ICEF ANZA - event focused on Australia and New Zealand

14:00 - 14:25Room 1

How to build effective relationships in 25 minutes • Agents & Providers (for FIRST TIMERS)

Professional Development

Presentation

Presenter

Josephine (Jo) Phinith

Josephine Phinith is a seasoned professional in international education, recognized for her dedication to driving positive change. With a solid foundation in the accommodation market, Josephine began her career at Student.com, where she quickly advanced to the role of Regional Manager for SEA. Her strategic insights and commitment to excellence contributed to notable growth in bookings and revenue during her tenure. Transitioning to Amber Student, Josephine played a key role in guiding the company's international expansion efforts. Drawing on her industry expertise, she contributed to shaping global strategies and cultivating valuable partnerships. With six years of experience in the accommodation market, Josephine brings a wealth of knowledge and a proven track record of success to her role as ANZ Business Development Manager at ICEF, where she aims to continue driving impactful initiatives within the international education landscape.

Business Development Manager, ICEF

This session will provide educators with a step-by-step guide on how to make the most out of their participation at ICEF events in general and ICEF ANZA in particular.

The session will cover the following topics:

How to maximise your time during the event
Post-event follow-up and agent contracts
How to maximise your working relationship with providers and agents

14:00 - 14:25Room 2

Employment support for international students

Student Journey

Presentation

Presenter

Samantha Kilmartin

Samantha is a qualified career development practitioner with a background in strategic human resource management. She is deeply passionate about leveling the playing field in employment and her PhD explores barriers that exist in graduate development.

Careers & Employability Program Manager, Experience Gold Coast

Presenter

Derryn Belford

As well as undertaking a wide range of marketing activities to raise the awareness and position Perth as an internationally recognised study destination, the StudyPerth team actively enables international students to connect with Perth’s best education, life and work experiences, which in turn strengthens WA’s economy, enhances cultural diversity and supports enduring relationships with countries throughout the world. Derryn joined the StudyPerth team as CEO in early 2022, after 13 years at Tourism Western Australia. Derryn’s tourism achievements include the significant increase in new hotels built in Perth over the last 8 years, the rapid growth of the cruise ship industry in WA prior to COVID, and the continuing development of the Aboriginal tourism sector across the State. Prior to joining the international education sector, Derryn was Acting Managing Director of Tourism WA, supporting the State’s tourism industry through the COVID-19 pandemic. Derryn is passionate about education. She has a Bachelor of Science (Psychology) from the University of Western Australia, a Master of Business Administration (Marketing) from Edith Cowan University and is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

CEO, StudyPerth

In this session, Derryn Belford (StudyPerth) and Samantha Kilmartin (Experience Gold Coast - EGC) will provide an overview of the services their respective organisations provide supporting international students in gaining vital employability skills and experience.

Firstly, Derryn will focus on the collaborative efforts between StudyPerth and a range of organisations, including CPA Australia, Energy Club WA, Engineers Australia, and Cyber West Hub. Samantha will then guide audiences through EGC’s employment strategy, providing case studies, insight into their data-driven approach to supporting students in this important area, as well as examples of programmes and initiatives. The session concludes with a 5-minute Q&A.

14:30 - 14:55Room 1

Findings from the ICEF Agent Voice survey 2024

Market Intelligence

Presentation

Presenter

Reine Banu Karamanoğlu

Reine Banu Karamanoglu is ICEF’s Turkey and Europe Agent Relation’s Manager. She worked in European institutions in several fields including education, public relations, law, communication for over ten years, she also had experience in abroad education previously. She has a degree in Bachelor of Arts in Linguistics. She also holds Master of Arts degree in European Studies from Sussex University. She studied in France having gained degrees in Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts. She had training and certificates in Public Relations and Journalism. She is fluent in Turkish, English and French. She has a beginner level in Italian and German and currently learning Portuguese.

Agent Relations Türkiye / Europe, ICEF

Join us for an in-depth exploration of the latest ICEF Agent Voice survey results, offering valuable insights into current trends in student recruitment.

