International schools have a unique challenge when it comes to alumni engagement - with a diverse and global alumni network, it can be difficult to connect and keep in touch with graduates who are scattered all over the world. However, effective alumni engagement is crucial for the long term development success of the school, as alumni can serve as ambassadors, donors, and mentors for current students.

One of the main challenges faced by alumni and development departments at international schools is the lack of a centralised database. With alumni living and working in different countries, it can be difficult to keep track of contact information and stay in touch. A centralised database is essential for effective alumni engagement, allowing international schools to keep track of contact information, communication preferences, and engagement levels of their alumni - as well as allowing schools to easily capture and store their alumni contact information, segment alumni based on demographics, and send targeted communications.

International schools often have a diverse student body, which can make it difficult to create a sense of community amongst the alumni network - and, with alumni living all over the world, it can be difficult to organise events that are accessible to everyone. Therefore, one way to foster this sense of community among diverse, international networks of alumni is to create regional clubs or groups. Localised gatherings provide alumni the opportunity to connect with those in similar global areas or regions - and in-person events, activities and reunions help promote relationship building and a sense of camaraderie among alumni who may not have had the chance to connect during their time at school.

Language barriers can sometimes pose a challenge for alumni engagement. Therefore, one way to reach maximum engagement levels amongst alumni networks is to have an online alumni platform that can be translated into different languages. This will allow all alumni to access the network and stay informed about school news and events, regardless of their preferred language - and, by creating a more personalised experience for alumni, it is more likely that these alumni will engage with the school.

To be successful in alumni engagement, international schools can also leverage the power of social media and digital communication. Platforms such as LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram can be used to connect with alumni, share updates and news, and promote events. This will allow the school to reach a wider global audience, and make it more accessible for alumni to stay informed and connected to their alma mater. Personalised communications to your alumni in different regions around the world will also drive increased engagement - for example, scheduling your emails and newsletters according to time zones.

By understanding the challenges faced by alumni and development offices, and implementing effective strategies to overcome them, international schools can create a strong and engaged alumni network that benefits both the school and its alumni community.

ToucanTech’s all-in-one CRM is a sophisticated and powerful alumni management system that can help international schools connect and engage with their global network of alumni. With features such as a centralised database, targeted campaigns, event management and donor tracking, it allows for easy segmentation of globalised alumni communities, making it ideal for international schools. Interested in finding out more? Click here to speak to one of the ToucanTech team.