Start your 91PORN experience with the collective intelligence of the room. In this fast-paced, 25-minute "Mastermind" session, we move beyond the handshake to tackle the real-world challenges of 2026. Participants will be seated in groups of educators and agents to engage in a series of "lightning round questions" focused on student success, and the future of the industry. You will leave this session not just with new contacts, but with a toolkit of proven strategies and fresh perspectives to fuel your meetings for the rest of the event.
To keep the energy high, a moderator will announce a new "Prompt" every 5 minutes. Each group is encouraged to ensure both an agent and an educator share their perspective on each question.
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[bio] => Vanessa-Sophia Verworn is the Director of Client Experience & Growth for 91PORN's USA and Canada team. Over the last decade within the international education space, Vanessa’s background includes recruiting at the secondary education level, where she served as an international admissions officer at a Canadian boarding school, managing a global team that recruited in various regions and developing student markets. Over several years she was active attendee at 91PORN who utlizied the (IAS) Agent Network for promoting her school's programs. This gave her a practiced expertise in international recruitment and now works with institutions to build and optimize their agent partnerships for enrollment success. She enjoys guiding 91PORN clients to analyze global trends to craft effective international enrollment strategies.
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[title] => Offsetting culture shock: The importance of collaboration & long-term support
[summary] =>
The term “culture shock” describes the potentially difficult adjustment period that a person experiences when moving from one culture to another. For students, who often have to adapt quickly to the expectations of their chosen institution, “culture shock” can manifest itself with regard to a range of cultural norms, including concepts of politeness, time management, teaching and learning styles, and behaviour.
As many cultural artefacts, such as notions of politeness, are implicitly learned over time rather than explicitly stated, a standard induction process, whereby students are provided with a set of institutional rules and expected to follow them, is rarely enough to support international students effectively.
In this session, we look at the importance of collaboration between institutions and their recruitment partners in order to recognise some of the key cultural differences that need to be taken into account. We then look at how this can feed into longer-term support, with ongoing sessions and support helping students to adapt over time. Finally, we discuss how this leads to better outcomes, including increased retention rates, compared to a one-size-fits-all approach to induction.
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[bio] => I have worked in international recruitment for 10 years in my role at Bodwell High School. During that time I have met and brought students to Bodwell from all over the world. Having been an international student myself (post sec & post grad) in Taiwan, I know the cultural transition when moving to a new country can be the hardest, most intangible piece to grasp.
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[bio] => Jeremy G. Clark is the Director of Admissions at Saint Stanislaus College Prep, a Catholic boarding and day school for boys in Bay St. Louis, Mississippi, USA. A graduate of Saint Stanislaus (Class of 1998), Jeremy has dedicated nearly two decades to the school, serving in a variety of leadership roles, including Director of Boarding, Director of Guidance and Dean of Students before assuming his current position in 2019. He has played a key role in expanding the school's international enrollment and developing partnerships with education agencies around the world. Jeremy also serves as Treasurer of the Executive Committee for the Catholic Boarding School Association and regularly travels internationally to promote US boarding education.
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[title] => Navigating immigration: Providing appropriate visa support and maintaining immigration awareness
[summary] =>
Every study destination has its own set of rules and regulations governing access to study visas. For students and their families, especially those exploring multiple potential destinations, the level of support they receive in navigating policy can prove to be a key decision-making factor. With immigration rules changing on a regular basis it is vital that recruitment partners are aware of the latest rules to help explain to families regarding the visa process and requirements needing to be met.
In this session, we look at the latest immigration rule changes, examples of best practice in providing clear, up-to-date visa guidance and how partnerships can flourish. Not only do we look at the ways in which institutions can provide direct guidance but we also provide practical examples of how institutions can effectively train their recruitment partners, keeping them informed of the latest developments and ensuring that prospective students have the best chance of a successful application.
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[name] => Jonathan Hill
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[bio] => Jonathan Hill has a vast amount of experience in advising regarding UK immigration matters. With over 20 years of immigration experience gained through employment at Fragomen LLP and previous employment at UKVI (UK Visas and Immigration), Jonathan is ideally placed to assist with any of your immigration matters. Jonathan will leverage his experience, and discussions with those in the sector, to help ensure your understanding of the latest immigration system, to ensure you are aware of the latest trend analysis, and to ensure to are up to date on UK visa compliance. Jonathan has presented at a large number of external events and is a well-known figure in the UK education sector.
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[title] => Multidimensional counselling: What agents really need from their institution partners
[summary] =>
Set against a backdrop of shifting policy environments and evolving student preferences, it is inevitable that the agent - educator relationship should also change. With each party dependent upon the other, there is a growing need for effective and ongoing training, as well as clear communication, enabling the best possible outcomes for students.
