ICEF Miami (Latin America) 2024

Shaping Latin America’s future: The impact of US STEM higher education 13:30 - 13:55, Room 1Speaker:James Vigus - Director of Student Recruitment, US, InUni Marketing
Description: TBA

Transforming education into employment through hybrid professional programs: A new era in international student recruitment 14:00 - 14:25, Room 1Speaker:Christina Chen - Partnership Strategist, GoElite Inc.
Description: As international education becomes increasingly competitive, Latin American students are seeking programs that not only offer academic excellence but also clear career pathways. Hybrid professional programs represent an innovative approach to bridging the gap between education and employment, particularly for international students. These programs allow international students to work while completing their degrees and provide a distinct advantage in the job market, enhancing their employability and improving their chances of staying in the U.S. post-graduation.

This presentation will focus on how Latin American education consulting agencies can benefit from offering these programs to their students, creating a unique value proposition in a competitive market.

Spain: Country of opportunities 14:30 - 14:55, Room 1Speaker:Vicente Sanjuan Raimundo - CEO, StudyinValencia Group & Hotel Escuela Ecotur
Description: Valencia, Spain, is a prime destination for international students seeking high-quality education with strong career prospects. Study in Valencia Group focuses on academic programs aligned with the region's economic strengths, particularly in tourism and gastronomy, which represent 20% of Valencia's GDP. These fields offer exceptional opportunities for professional growth and employability.

Valencia distinguishes itself not as a tourist destination, but as a hub for education and career development. Our programs are designed to equip students with the skills needed to excel in competitive industries, ensuring a pathway to success. Valencia offers not just an education, but a launchpad for building a fulfilling and prosperous future.

In this session, Vicente will explain how Valencia offers not just an education, but a launchpad for building a fulfilling and prosperous future.

Market update: Brazil 15:00 - 15:25, Room 1Speaker:Maura Leão - Finance Director, BELTA | CEO, Yázigi Travel
Description: With a population of around 218 million, Brazil is the seventh most populous country in the world, with 44% under the age of 30. Despite its powerful economy, the country lags behind in key areas such as productivity and competitiveness (especially in the digital arena), while high youth unemployment is also an issue. With these issues blamed, at least in part, on the country’s education system, there is strong demand for international study opportunities.

In this session, Maura de Araujo Leão (BELTA) provides an in-depth look into this high-potential market, with insights into market trends, popular destinations and, in particular, what Brazilian students would like to achieve with their studies. Additionally, the session will provide practical tips for forming long-lasting and profitable partnerships with agencies.

Market update: Colombia 15:30 - 15:55, Room 1Speaker:Adriana Peñuela - CEO, Pacific International Studies
Description: One of the fastest growing sending markets for Canada, the US, and Australia, Colombia offers vast potential for international student recruitment professionals. With prospective students from the country favouring both English Language programmes and, increasingly, degree-level studies, tens of thousands of Colombian students already travel abroad each year.

With a range of challenges having emerged in the last twelve months, including the policy decisions in key destinations that have made it more challenging to gain a visa, this session looks at the opportunities available to recruiters looking to expand their reach in this fast-growing market. Join Adriana Peñuela to learn more about top study programmes for Colombian students, alternative study destinations, and practical advice on how to support Colombian students at your institution.

Market update: Mexico 16:00 - 16:25, Room 1Speaker:Luz de María León Campos - Director, Tecama Viajes Cursos y Camps SA de CV - Tk Tours
Description: Located in the southern portion of North America, Mexico has historically seen high volumes of students travelling to Canada and the United States. However, with a number of key study destinations, including Canada, enacting more restrictive visa policies, the market has become increasingly competitive, with alternative study destinations vying for students from the region.

Considering the latest trends affecting the recruitment market in Mexico, Luz de María León Campos will provide an update on the latest opportunities and challenges, as well as tangible takeaways that will help you to increase your footprint in this rapidly expanding market segment.

How to build effective relationships in 25 minutes • Agents & Providers (for FIRST TIMERS) 13:30 - 13:55, Room 2Speaker:Brendan McGerty - Latin America Regional Director, ICEF
Description: 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 Miami 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

Building stronger partnerships: Meeting the challenges of quality student recruitment 14:00 - 14:40, Room 2Speaker:Ross Holmes - VP, Partnerships and Publishing, ICEF
Description: How can institutions and agencies collaborate effectively in the ever-changing landscape of international student recruitment? This interactive session invites participants to explore common obstacles, from onboarding new partnerships to adapting to evolving requirements. Attendees will share experiences, uncover insights, and contribute to a collective pool of best practices. Join us to connect with peers and leave with actionable strategies to enhance your recruitment partnerships.

