A new environment of budgetary cuts and increasing competition is forcing many institutions to become strategic and deliberate in their recruitment efforts. Effective international recruitment practices are dependent more than ever on a deep understanding of student mobility patterns and decision-making processes. The purpose of this research is to provide an in-depth understanding of the trends and issues related to international student enrollment and to help institutional leaders and administrators make informed decisions and effectively set priorities. Although student mobility is expected to grow, institutions have to compete hard for talented and self-funded students. A better understanding of global mobility trends and their relationship to the applicant pipeline will help institutions channel their efforts. Institutions that are strategic, deliberate and informed in their recruitment efforts will maximize the investment in an efficient manner.