Key topics covered for 2024:

Recruitment expectations & Decision-making factors
Student interest & Visa approval rates
Employability factors
Enrolment challenges & Institutional support
Online programmes
Agency operations & Remuneration

The ICEF Agent Voice survey is conducted annually with ICEF-screened agents from over 100 countries. The survey stands out for its frequency, extensive reach, and detailed insights, comparing the perspectives of agents worldwide. It provides fresh insights into how agents are adapting to and addressing global challenges.

14:30 - 14:55Room 2

Creative thinking: International success for New Zealand’s secondary education sector

Market Intelligence

Interview

Moderator

Myriam Marchand

After graduating with a degree in English Language, Myriam worked in the UK in an educational role, before moving to Australia. In Sydney, she worked for various advertising agencies in production and marketing roles, specialising in print and radio production, as well as media buying. In 2007 Myriam joined ICEF Asia Pacific, working in a Business Development role. Myriam supports a wide range of institutions from many sectors, assisting them with their international student recruitment. She has extensive experience and focus in supporting secondary schools, throughout the Asia Pacific region.

Global Business Development Manager, ICEF

Panelist

Jayne Jones

Since my time as an International student many years ago, my passion for working with people of different cultures and languages has grown into a way of life for me. Working now as Deputy Principal responsible for 120 International students, I strive to ensure they are all well cared for, supported and nurtured, so that they can make the most of every opportunity that comes their way. My aim is to develop the global citizenship of all our stakeholders, enrich their understanding and enhance the experience even further. Originally from Nottingham, England, I emigrated to New Zealand 15 years ago for a better lifestyle for my family. New Zealand is the land of opportunity and positive, can-do mindset that we are happy to call our home now.

Deputy Principal International, Long Bay College

Regularly reviewed by the government to ensure quality, and with a rigorous Code of Pastoral Care that requires education providers to be signatories before they can recruit international students, New Zealand’s secondary education sector offers national qualifications valid not only in the country’s highly regarded tertiary sector, but also across the world’s most popular study destinations.

This session will provide insights into a pedagogical approach that fosters creative thinking; examples of the programmes and initiatives that have been undertaken to support international students; and the overarching benefits of the system as a whole. With perspectives from both schools and agents taken into account, attendees will gain a comprehensive overview of New Zealand’s secondary education system and why it is so popular with international students and their families.

15:00 - 15:25Room 1

How the Australian government's Tuition Protection Service protects international students

Student Journey

Interview

Moderator

Rod Hearps

For the past 34 years Rod has sought to innovate and create better ways of connecting international students with educational institutions and service providers, particularly via education agencies. Rod has owned and managed an education agency with offices in Japan and Australia and served as Principal and Marketing Manager of an Australian ESL College. Rod has been involved in the ownership and management of various international education companies, and currently manages the Oceania region for ICEF GmbH. Rod is a frequent speaker and panelist at major international education conferences and events, particularly within the Asia Pacific region. ICEF sits at the heart of the global international education industry, facilitating relationships, insight, and training, to help drive international enrollment growth for institutions, agencies, and service providers.

Vice President, Oceania, ICEF

Panelist

Melinda Hatton

The Tuition Protection Service Director is a statutory position created under the Commonwealth legislation. Melinda is responsible for the delivery and maintenance of the long-term sustainability of the Tuition Protection Service. Melinda has held several senior roles in the Department of Employment, Skills, Small and Family Business, with extensive knowledge in operational policy and program management in employment services. Melinda has also worked across a broad range of public policy issues, including regional skills policy, implementation of the National Quality Framework for early childhood education, and the implementation of the National Economic Stimulus Plan Primary Schools for the 21st Century.

Director, Tuition Protection Service (TPS)

Panelist

Robert Parsonson

Robert Parsonson, 30 years of expertise in education and export services, domestically and internationally. Specialising in crafting international student marketing strategies and facilitating market entry for educational institutions, he has worked across ELICOS, VET, and higher education sectors. In 2017, Robert initiated the first education agent symposium in Australia, evolving into the Symposium on Leading Education Recruitment, SYMPLED, the 7th was recently held on the Gold Coast. This platform led to the formation of ISEAA in 2018, advocating for education agents' recognition.

Executive Officer, ISEAA - International Student Education Agent Association

First established in 2012, the Tuition Protection Service aims to safeguard both international students and Australia’s academic reputation. An Australian government initiative, it provides support to international students on study visas, as well as eligible domestic students in the event that their chosen provider cannot deliver the full course of study.