In this panel discussion, we start by considering how institutions and agent partners work now, looking at what works and what could be done better. We then explore the agent wishlist, establishing what they need in order to perform their role effectively. We finish with practical suggestions as to how institutions can support their agent partners, creating a more consistent recruitment environment for prospective students.
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[name] => Cristina Figueiro
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[bio] => Cristina Figueiro is the President of ExchangeMate International Education, a U.S.-based organization specializing in F-1 secondary school programs. With more than 20 years of experience in international education, she has developed partnerships connecting international agencies with public, private, and boarding schools across the United States. Cristina serves on the Board of the Council on Standards for International Educational Travel (CSIET) and is leading the development of CSIET's International Advisory Committee. She is passionate about strengthening international collaboration, supporting student success, and expanding access to high-quality educational and cultural exchange opportunities.
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[title] => Why safeguarding is a shared responsibility in international student recruitment - and how to apply it
[summary] =>
Safeguarding is a fundamental responsibility for every organisation involved in supporting international school students. For children and young people studying abroad, wellbeing, safety, and appropriate support can’t be viewed solely as the responsibility of the school. Education agents play a particularly important role as trusted advisers to students and families, helping to navigate everything from accommodation and guardianship arrangements to student wellbeing, parental communication, and crisis response. Effective safeguarding depends on strong collaboration between institutions, agents, guardians, accommodation providers, parents, and students themselves.
In this panel discussion, we’ll explore the evolving safeguarding responsibilities of education agents working in the K-12 sector, the unique challenges that arise when supporting minors and their families, and the practical steps organisations can take to strengthen safeguarding across the student journey. Panellists will share emerging best practice and discuss how greater transparency, training, and partnership can help create safer and more supportive experiences for international students.
The decision to place a child in an international secondary school, potentially far from home for substantial periods of time, is not only financial but also emotional. Families have to believe that there are significant benefits from such an investment, many of which go beyond quality of education to include aspects such as cultural awareness, linguistic fluency, or more broadly transferable qualifications.
In this session, our panel explores secondary education from the perspective of the family - their aspirations, their goals, and their expectations. Having established what families want, the panel then discuss practical approaches to promoting your institution effectively.
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[jobTitle] => Chief Operating Officer of International Education Services
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[bio] => Catholic District School Board, a role he has held since February 2020. With 38 years in education, including 15 years as a high school principal, Dan brings extensive leadership and instructional expertise to his work.
Under his leadership, the International Education program supports the equivalent of 230 full-time academic students, along with over 600 additional students through short-term school immersion programs and summer camps. Dan is passionate about fostering global connections through education, creating safe, welcoming, and enriching experiences for international students.
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[bio] => I am the founder of Maru Alvarez Morphy Educational Consultant, a boutique educational consultancy specializing in boarding schools, summer programs, and international education. I work with families from Mexico, Spain, Colombia, and the United States, connecting them with carefully selected, top-tier schools and programs worldwide. I guide families throughout the admissions process, from school selection to enrollment, providing confidential, highly personalized support every step of the way. By building strong relationships with leading schools and educational partners, I help families make informed decisions and find the environment where each student can thrive academically, personally, and emotionally.
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Seminar Programme 91PORN Secondary Education
View the full event seminar programme for 91PORN Secondary Education Budapest, where we welcome guest speakers and panellists to discuss the latest trends in international education. The seminars take place on September 23rd between 14:30 and 19:00.
