Back to the Basics – The Foundations of a Strong International Program

Back to the Basics – The Foundations of a Strong International Program

Description: 

This session presents the findings from the Guard.me and Illume White Paper, which examines the significant shifts currently affecting the international education landscape. It outlines actionable strategies for international educators to not only survive these changes but to thrive in the future. 

We are living in a period of unprecedented change, marked by a series of global and national disruptions that are reshaping the landscape of international education.  From geopolitical instability and climate change to the accelerating impact of artificial intelligence, these forces are profoundly altering how students perceive study abroad opportunities. 

In particular, recent policy changes in key study destinations, such as Canada’s cap on international students, Australia’s tightening immigration policies, and the UK’s restrictions on dependents for international students, have created challenges for institutions, agents, and prospective students alike.  Hundreds of universities and agents have been caught off guard, while thousands of prospective international students are either seeing their visa applications rejected or rethinking their study plans. 

For American universities, the impact is significant as well.  While the US remains one of the top destinations for international students, competition from other countries is growing, and perceptions of the US as a welcoming study destination have been challenged by shifting political landscapes, evolving visa policies, and global uncertainty.  Yet, this moment of disruption offers an opportunity to revisit the fundamentals and strengthen the resilience of international programs.

In these uncertain times, the initial shock must give way to strategic action.  Rather than waiting for these changes to subside, institutions must embrace them and turn potential challenges into opportunities for growth and adaptation.

Presenters: 

Elizabeth Drake, Director of Partnerships, US, Illume Student Advisory Services

Jamshid Mirzabekov, CEO, Illume Student Advisory Services

Bryan Gross, Vice President for Enrollment Management, Hartwick College

Ita Duron, Executive Director of Global Strategies & Collaborations, MCPHS

Free for AIRC Members; $50 for Non-Members

NOTE: If you do not have a login to register for the event, please email memberservices@airc-education.org.