This session provides a comprehensive overview of the Tuition Protection Service, including information on who is eligible; provider obligations in the event of both provider and student default; the support available, including gaining refunds and transfers to alternative providers; and the limitations of the Tuition Protection Service (for example visa advice).

15:00 - 15:25Room 2

MortarCAPS Data Standard – Enhancing international student well-being and equity

Thought Leadership

Presentation

Presenter

Kyle Dunsire

Kyle Dunsire is the Architectural Principal of MortarCAPS Higher Learning Data Standard (MCDS), bringing over two decades of expertise in enterprise architecture, data strategy, and cloud-based solutions. He has worked extensively with higher education institutions and industry partners to drive interoperability and innovation in the sector. As a key architect behind the MortarCAPS Higher Learning Data Standard (MCDS), Kyle has played a pivotal role in developing a unified framework that simplifies complex data ecosystems, fosters collaboration, and aligns with global best practices. His deep understanding of data standardisation and system integration makes him a trusted voice in shaping the future of higher education technology. At ICEF ANZA 2025, Kyle will share insights on the critical role of data standardisation in enhancing institutional efficiency, improving student mobility, and unlocking new opportunities for technology providers in the education sector.

Architectural Principal, MortarCAPS Higher Learning Data Standard (MCDS)

This seminar explores how the MortarCAPS Data Standard can enhance international student well-being, support equitable education access, and streamline recruitment for education agents. With increasing global student mobility, institutions and agents face challenges in managing student data consistently, ensuring accurate academic recognition, and supporting students holistically throughout their learning journey.

The session will highlight how a common data standard can address these challenges by enabling seamless data portability between institutions, simplifying credit recognition, and reducing administrative burdens for students transitioning across borders. By standardising data formats, institutions can improve transparency in academic progression, ensuring students receive appropriate support, whether through mental health services, financial aid, or academic accommodations.

Additionally, international education agents play a key role in recruitment, and a consistent, verifiable data structure enhances their ability to match students with the right programs. A trusted, standardised framework allows agents to provide more informed guidance, reducing the risk of misinformation and ensuring students make well-informed decisions.

15:30 - 15:55Room 1

Asia: Trends and predictions for 2025

Market Intelligence

Interview

Moderator

Reine Banu Karamanoğlu

Reine Banu Karamanoglu is ICEF’s Turkey and Europe Agent Relation’s Manager. She worked in European institutions in several fields including education, public relations, law, communication for over ten years, she also had experience in abroad education previously. She has a degree in Bachelor of Arts in Linguistics. She also holds Master of Arts degree in European Studies from Sussex University. She studied in France having gained degrees in Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts. She had training and certificates in Public Relations and Journalism. She is fluent in Turkish, English and French. She has a beginner level in Italian and German and currently learning Portuguese.

Agent Relations Türkiye / Europe, ICEF

Panelist

Shayaz Khan

Shayaz Khan is the Founder and CEO of BlueSky Immigration and Student Consultancy Services and DigiWeb Solutions, both Australian-based companies. A registered migration advisor for New Zealand, he specializes in international student recruitment from Asia and the subcontinent to Australia, New Zealand, Canada, the UK, and Germany. With expertise in education, immigration, and technology, Shayaz builds university partnerships and provides expert guidance on student visas, skilled migration, and work visas. Based in Sydney and New Delhi, he travels frequently for business and collaborations. His focus is on expanding educational opportunities and improving visa processes for international students.

CEO & Founder, Bluesky Immigration & Students Consultancy Services

Panelist

Akram Mardini

Akram Mardini brings over 15 years of expertise in the international education industry. As Executive Officer at Student World, he has established a strong track record of success, building and maintaining long-standing ventures and global partnerships. His experience includes working with various venture capital funds to drive acquisitions and lead direct global expansion strategies, scaling numerous businesses under their portfolios. Since joining Student World in early 2010, Akram has transformed the company from a primarily European-focused operation into a global powerhouse, extending its reach across the Middle East, the Subcontinent, China, Asia, and Africa. During the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, Akram played a pivotal role in adapting operations. He worked closely with partner universities worldwide to enhance online learning options for students seeking an international education experience from home and expanded Student World's services to include migration solutions, leveraging the company’s global presence.

