Seminar Programme ICEF Berlin 2024

This session will provide student recruitment agencies with a step-by-step guide on how to make the most out of their participation at ICEF events in general and ICEF Berlin 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

When considering culture, it is important to recognise that there are both visible elements such as language, religious practices, and clothing; and invisible elements, such as notions of time, politeness, and learning styles. For the international education professional, working with both education counsellors and students and from diverse backgrounds, this means that a significant degree of empathy and understanding is essential in ensuring that a business partnership is assured and that a student is effectively supported in making the transition from their home country to their chosen study destination. For this campfire session, ICEF’s Josephine Phinith led a campfire discussion that offered a range of insights on what factors need to be considered when working within the international students recruitment sector and how best to avoid faux-pas and culture shock. --------------- Campfire Sessions begin with a speaker presenting a topic to a small group of up to 20 people seated around the presenter. The presenter then becomes a facilitator of an open discussion, inviting comments, insights, & questions from the campfire attendees.

At this special campfire session, you’ll have the opportunity to share your experiences as a woman in international education. Join moderator Ninfa Margarita Gómez Limas for a candid campfire session, where we'll explore together the multifaceted challenges and opportunities that women face in this dynamic industry. From managing stress and balancing work-life demands to navigating the complexities of female leadership, we'll delve into the topics that matter most to you. This is your chance to connect with like-minded individuals, share your personal stories, and gain valuable insights from others. All are welcome to participate and, whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting out, your perspective is invaluable. Let's come together to support, inspire, and empower one another as we continue to shape the future of international education. --------------- Campfire Sessions begin with a speaker presenting a topic to a small group of up to 20 people seated around the presenter. The presenter then becomes a facilitator of an open discussion, inviting comments, insights, & questions from the campfire attendees.

Join Raj Kapoor, Senior Director of International Student Recruitment at GEDU, as he discusses the pivotal role of partnerships in expanding global educational opportunities. In this session, Raj will share GEDU’s growth journey and outline its innovative strategies for entering new markets through collaborations with agents, educational institutions, and industry leaders. Attendees will gain valuable insights into how these partnerships have enhanced GEDU’s international presence while positively impacting students worldwide by improving access to quality education. Learn how partnering with GEDU can drive growth, create opportunities, and extend educational access on a global scale.

In this session we’ll address the thorny issue of industry regulation, and provide a brief summary of ICEF’s work to-date to establish strong pillars from which to build a framework for developing aligned standards and self-regulation. We’ll be joined by an educator and an agent panellist, and will be strongly encouraging audience participation, as we move into a discussion on what each side of the industry would like to see when it comes to regulatory measures such as accreditation and training.

This session has a limited number of seats, which will be allocated on a first-come, first-serve basis. Those who have bookmarked the session on Marcom will be prioritised, although it should be noted that this does not guarantee entry. Due to the limited spaces available, it is essential that you arrive at least five minutes prior to the allotted start time, otherwise your space will be reallocated. Join our upcoming workshop, Optimising the Student Journey: CRM and Data-Driven Recruitment Strategies, led by Alejandra Otero, Founder & CEO of geNEOus, Education Marketing Experts. In this session, you’ll discover how to streamline the student journey from first contact to enrollment by leveraging CRM technology, automation, and data insights. Learn to meet rising student expectations, improve lead nurturing, and enhance your recruitment efficiency. Don’t miss this chance to equip yourself with the tools and strategies needed to deliver personalised, compliant, and effective student engagement at every stage of the marketing, recruitment, admissions, and enrollment funnel. Learning Outcomes: - Understand the Student Journey: Gain a clear understanding of the phases of the student journey, from initial discovery to enrollment, and how to map out key touchpoints. - Leverage CRM Effectively: Learn how a well-configured CRM can enhance student engagement, streamline communications, and track leads throughout the recruitment funnel. - Improve Response Times: Discover strategies for meeting rising student expectations for immediacy and personalisation in inquiry responses using automation and AI tools. - Break Down Silos: Identify ways to eliminate inefficiencies caused by departmental silos, ensuring smooth information flow between marketing, admissions, and other teams. - Data-Driven Decision-Making: Learn how to analyse CRM data to identify friction points, optimise recruitment tactics, and improve conversion rates at every stage of the funnel. - Ensure Compliance: Understand the importance of integrating GDPR and other privacy regulations into your recruitment communications and CRM processes. - Enhance Recruitment ROI: Discover how to shift focus from lead quantity to lead quality, ensuring better outcomes and higher ROI through targeted recruitment strategies.

