Infographic · Practitioner edition

MAPS: A Streamlined Framework for Generative AI in International Higher Education

A quick, visual guide to designing prompts that are clear, culturally attuned and compliant — without the cognitive load of longer frameworks.

Explore MAPS Build a prompt
Abstract world map illustration used as a backdrop for global education

The MAPS Framework

Run every AI request through these four filters before you press ‘generate’.

PillarMission
  • What outcome do we want?
  • How does it serve our strategy?
  • What format & length?
PillarAudience
  • Who will use this?
  • Which languages & reading level?
  • What tone & cultural norms?
PillarPlace (Intl. Context)
  • Local customs & partner expectations
  • Time‑zones, calendars, MoUs
  • Regulations & logistics
PillarSafeguarding
  • Accuracy & source checks
  • Inclusivity & accessibility
  • Privacy & accountability

Worked Example & Quick Builder

Leeds → Warsaw, Spring 2026 — editable fields and a copy button for rapid reuse.

e.g. Autumn 2025, Spring 2026
Example prompt (MAPS formatted) 

          

          

            
Compact version
              
            

            

          

        

      

      

    

  


  
  

    

      
 AI Across the International Student Life Cycle

      
Each stage benefits from AI — provided every prompt passes the MAPS filters.
 
      

        

          
Enquiry & Pre‑arrivalStage

          
AI‑enabled actions: Personalised offer letters, culturally adapted FAQs, arrival documentation guides.
 
          
    
            
  • 
              M
              Clarify recruitment objectives.
            
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  • 
              A
              Prospective students and families across cultures and time‑zones.
            
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  • 
              P
              Brand tone, cultural communication styles, data protection, source/host‑country norms.
            
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  • 
              S
              Bias checks, data‑retention limits, accessibility reviews.
            
    • 
          

        


        

          
Arrival & OrientationStage

          
AI‑enabled actions: Multilingual chatbots, local‑area guides, interactive induction videos.
 
          
    
            
  • 
              M
              Smooth arrival and early engagement.
            
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  • 
              A
              New students, parents/guardians, support staff.
            
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  • 
              P
              Local customs, communication expectations, host‑country safety regulations, institutional policies.
            
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  • 
              S
              Review for stereotypes; ensure WCAG compliance.
            
    • 
          

        


        

          
Study ProgressionStage

          
AI‑enabled actions: Adaptive study‑skills tips, automated alerts, summarised policy updates.
 
          
    
            
  • 
              M
              Support academic success.
            
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  • 
              A
              Current students (on‑campus & online) and tutors.
            
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  • 
              P
              Academic‑integrity rules, classroom expectations, accreditation standards, disability services.
            
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  • 
              S
              Transparent AI feedback; secure data handling.
            
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Completion & Career TransitionStage

          
AI‑enabled actions: Tailoured CV advice, local job‑market analytics, automated reference letters.
 
          
    
            
  • 
              M
              Boost employability.
            
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  • 
              A
              Final‑year students and employers.
            
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  • 
              P
              International labour‑market data, employer expectations, alumni policy.
            
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  • 
              S
              Validate information; obtain consent for data use.
            
    • 
          

        


        

          
Alumni & ReintegrationStage

          
AI‑enabled actions: Re‑entry guides, sentiment analysis, curated alumni newsletters.
 
          
    
            
  • 
              M
              Maintain lifelong engagement.
            
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  • 
              A
              Graduates worldwide.
            
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  • 
              P
              Privacy law, cross‑border marketing rules, alumni‑engagement norms.
            
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  • 
              S
              Unsubscribe options; analytics neutrality.
            
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 Implementation Tips

      

        
Prompt templates
Maintain a shared library for recruitment, TNE and student support. Keep formats, tone and safeguards consistent.
 

        
Micro‑training
Run focused 20‑minute sessions on MAPS and responsible AI use. Encourage human review before publishing.
 

        
Feedback loop
Invite staff to rate outputs, refine prompts and share top‑rated examples. Iterate and audit regularly.
 

      


      
 References

      

        
    
          
  1. UNESCO (2023). Guidance for Generative AI in Education and Research.
    2. 
          
  2. NAFSA / International Educator (2024). Articles on GenAI in global education and student support across time‑zones.
    3. 
          
  3. Deloitte Insights (2023). How higher education can realise the potential of GenAI.
    4. 
          
  4. EAIE (2024). Snapshot on international students and academic integrity in the age of GenAI.
    5. 
          
  5. MIT Sloan EdTech (2023). Notes on AI hallucinations and bias mitigation.
    6. 
        

        
For full citations, see the accompanying white paper.