General Manager, Student World

Australia and New Zealand are both attractive study destinations and particularly popular with students from across Asia, who are drawn to the academic quality, the range of post-study work opportunities, the quality of life, and the cultural diversity of both countries.

In this interview, Shayaz Khan, Akram Mardini and Reine Banu Karamanoğlu will guide the audience through the latest trends affecting recruitment in the region. Addressing both opportunities and challenges, topics covered include the ongoing impact of Australia’s recent policy decisions and the surge in interest from Southeast Asian countries.

15:30 - 16:25Room 2

The international student journey in Australia & New Zealand

Student Journey

Panel discussion

Moderator

Josephine (Jo) Phinith

Josephine Phinith is a seasoned professional in international education, recognized for her dedication to driving positive change. With a solid foundation in the accommodation market, Josephine began her career at Student.com, where she quickly advanced to the role of Regional Manager for SEA. Her strategic insights and commitment to excellence contributed to notable growth in bookings and revenue during her tenure. Transitioning to Amber Student, Josephine played a key role in guiding the company's international expansion efforts. Drawing on her industry expertise, she contributed to shaping global strategies and cultivating valuable partnerships. With six years of experience in the accommodation market, Josephine brings a wealth of knowledge and a proven track record of success to her role as ANZ Business Development Manager at ICEF, where she aims to continue driving impactful initiatives within the international education landscape.

Business Development Manager, ICEF

16:00 - 16:25Room 1

Latin America: Trends and predictions for 2025

Market Intelligence

Interview

Moderator

Myriam Marchand

After graduating with a degree in English Language, Myriam worked in the UK in an educational role, before moving to Australia. In Sydney, she worked for various advertising agencies in production and marketing roles, specialising in print and radio production, as well as media buying. In 2007 Myriam joined ICEF Asia Pacific, working in a Business Development role. Myriam supports a wide range of institutions from many sectors, assisting them with their international student recruitment. She has extensive experience and focus in supporting secondary schools, throughout the Asia Pacific region.

Global Business Development Manager, ICEF

Panelist

Dr Gabriela Ardito

Gabriela Ardito is Founder & CEO at VCE INTERNATIONAL and also the current the president of ARSAA Argentine Study Abroad Association. Passionate about progress, development and constant evolution, Gabriela started up as a very young ESL tutor to then be able to found her own language school, become a university lecturer & researcher and create her own Language Travel & HE consultancy business. Gabriela holds a Bachelor's in English Language, a Bachelor´s in Tourism & Hospitality, a PhD in Modern Languages, and has been involved in International Education for three decades - not only through her work as an agent but also in the Higher Education sector as Head of the Student Mobility Department at Universidad del Salvador in Buenos Aires and - most recently - as member of the ISEP Study Abroad Council of Advisors. Gabriela sometimes finds it hard to strike a balance between career and family life. However, that has not deterred her from engaging in diverse education industry collaborative projects and events with the aim of exploring new destinations for Latin-American students, working towards the growth of Argentina as a study abroad market and generating worldwide academic opportunities with the firm belief in international education as a transformative, life-changing means to foster understanding and promote cooperation among the peoples of all nations.

CEO & Founder, VCE International

Panelist

William Moreno Acero

Australian Registered Migration Agent, Master of Commerce, Specialist in Finance, Bachelor of Business Management with nearly 20 years' experience in the Education Industry, born in Colombia, based in Melbourne Australia 20 years ago focused on Customer Service, Leadership and always thinking in the next step...

Director / CEO, Will World Education

In this interview session, ICEF’s Myriam Marchand is joined by Gabriela Ardito (VCE International), and William Moreno Acero (Will World Education) to discuss Latin American trends and predictions for 2025 and beyond.

The session opens with a look at the recent shifts in student destination preferences which has seen the historical dominance of the “big four” (Australia, Canada, UK, and US) challenged by the aggressive internationalisation policies of a number of countries. It also looks into the rise of niche study areas, such as ecology and conservation, which attract Latin American students and allow them to draw upon their unique regional knowledge and experience. Finally, the session looks at the way in which financial challenges and regional stability impact student decision making and require institutions to consider a range of approaches, such as scholarships and flexible timetables, in order to provide effective support.

