Why Goin' Country Communities?

Our journey at Goin' has always been guided by student feedback. Through countless focus groups and surveys, one question repeatedly emerged:
"Why can’t we connect with students from other universities [in the same country] ?"

“Why can’t I connect with all other Brazilian students in Finland” 

From the students’ perspective, the desire to broaden their networks made perfect sense. Meeting other students from similar backgrounds, sharing tips about student life, or finding like-minded individuals to collaborate with, expanding these opportunities is the natural next step for them.

At the same time, universities expressed valid concerns about recruitment overlaps or potential conflicts that might arise if cross-institutional connections were introduced before enrollment. The Goin' Country Community was created to address these needs thoughtfully. By offering access exclusively after enrollment and arrival, we ensure there’s no conflict with recruitment strategies while delivering students the broader networks they crave.

How Does It Work?

The Goin' Country Community adds an exciting new layer to the platform. Once students have officially enrolled and arrived at their respective universities, they gain access to the Country Community for their region.

Through this feature, students can connect with other students across all Goin’ partner universities in the same country. They can toggle seamlessly between their private university community and the broader Country Community, unlocking new opportunities for collaboration, friendships, and shared experiences.

For example:

A Romanian student at Erasmus University Rotterdam can now find all other Romanian students at for example Utrecht University to discuss housing, travel, or cultural experiences.

A student from Saxion University might connect with students at Radboud University to share tips about the best spots in their city.

A Brazilian student at Haaga-Helia was the only Brazilian student there, but can now find all other Brazilian students in Finland on the Goin’ to Finland community. 

This feature creates an ecosystem where students help one another, creating connections that extend far beyond the walls of their individual universities.

Benefits for Students

1. 10x Connection Opportunities:

By opening up cross-university connections, students can meet more people with similar interests, backgrounds, nationality, or goals. This broad network enriches their academic and social experiences, making them feel more at home in their host country.

2. A Seamless Transition Post-Arrival:

The Country Community is activated after students arrive on campus, aligning perfectly with the stage when they’re ready to explore their surroundings and establish deeper networks.

3. Increased Support and Collaboration:

Whether it’s finding study groups, sharing housing tips, or even planning group trips, the Country Community allows students to collaborate in ways that wouldn’t have been possible within a single institution.

4. A Safe and Moderated Space:

Every student in the Country Community is a verified Goin’ user, ensuring a secure and trustworthy environment. With the same moderation protocols applied across all Goin’ communities, students can engage confidently, knowing they are part of a supportive space.

Benefits for Universities

1. Strengthened Student Enrollment for the long run:

Universities that embrace the Country Community demonstrate their commitment to providing the best possible support for their students. This innovation enhances the student journey, creating a sense of pride and belonging among enrolled students.

2. Reactivation of Engagement:

The Country Community reignites students’ interest by introducing fresh connections and opportunities, keeping them active and engaged throughout their academic journey.

3. Reduced Administrative Burden:

With students supporting one another in the Country Community, universities benefit from reduced pressure on staff. Common questions are answered within the platform by students, while the collaborative nature of the community minimizes the need for institutional oversight.

4. No Recruitment Conflicts:

By activating the Country Community only after students have enrolled and arrived, universities can rest assured that this feature complements their recruitment efforts rather than interfering with them.

5. Stay-rates / Retention

By creating a sense of belonging and support, students are more likely to feel satisfied, engaged, and confident throughout their academic journey. This increased sense of community significantly reduces dropout rates and boosts retention, ensuring that students stay enrolled and complete their studies.

Completely Free for Existing Partners

This additional service comes at no extra cost to our partner universities. It aligns with our mission to open up as many connection opportunities as possible, enabling students to thrive in their academic and social environments.

The Future of Creating Student Connections

The Goin' Country Community is another step of how we aim to revolutionize student connections. By connecting students across institutions, we’re helping them build friendships, share resources, and create a sense of belonging that goes beyond their individual universities.

For students, this is an opportunity to broaden their horizons, gain new perspectives, and make the most of their academic journey. For universities, it’s a chance to lead the way in providing innovative, exciting opportunities to reengage, strengthen enrollment and boost retention, all with zero-effort.

At Goin', we’re proud to help institutions embrace the power of community, creating ecosystems where students thrive socially, academically, and personally.

Want to learn more about how Goin’ Country Communities can benefit your students and institution? Schedule a meeting with ua, and let’s work together to redefine student connections.