during our visit was both welcoming and engaging. Students appreciated the opportunity to share their personal journeys of studying, working, and planning their futures in the U.S. To make the event more relaxed and open, our team also provided a free lunch, which encouraged genuine conversations. Many students expressed that they are happy with their experiences at Sofia University and were grateful for the chance to voice their perspectives. Several also asked us to extend their heartfelt thanks to Dr. Simone M. DiMatteo for her consistent support and warmhearted dedication to the international student community.
For GoElite and our university partners, these on-site engagements are more than student outreach, they are strategic opportunities to gather insights directly from the student body. By understanding what international students value most, universities can adjust programs, services, and messaging to better attract and retain diverse students.
As visa policies and student expectations evolve, resources, flexibility, and authentic community-building will continue to differentiate the institutions that thrive in international recruitment.
At GoElite, we’re committed to being the bridge: connecting students with the services they need and helping universities understand how to meet those needs effectively.
🔗 Contact us to learn how GoElite can support your graduate enrollment goals this year—and beyond.