The Shadowy Business of International EducationNicholas Hune-BrownThe Walrus Hune-Brown’s cover story for the September 2021 issue of The Walrus was an investigation into the world of international students, whose numbers in Canada have tripled in the last decade, bringing $21 billion into the economy—more than auto parts or lumber. The system is quietly transforming post-secondary institutions, which have become dependent on their tuition. Many of us are aware of the stereotype of the well-off young international student, usually from mainland China, paying their way into top educational institutions. But this stereotype is now entirely divorced from reality. In 2019, 34 percent of the…

The metrics for recruitment services vary depending on what part they play in the recruitment process, and are often hard to independently verify. Conversion data connected to recruitment agents is not widely available, nor are metrics relating to lead generation or conversion tools from technology providers. However one key metric is publicly available – website traffic. This digital footprint quantifies the volume of potential customers visiting a website either through organic or paid searches. Just like footfall at a trade exhibition, it is at the very least a basic measure of brand reach, consumer demand and competition. The PIE editorial…

Delegates discussed the “pain points” they experience in their day-to-day roles with others from the sector, in a session aimed at providing the opportunity for peer-to-peer support and problem-solving. Talking about the changing role of the international office, participants agreed that more training is needed to help staff adjust to the role of digital technology and social media in international student recruitment and engagement. “We all need to be retrained,” said one delegate, who works in a university international team. Participants also discussed graduate employability, agent management and demand, and the integration of private providers in recruitment. Many expressed worries…

Short on time? Here are the highlights: New data shows that the number of international students going to Canadian education institutions in 2021 was nearly as high as in 2019, the year before the pandemic Fewer Chinese, South Korean, and Vietnamese students are travelling to Canada for their studies, but Canadian educators are receiving increasing numbers of students from a wider range of countries and regions including Europe and Latin America The number of Canadian study visas issued to international students in 2021 is down only by 2.6% compared with 2019, representing a robust recovery for the sector The number…

The future of Australia’s international education sector is on the drawing board. In the midst of Australia’s COVID-19 surge, the federal government released the Australian Strategy for International Education 2021-2030. It paints a future for the sector built around increased diversification and a focus on student support and well-being. Looking at Australia’s international education sector through a gendered lens reveals the importance of female students in any recovery strategy. In particular, we need to understand the factors that either attract or dissuade female students from studying abroad. This can help those working in international education to better understand what services…

(Eds: Disclaimer: The following press release comes to you under an arrangement with Business Wire India. PTI takes no editorial responsibility for the same.)Mumbai, Maharashtra, India – Business Wire India upGrad Abroad, the ‘Study Abroad’ vertical of Asia’s leading higher EdTech company upGrad, launched a high decibel campaign last week with the legendary Amitabh Bachchan, announcing the future for undergraduates and postgraduates studying abroad with the right blend of online learning for the first year, followed by the on-campus thereafter. Just in the last 8 months, upGrad Abroad has enrolled 1500 learners and onboarded 18 partner universities.The Study Abroad vertical…

Study Inn offer luxury, hotel-style student accommodation like no other operator, and the group’s latest generation of properties re-affirms their deep-rooted focus on student experience and wellbeing. Study Inn Group’s high specification product and premium hospitality service have paved the way for it to reach a 95% positive rating on the latest Global Student Living Index, far outperforming benchmarks. Similarly, it achieved 94% for accommodation condition and quality compared to the 76% benchmark for UK private halls. Study Inn’s growing popularity with both domestic and international students continues to prove popular across all its operating properties in Bristol, Loughborough, Nottingham,…

The US is placed second spot, with 20% of students indicating it is their preferred destination, and the UK and Australia are in joint third place, with 19%, respectively, IDP’s Emerging Futures research noted. Overall the study surveyed more than 10,000 students worldwide. The research identified a “complex picture” of student intentions, with high quality of education, good employment opportunities after graduation and support for international students as the top three main drivers for choosing specific study destinations. Top reasons for opting to study overseas more generally were given as career development, education quality and knowledge by the surveyed students. “The results of…

By Sunday Eze On Mar 24, 2022 The protest over the propriety of sitting the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) by Nigerian students seeking admission into universities and those desirous to work in the United Kingdom is highly commendable. It is a right step in the right direction. An online petition on Change.org against IELTS, championed by Policy Shaper, demanded immediate changes in the policy of UK universities, companies and organisations asking for proficiency in English test before admission or employment. The petition has continued to gather momentum and the support of Nigerians from all walks of life. It garnered…