Next-Level Admissions: AI in IEM

The discourse around artificial intelligence (AI) exploded in 2023. After a long gestation period, the technology seems to have broken through to a new level, with a promising, if somewhat unclear, future. 

But for international educators, AI already has a lot to offer. It’s not a magic wand, but AI tools can help reduce staff time spent on mundane or repetitive tasks, provide much-needed consistency in tone and language, and even spur creativity. 

“AI does not do all the work for you, but it can save time and effort,” says Dana Brolley, director of international services at the University of Idaho. This is true across international education, but international enrollment and admissions is particularly ripe to reap the benefits of some AI applications.

Chatbots, the First Frontier

Many admissions offices, both international and domestic, have already dipped their toes into AI waters by using a chatbot. A rudimentary form of AI, chatbots are designed to recognize and respond to certain questions but lack the ability to learn from questions and develop original answers. 

The University of California-Irvine (UC Irvine) has been using a chatbot in its admissions office since 2019. Bryan Jue, senior director of outreach and communications in the Office of Undergraduate Admissions, says that the technology has been a lifesaver, particularly during the pandemic. 

“The whole reason to use it was to reduce the amount of customer service time,” he says. “A lot of time students were asking the same thing over and over.” 

More recently, says Jue