Seminar Programme

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 South Asia 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

With strong economies, world renowned institutions, and globally recognised qualifications, Australia, Canada, the UK, and the US have established themselves as the most popular study destinations in the world. While they currently retain this status, a number of factors have emerged to challenge their dominance. Internal factors include the recent policy changes that have tightened visa rules, capped student numbers, limited work opportunities, and restricted access for spouses. External factors, meanwhile, include shifting student priorities, the aggressive internationalisation strategies of governments in study destinations such as South Korea and Japan, and the rapidly advancing standards of education across a number of emerging destination countries.

In this discussion, ICEF’s Anthony Lee will look at how shifting student preferences are affecting destination choices; how this is affecting agent recruitment efforts; and what institutions can do to adapt to the changing needs of South Asian students.

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.

In this session we’ll discuss the value of investing in your professional development, the impact that can have on productivity and revenue, and we’ll explore what it means within the context of our industry.

From personal growth and career fulfilment, to increasing your earning potential and boosting your professional profile, we’ll look at how you can proactively shape your career development and fulfil your goals.

This is a hands-on session in which you’ll be invited to take part in guided exercises and discussion, in an intimate workshop setting. Participants will come away from the session with the foundations of a plan to support their professional growth in the year ahead and beyond.

Please note, active participation and discussion will be strongly encouraged, and spaces will be limited.

This presentation highlights the transformative journey of our organization, showcasing our mission and commitment to empowering students as they navigate global education opportunities. By leveraging our expertise in education financing, we aim to support student mobility while addressing their unique challenges. The session will also shed light on our initiatives, illustrating how we are shaping futures and driving positive change through innovation, expertise, and purpose-driven action.

Once celebrated as a top destination for international students, Canada is now enforcing stricter policies, leaving thousands uncertain about their future. If your students are among those affected, it’s time to explore alternative pathways. The U.S. offers a compelling solution with its Day 1 CPT option for F1 students, providing legal work opportunities, diverse programs, and a stable future in North America.

This presentation will showcase how South Asian education agencies can capitalize on the growing demand for U.S. hybrid professional programs. Learn how to meet student needs effectively, boost your ROI, and differentiate yourself in a competitive market with innovative, results-driven solutions.

The phrase “culture shock” is well-known, referring broadly to the challenges faced when a person moves to a country with unfamiliar cultural elements. While recognised as a significant challenge for international students, it is often treated as an issue that will simply disappear over time, with support typically reduced after the first few months. However, with culture existing on a continuum from the visible and obvious (such as language and dress) to the nuanced (the values that underpin decision-making), students often need support throughout their entire educational journey.

In this session, the level and duration of support will be discussed, with a focus on who should be involved, how far they should work with students to acclimatise to their new study environment, and how can agents use insight from educators working with students facing culture shock to prepare them earlier in the recruitment journey.

In this session, we will explore the importance of having a university-wide change in mindset and culture that helps internationalization. Starting from admissions policy setting to alumni services, every aspect of university operations need to go through a transformative process in order to attain success in recruitment and also in retention. This session will use examples of some of these realizations and success stories at one of America’s fastest internationalizing universities, Webster University, in Missouri


The session will shed light on initiatives that universities and agents supporting universities can take to prepare for rapid growth and what are some warning signs that one needs to watch out for, in order to prevent debacles.

*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 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.*

India is a major source market for international students, with 1.3 million students from the country abroad in 2024. However, with a number of challenges potentially affecting the market, visa processing times, and policy decisions affecting partners and spouses, it is important for governments and institutions to recognise that while India is a growth market, it is also agile, with demand moving swiftly to destinations perceived as safe and welcoming.

This workshop will provide you with the skills to effectively map your agent-led student recruitment goals, and adapt amid change. By the end of the session, you will be able to
Analyse the current state of your international recruitment efforts and create an improvement plan.

Identify which services you are most in need of and why.
Identify key principles of best practice when recruiting for and working with agents to ensure those needs are met.


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Attendees of this workshop will have the opportunity to further their learning in this area and gain certification at a reduced rate* by registering for our Working with Education Agents Course.

*Workshop attendees will receive a 30% discount code after the event. Certification is awarded upon successful completion of the course and exam.

This session explores the evolving geopolitical landscape and its profound impact on student mobility, a critical factor in international recruitment from South Asia. Attendees will gain insights into global best practices for verifying academic credentials to ensure authenticity and equivalence, alongside effective strategies for managing international financial transactions securely and efficiently.

Through this panel discussion, participants will learn actionable approaches to mitigate recruitment risks, enhance outcomes, and create positive, enriching experiences for South Asian students pursuing education abroad.