Set against a backdrop of restrictive policy environments in major study destinations such as the UK, Canada, and Australia, interest is growing in a range of study destinations, with countries across Europe proving to be major beneficiaries. Driving this growth are a range of factors including a strategic shift towards sustainable international student recruitment policies. At the same time, international students themselves are increasingly factoring affordability, ease of gaining a visa, the expansion of English language programmes, and opportunities for work (both during and post-study) into their decision-making. In this presentation, Tomas Bengtsson (University West), Patrice Goujet (Campus France) and Stephen Carleton (IU Group) will join ICEF’s Myriam Marchand to look at how interest in European destinations has evolved over the last five years, the policy decisions that have affected these changes, the opportunities available across European study destinations, including work rights and programme options, as well as projected challenges for the future.

In a world where mental health challenges are pervasive, students are at a critical crossroads. Research shows that 75% of lifetime mental health problems emerge during the college years. As an institution, we recognize our responsibility to provide international students with the tools to navigate these challenges. Our Wellbeing Program is designed to improve overall wellbeing, foster a sense of belonging, and support adaptation to life abroad. By investing in their holistic growth, we empower students to build resilience, form strong connections, and thrive academically and personally in a new cultural environment.

Studying in Spain is today an attractive option for students from all continents. The higher education currently offered in Spain, both public and especially private, offers quality standards aligned with the main traditional destinations when it comes to being an attractive option. In those countries where Spain is closer due to linguistic or cultural tradition, the arguments are more embedded in the mindset of potential students. But: what happens in those countries where Spain is not clearly perceived as an option? This presentation seeks to offer arguments both for the country as a destination and for university education, so that agents can argue with data and support why Spain is a good option for foreign students.

The traditional "Big Four" study destinations - the US, UK, Australia, and Canada - have long dominated the international education landscape. However, a seismic shift is underway as Asian countries are rapidly emerging as attractive alternatives for students seeking quality education. Key factors driving this trend include: Affordability: Many Asian countries offer lower tuition fees and living costs compared to the Big Four, making them more accessible to a wider range of students. Cultural diversity: While the Big Four offer diverse student populations, Asian countries often boast even greater cultural diversity from locals, fellow students and faculty;, providing students with unique opportunities to interact with people from different backgrounds and perspectives. Growing reputation: Asian universities are increasingly recognized for their academic excellence, particularly in fields like engineering, technology, and business. Government support: Many Asian governments are investing heavily in education to enhance their countries' global competitiveness, resulting in improved infrastructure, facilities, and teaching quality. We will be joined by our panel of experts covering destinations like: China, Japan, Korea and Malaysia to explore: What trends in enrollment have we seen over the past 10 years? What has been the answer from governments and institutions to the growing demand? What makes Asia so attractive to students? What challenges still exist for institutions and how can they be solved?

Gather around the campfire for an engaging discussion on the evolving global landscape of international student recruitment, exploring the potential for the United States to reassert its position as the global leader in this domain. Referencing data and trends from ICEF Monitor, we'll delve into the geopolitical shifts impacting student mobility, with a focus on recent developments in the UK, Australia, and Canada. We'll discuss how these changes may—or may not—present unique opportunities for the U.S., all set against the dynamic backdrop of a presidential election. --------------- Campfire Sessions begin with a speaker presenting a topic to a small group of up to 20 people seated around the presenter. The presenter then becomes a facilitator of an open discussion, inviting comments, insights, & questions from the campfire attendees.