17:00 - 17:55Room 1

New Zealand - visa, policy & market updates

Market Intelligence Presentation followed by panel

Moderator

Rod Hearps

For the past 34 years Rod has sought to innovate and create better ways of connecting international students with educational institutions and service providers, particularly via education agencies. Rod has owned and managed an education agency with offices in Japan and Australia and served as Principal and Marketing Manager of an Australian ESL College. Rod has been involved in the ownership and management of various international education companies, and currently manages the Oceania region for ICEF GmbH. Rod is a frequent speaker and panelist at major international education conferences and events, particularly within the Asia Pacific region. ICEF sits at the heart of the global international education industry, facilitating relationships, insight, and training, to help drive international enrollment growth for institutions, agencies, and service providers.

Vice President, Oceania, ICEF

Panelist

Romez Moukachar

Romez joined UP Education in May 2023, bringing with him over a decade of senior leadership experience across several industries – 9 years within the International Higher Education sector. An International engagement and sales strategy specialist, with extensive experience in driving innovation and large-scale growth in education, he is a well-known and respected leader in the ANZ International Education space. Romez’s success and passion for the industry stems from cultivating and building relationships across the many areas involved in International Student Recruitment and is a big believer of the industry “building together”.

Director, International, UP Education

Driven by the country’s reputation for offering a high quality education, and further boosted by strong governmental support for the sector, New Zealand saw strong international student enrolment growth in 2024, with further growth projected through 2025.

Led by ICEF’s Rod Hearps, this presentation and panel discussion focuses on New Zealand’s successes and growth potential as a key study destination. Following an overview of the country’s enrolments in 2024, as well as detail on visa applications and grants, the panel will look at the specific programmes attracting international students, and suggest areas for future development. The session will conclude with predictions for the next academic year.

18:00 - 18:55Room 1

Australia - visa, policy & market updates

Market Intelligence Presentation followed by panel

Moderator

Rod Hearps

For the past 34 years Rod has sought to innovate and create better ways of connecting international students with educational institutions and service providers, particularly via education agencies. Rod has owned and managed an education agency with offices in Japan and Australia and served as Principal and Marketing Manager of an Australian ESL College. Rod has been involved in the ownership and management of various international education companies, and currently manages the Oceania region for ICEF GmbH. Rod is a frequent speaker and panelist at major international education conferences and events, particularly within the Asia Pacific region. ICEF sits at the heart of the global international education industry, facilitating relationships, insight, and training, to help drive international enrollment growth for institutions, agencies, and service providers.

Vice President, Oceania, ICEF

Panelist

Robert Parsonson

Robert Parsonson, 30 years of expertise in education and export services, domestically and internationally. Specialising in crafting international student marketing strategies and facilitating market entry for educational institutions, he has worked across ELICOS, VET, and higher education sectors. In 2017, Robert initiated the first education agent symposium in Australia, evolving into the Symposium on Leading Education Recruitment, SYMPLED, the 7th was recently held on the Gold Coast. This platform led to the formation of ISEAA in 2018, advocating for education agents' recognition.

Executive Officer, ISEAA - International Student Education Agent Association

Panelist

Ian Aird

Ian took on the role of CEO of English Australia at the start of 2024, in the midst of major upheaval from government intervention in the international education sector. With 25 years’ experience in international education, Ian was able to hit the ground running. He has ensured the peak body of the English language teaching sector in Australia has continued to have a strong voice in advocating for a more positive approach to the sector from the federal government.

CEO, English Australia

With Australia having experienced a degree of uncertainty throughout 2024, as a result of a rapidly changing policy environment, it is more important than ever for agents and educators to stay up to date with the latest trends. Despite the challenges, the country remains a popular study destination, attracting hundreds of thousands of international students each year.

Join ICEF’s Rod Hearps for a panel discussion which looks at the enrolment trends, visa issuances, and policy challenges of the last year. Additionally, with changes to the student visa programme ongoing, the panel will consider the challenges and opportunities that are likely to be seen in the coming year. Finally, the session will provide a range of insights into the growing Transnational Education sector, and the agent-provider business model, with suggestions as to how this is being improved.

Seminar Programme ICEF ANZA