Seminar Programme ICEF ANZA

ICEF Agent Voice is an annual survey of ICEF-screened agents from over 100 countries. It is unique in its frequency, reach, and level of detail – comparing perspectives of agents around the world and gaining fresh insights into how they are adapting and responding to global issues and challenges. This includes a year-on-year comparison of the attractiveness of international study destinations as perceived by agents recruiting for a wide range of international study programmes. Additional aspects covered include: - Where ICEF agents plan to send students in 2024 and beyond - How institutions can effectively provide support and work closely with their agents this year - What agents see as the most effective marketing strategies - Visa approval rates The survey findings will help educators to build their reputation and relationships with agents and will also assist them in developing strategies to market themselves and their destinations more effectively.

Find out how ICEF is leading the way in quality assurance for international education agencies with ICEF Agency Status This session is for agencies and educational institutions wanting to find out more about ICEF’s expanded agency accreditation program: ICEF Agency Status (IAS). It is more important than ever for professional agents to distinguish themselves and demonstrate their standards to educational institutions and students - hear about how IAS benefits the whole sector, as well as the eligibility requirements for agencies such as background and reference checks and their endorsement of the ICEF Code of Conduct. You’ll find out more about how reputable agencies can be instantly verified using a unique badge, ID and QR code based on blockchain technology, and our new global online network of accredited agencies. A must-attend session for anyone interested in how ICEF is driving professional standards in international student recruitment for improved student outcomes.

Studying abroad is a great adventure, but navigating an entirely new environment can be very challenging and frightening. This puts extra emphasis on the importance of appropriate student housing: not just a place to sleep but their ‘home away from home’, where they study, cook, hangout etc. The right ‘fit’ in terms of accommodation can and will have a significant positive impact on their overall study experience. In this session, industry experts will share their insights and experience in terms of the types of accommodation that are available such as student dorms, homestays, private apartments and PBSA. In addition, the panel will provide advice and guidance on how to get access to suitable and affordable options in the midst of the current housing crisis.

This session dives into Australia's commitment to international students. Andrew Oldfield will showcase Perth's unique approach to integrating students on the West Coast. Melinda Hatton will then discuss the Australian Government Tuition Protection Service, explaining how it collaborates with providers and agents to ensure a smooth experience for international students in Australia. Through these insights, agents will gain valuable knowledge to empower both themselves and their students on their Australian study journeys.

Join us for an insightful interview exploring how financial technology (FinTech) is revolutionizing the world of international education. We'll delve into the latest advancements that are making study abroad more accessible and affordable for students from all backgrounds. This interview-style session promises a dynamic exploration of FinTech's transformative impact on international education, offering valuable insights for agents and institutions.

International students need to be guided on how to achieve their goals of getting a world-recognised degree. This seminar will focus on the importance of employability skills for international students. Suzie Wu and Amanda Ebert Zirbes from Education Centre of Australia will discuss the different skills and knowledge that employers are looking for, and how international students can identify their gaps and develop a plan to improve their abilities. We will also provide practical advice on how to ace job interviews and applications, and how to gain experiential learning.

Join sector experts from New Zealand as they discuss how collaboration within, and between, sub sectors has provided a platform for future growth as the country emerges from the pandemic. Education providers have experienced a solid rebound in international student enrolments since the country’s borders reopened, due in no small part, to the collaborative culture that has grown within the industry. Listen to sector experts as they share their experiences and learnings, and discuss innovative strategies and best practices. Watch the exchange as they explain how they have worked together to develop opportunities for students and promote New Zealand as a global destination of choice. Don't miss this opportunity to discover what drives success in our interconnected education landscape.

Creative technologies are undergoing significant changes in both education and industry. Rapid developments in real-time game engines, procedural tools and artificial intelligence challenge industry to adapt while also empowering human creativity. In fields such as film, games and design, art has always included technical elements, and technical fields have always been creative. These statements may appear counter-intuitive, but bridges between arts and engineering are more pronounced than ever. This talk explores this relationship and aims to challenge assumptions about future skillsets in the digital age.

In recent months migration and education policy changes have occurred in many countries at an unprecedented speed and scale. Students, parents, agents, and educators are still scrambling to comprehend and adapt to the changes. Softening demand is already apparent across major study destinations including Australia, Canada, and the UK. These changes have highlighted the degree to which governments can use migration and work rights settings to switch demand on and off. Such sudden and major changes create confusion and uncertainty, causing students to immediately start researching and considering alternative study destinations. This session will highlight the impacts of these recent changes, as well as explore which alternative study destinations students are considering.

What does the future hold for Australia as a study destination for international students? What are the implications of recent changes in migration policy and visa application processes and practices? Our panellists will provide insights on the latest developments in Australian immigration and education. We will delve into the recent changes to student visa processing, exploring potential pitfalls. We will discuss what agents need to know to navigate the changing landscape.

According to the Cambridge Dictionary….. to “rebound” is to “bounce back after hitting a hard surface”. There is no better description of the performance of the Aotearoa New Zealand international Education Sector in the last year. With borders reopening in August 2022, New Zealand education providers returned to the international student market with both energy and intent. The survival of many depended on how successful the country would be in encouraging students across the whole sector to return. A concerted effort by the sector and government agencies was undertaken to put New Zealand back “on the map” as a high-quality international education destination. International marketing campaigns were coordinated closely with diplomatic posts in key markets. Education New Zealand Manapou ki te Ao, and other government agencies worked with schools, PTEs, English language schools, Polytechnical Institutes and Universities to push a single unified message “We are open again, and we welcome you back”. The rebound also involved at least 14 senior ministerial and sector delegations travelling to China, India, Viet Nam, Japan, Indonesia, Malaysia South Korea, US, Canada, Chile, Brazil, and Thailand. This was only the tip of the iceberg of all the effort by New Zealand providers, agents, providers, and Government agencies – offshore and onshore. And the response from students seeking to study in New Zealand has been outstanding. By the beginning of March this year the total number of international student visa holders, in and outside New Zealand was 45,753 – a 171% increase since the borders re opened in August 2022 (16,853). This represents 68% of the numbers in March 2020 when the borders closed. Significantly, all subsectors experienced visa growth between March 2023 and March 2024 – University sector up 22%, PTE visas increased by 62%, Polytechnical Institutes (Te Pūkenga) increased by 58% and schools increased by 48%. While all in the sector acknowledge the challenges ahead, the improved position of the sector overall has rebuilt confidence that New Zealand education providers can move forward again. Yes, we did hit a hard surface, but check out the rebound! We look forward to meeting you telling you more about The Rebound at the ICEF ANZA conference.