Exploring welcoming study destinations for Latin American students 14:45 - 15:25, Room 2Moderator:Martijn van de Veen - Chief Business Development Officer, ICEF
Panelists:Alex Ruthemeier - Co-founder, Expatrio Germany
Leonid Markusyk - Director of International Marketing and Recruitment, Vistula University
Francisco de Borja Martin Garrido - Director of Global Enrollment, Universidad Loyola Andalucia
Description: The number of Latin American students exploring education abroad is growing, as is the number of destinations they can consider. With their distinct cultures and education systems, each destination offers its own unique set of factors and characteristics to consider, providing prospective students with a wide variety of options to choose from.

In this session, we will take a look at three destinations in particular: Germany, Spain, and Poland. Germany for example, historically a top global study choice, attracts nearly 380,000 international students with its renowned academic quality and career opportunities. Spain, with over 224,000 international students, offers Latin American students a familiar language and a rich cultural setting. Poland, while a relatively new destination for Latin American students, offers affordable education, a rich history, and a strategic location in Europe.

In this panel, education providers from each of these countries will discuss how their destination creates a welcoming and supportive environment specifically for Latin American students. Join us to explore the academic, cultural, and professional benefits that Germany, Spain, and Poland have to offer, and how this resonates with international students.

Unlocking Latin America: Effective marketing strategies for engaging future international students 15:30 - 15:55, Room 2Moderator:Ross Holmes - VP, Partnerships and Publishing, ICEF
Description: Latin America is a vibrant region with a growing demand for international education, offering unique opportunities for student recruitment. In this dynamic interview-style session, two expert panellists will uncover the motivations driving Latin American students to study abroad, the key media platforms shaping their decisions, and the outreach strategies that yield the best results. Attendees will learn how to craft impactful marketing messages to connect authentically with this diverse and aspirational audience.

Findings from the ICEF Agent Voice survey 2024 16:00 - 16:25, Room 2Speaker:Brittany Goodman - Director, USA, ICEF
Description: 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.

Let's have an honest conversation: What do education agents really think about Canada? 17:00 - 17:25, Room 2Speaker:Diego Sanchez - Director, International Affairs, Languages Canada
Description: Welcome to an interactive session which will open the floor to education agents as they share their unfiltered perspectives on Canada as a study destination. Open to agents and institutions alike, attendees will be encouraged to share their opinion and hear firsthand insights on what draws students to Canada, the challenges they face, and what agents believe could make Canada even more attractive to international students.

Attendees will be invited to discuss the factors that shape their recommendations, from academic opportunities and cultural appeal to practical concerns like visa processes, post-graduate work opportunities. Agents will also share what they value when communicating with institutions and what encourages to keep a partnership going.

This session aims to gather valuable insights from agents' experiences, perceptions, and advice for Canadian institutions looking to build stronger, more effective partnerships with global representatives. This honest exchange will be an essential opportunity for anyone recruiting students for Canadian institutions.

ICEF Miami Roundtable Series 17:30 - 19:00, Room 2Moderators:Roberto Carmona Meredith - General Manager, Interlag Educativo SA de C.V.
Tatsiana Pachkouskaya - Founder/CEO, Estudia Sin Fronteras, SRL
Joelle Johnson - CEO, SEFYS International
Martijn van de Veen - Chief Business Development Officer, ICEF
Geovanna Campos - Head of the Secretariat of Research, Innovation and Higher Education of the State of Yucatán, SIIES
Sarah Rimini - Global Head of International Student Recruitment, Inspired Education Group
Brendan McGerty - Latin America Regional Director, ICEF
Jaime Diaz - Director, IFARHU
Description: As distinct from a panel session or keynote, the roundtables provide a space for a less-structured discussion but with guidance from an informed specialist. To provide that guidance, each table is led by a host whose role is to moderate and animate the discussion around the topic at hand.

- There will be two sittings of all tables, each lasting 40 minutes. The first begins at 17:30; the second at 18:15.

Roundtables' topics:
1. What do Mexican teenagers expect from international education? - Roberto Carmona
2. Panama topic (TBA) - Jaime Diaz
3. Is finance the missing link to expanding educational equity for the Dominican Republic students? - Tatsiana Pachkouskaya
4. Bahamas topics (TBA) - Joelle Johnson
5. Growing enrolments without policy concerns: The potential of online degrees - Martijn van de Veen
6. Scholarship opportunities in Latin America - Geovanna Campos
7. Is the k-12 market from Latin America growing and what are preferences regarding private vs public and boarding vs homestay? - Sarah Rimini
8. Dispelling the myths about onshore agents - Brendan McGerty

Seminar Programme ICEF Miami (Latin America) 2024

Seminars