Representing CAES abroad

As a representative of the University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), your international presence reflects on our entire institution. Whether leading a study abroad group, participating in a conference or building global partnerships, this practical guide will help you make a strong, respectful and culturally aware impression while representing the CAES brand abroad.

Preparation

Know your destination

• Cultural norms: Research common greetings, appropriate attire, dining etiquette, gift-giving customs and gestures that might be interpreted differently across cultures.
• Current events and local issues: Stay informed about political, environmental and health-related developments in the region.
• Religious and social sensitivities: Be aware of holidays, dietary practices, gender dynamics and other culturally significant norms.

Pack materials to rep the brand

• Branded materials: Bring CAES-branded apparel such as shirts, hats and name tags; promotional items such as pins, pens, notebooks and folders; business cards and academic brochures, especially if you are attending a conference or meeting with potential collaborators.
• Presentation-ready assets: Have a polished, up-to-date presentation deck and CAES fact sheet on hand. These can be helpful in spontaneous networking situations or formal introductions. We have ready-made slide decks for you to use linked below.
• Student program materials: If you are recruiting or presenting on study abroad opportunities, bring printed flyers or QR codes linking to UGA’s global learning pages.

Know what to say

• Craft your elevator pitch: Be ready to explain who you are, what your department does and why CAES is a leader in agricultural and environmental sciences. This is a great opportunity to review other elements of this brand guide, such as the brand platform and key messaging examples.
• Highlight global connections: Emphasize CAES’s work in international instruction, research and Extension. Where appropriate, share personal stories or examples that bring these points to life.
• Tailor your message: If you’ll be meeting with specific collaborative partners or organizations, learn a little about their mission and goals in advance to help you frame CAES’s strengths in relevant terms.

Pre-approved marketing materials

PowerPoint: Introduction to CAES

This presentation features standard introductory information on CAES and the University of Georgia. You can use this presentation as-is to showcase the University of Georgia and CAES is presentations to international stakeholders.

PDF: Introduction to CAES

This document is intended to function as a “leave behind” during and after meetings with international stakeholders to educate them on the University of Georgia, CAES, the state of Georgia and other relevant information.

Video: The University of Georgia: A Leader in Global Agricultural Innovation

This video is intended to showcase the University of Georgia, CAES, the state of Georgia and other relevant information in settings where a video would be more appropriate.

Social Media

• Be thoughtful: Ensure that all social media content shared is respectful of local cultures and customs.
• Be strategic: Highlight CAES partnerships, student achievements and global engagement.
• Stay of brand: Ensure graphics utilize the brand color palette and captions utilizes the brand tone shared above.
• Prioritize LinkedIn over other social platforms: LinkedIn is the ideal place to share about your international travel and connect with the people you meet along the way.
• Take photos (lots of photos): Whether you’re in a lab, walking through a field, presenting to colleagues, or participating in a conference, take photos for use in social media during and after your trip. Sharing photos on social media increases engagement by up to 150% compared to posts shared without visuals. Even if you don’t use them right away,
• Review our full guide to social media: For our full guide on using social media, please visit the social media section of this brand guide.
• Tag CAES in your social media posts: You can connect with CAES on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter/X. Whenever you post about your professional travel, be sure to tag CAES in your posts to connect your work back to the brand.