Internationalisation, Agent Perception and Trends in the Sector #GEI 62
International education has been a hot topic in the past few weeks leading up to the NAFSA conference. Bridge Education Group reveals that US institutions are engaging more with international recruitment agencies, with 37% now working directly with agents to support the international student recruitment process. While the use of agents has historically been an area of controversy in the US — more so than in other countries — this sentiment is slowly changing, especially as US institutions increasingly focus their efforts on internationalising their campus.
That said, while increasing the international student population tend to be top of mind when university leaders think of “internationalisation” strategies, the American Council on Education presents a holistic view and urges institutions to expand their thinking beyond international student enrolments. Specifically, it encourages institutions to focus internationalisation efforts at home too, such as internationalising curriculum, developing intercultural competencies and leveraging technology to enhance the global connectivity of students and institutions alike.
Meanwhile, ICEF partners with Barton Carlyle to look at trends shaping international education in the near future; Universities UK publishes facts and figures on how UK international education compares to its competitor counterparts; and US-based International Trade Administration provides a handy guide on how to effectively capture key source market opportunities in the intensifying global competition for international students.
More US institutions using agents to recruit students, but caution still remains
37% of US institutions are now working directly with education agents to support the international student recruitment process. Of those not working directly with agents, 12% are working with pathway operators, and indirectly using their network of agencies to recruit international students to the US. This is according to new research by Bridge Education Group, which found an increase in the pace of adoption of international student recruitment agencies by US institutions ever since it was permitted in 2013. That said, this uptake is still conservative compared to other countries — only 22% of international students are enrolled into US institutions through agencies, compared to 62% in Australia and 38% in the UK. Although public opinion may be shifting, controversy still remains on the use of commissioned agents in the US with the following top three reasons cited: A lack of trust toward agents, reputational risk by agents paid on commission and financial reasons.
A deep dive into internationalisation programs: How effective are they?
Governments around the world are implementing policies and programs designed to spur higher education internationalisation, but little has been known about how they compare with other national and regional initiatives. This report analyses the array of government-initiated higher education internationalisation initiatives around the world, breaking down the concept of ‘internationalisation’ into five broad categories: 1) Student mobility, 2) Scholar mobility and research collaboration, 3) Cross-border education, 4) Internationalisation at home, and 5) Comprehensive internationalisation strategies. Going forward, the report recommends that policymakers and institutional leaders pay careful attention to the experiments being undertaken across the globe, as well as emphasising the need to refocus internationalisation efforts toward the majority of students who do not study abroad.
What the near future of international education looks like
The next decade will see further dramatic shifts in the balance of economic and political power, and these will greatly influence the shape of international education. Beyond the Horizon is a joint ICEF-Barton Carlyle journal publication that aims to help educators consider the trends that will significantly impact our industry over the next few years. It provides insights about how best to face challenges and create opportunities as the international education sector rapidly evolves alongside the rest of the world. Key messages include the need for institutions to give greater attention to differentiating themselves in an increasingly competitive international student market, the anticipated growth of the pathways market in the US and Continental Europe, and the emergence of new types of credentials stemming from innovation in course delivery.
How the UK international student market fares relative to major competitor destinations
Universities UK and International Unit have released a Facts and Figures report on international higher education in the UK and its performance relative to the major competitor destinations. As per the previous years, the UK is the second most popular study destination worldwide (after the US), followed by Australia, France and Germany. Studying in the UK also costs the least among the top 3 English-speaking destinations. While China and India remain the top two sending markets, trends in these two major markets are going in opposite directions — Chinese enrolments have increased significantly since 2007–08, while Indian enrolments have more than halved over the last 4 years. The also report delves into international student trends, the demands of international students, the impact and benefits they bring, as well as international research and mobility data.
Optimism remains on international student demand into the US
Global competition for international students is rising quickly, especially among English-speaking countries and countries increasing their English-language course offerings. Although US institutions still host the largest percentage of internationally mobile students, this share is eroding as competition increases. This report assesses global market opportunities for US institutions and provides guidance for those interested in the recruitment of international students. While the top sending markets to the US are expected to remain stable in the future, the report expects important fluctuations from countries such as Saudi Arabia, Iran, Brazil and Turkey — likely due to changes in government funding programs in each country. Overall, ITA is optimistic about the long-term prospects of recruiting international students as policymakers and parents increasingly recognise the benefit of facilitating a globally-minded society.
This Week’s Infographic