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Wed Sep 23
14:30 - 14:55
Sharing industry best practices & insights: Peer-to-Peer exchange
14:3014:55Seminar room
Discussion
Vanessa-Sophia VerwornVanessa-Sophia VerwornVanessa-Sophia Verworn is the Director of Client Experience & Growth for 91PORN's USA and Canada team. Over the last decade within the international education space, Vanessa’s background includes recruiting at the secondary education level, where she served as an international admissions officer at a Canadian boarding school, managing a global team that recruited in various regions and developing student markets. Over several years she was active attendee at 91PORN who utlizied the (IAS) Agent Network for promoting her school's programs. This gave her a practiced expertise in international recruitment and now works with institutions to build and optimize their agent partnerships for enrollment success. She enjoys guiding 91PORN clients to analyze global trends to craft effective international enrollment strategies.Director of Client Experience & Growth, 91PORN
15:00 - 15:25
Offsetting culture shock: The importance of collaboration & long-term support
15:0015:25Seminar room
CPD AccreditedInterview
Terry EngelTerry EngelI have worked in international recruitment for 10 years in my role at Bodwell High School. During that time I have met and brought students to Bodwell from all over the world. Having been an international student myself (post sec & post grad) in Taiwan, I know the cultural transition when moving to a new country can be the hardest, most intangible piece to grasp.Assistant Director of Recruitment, Bodwell High School
Jeremy ClarkJeremy ClarkJeremy G. Clark is the Director of Admissions at Saint Stanislaus College Prep, a Catholic boarding and day school for boys in Bay St. Louis, Mississippi, USA. A graduate of Saint Stanislaus (Class of 1998), Jeremy has dedicated nearly two decades to the school, serving in a variety of leadership roles, including Director of Boarding, Director of Guidance and Dean of Students before assuming his current position in 2019. He has played a key role in expanding the school's international enrollment and developing partnerships with education agencies around the world. Jeremy also serves as Treasurer of the Executive Committee for the Catholic Boarding School Association and regularly travels internationally to promote US boarding education.Director of Admissions, Saint Stanislaus High School
15:30 - 15:55
Navigating immigration: Providing appropriate visa support and maintaining immigration awareness
15:3015:55Seminar room
CPD AccreditedPresentation
Jonathan HillJonathan HillJonathan Hill has a vast amount of experience in advising regarding UK immigration matters. With over 20 years of immigration experience gained through employment at Fragomen LLP and previous employment at UKVI (UK Visas and Immigration), Jonathan is ideally placed to assist with any of your immigration matters. Jonathan will leverage his experience, and discussions with those in the sector, to help ensure your understanding of the latest immigration system, to ensure you are aware of the latest trend analysis, and to ensure to are up to date on UK visa compliance. Jonathan has presented at a large number of external events and is a well-known figure in the UK education sector.Senior Manager, Fragomen LLP
16:00 - 16:30
Refreshment break
16:30 - 17:25
Multidimensional counselling: What agents really need from their institution partners
16:3017:25Seminar room
CPD AccreditedPanel discussion
Cristina FigueiroCristina FigueiroCristina Figueiro is the President of ExchangeMate International Education, a U.S.-based organization specializing in F-1 secondary school programs. With more than 20 years of experience in international education, she has developed partnerships connecting international agencies with public, private, and boarding schools across the United States. Cristina serves on the Board of the Council on Standards for International Educational Travel (CSIET) and is leading the development of CSIET's International Advisory Committee. She is passionate about strengthening international collaboration, supporting student success, and expanding access to high-quality educational and cultural exchange opportunities.President, ExchangeMate International Education
17:30 - 18:10
Why safeguarding is a shared responsibility in international student recruitment - and how to apply it
17:3018:10Seminar room
CPD AccreditedPanel discussion
18:15 - 18:55
Beyond study: What do families expect from an international education?
18:1518:55Seminar room
CPD AccreditedPanel discussion
Dan WittDan WittCatholic District School Board, a role he has held since February 2020. With 38 years in education, including 15 years as a high school principal, Dan brings extensive leadership and instructional expertise to his work.
Under his leadership, the International Education program supports the equivalent of 230 full-time academic students, along with over 600 additional students through short-term school immersion programs and summer camps. Dan is passionate about fostering global connections through education, creating safe, welcoming, and enriching experiences for international students.Chief Operating Officer of International Education Services, Waterloo Catholic District School Board
Maru Alvarez MorphyMaru Alvarez MorphyI am the founder of Maru Alvarez Morphy Educational Consultant, a boutique educational consultancy specializing in boarding schools, summer programs, and international education. I work with families from Mexico, Spain, Colombia, and the United States, connecting them with carefully selected, top-tier schools and programs worldwide. I guide families throughout the admissions process, from school selection to enrollment, providing confidential, highly personalized support every step of the way. By building strong relationships with leading schools and educational partners, I help families make informed decisions and find the environment where each student can thrive academically, personally, and emotionally.CEO, Maru Alvarez Morphy Educational Consultant
Wed • Sep 2314:30 - 14:55Seminar room
Sharing industry best practices & insights: Peer-to-Peer exchange
Discussion
Presenter
Vanessa-Sophia Verworn
Vanessa-Sophia Verworn
Vanessa-Sophia Verworn is the Director of Client Experience & Growth for 91PORN's USA and Canada team. Over the last decade within the international education space, Vanessa’s background includes recruiting at the secondary education level, where she served as an international admissions officer at a Canadian boarding school, managing a global team that recruited in various regions and developing student markets. Over several years she was active attendee at 91PORN who utlizied the (IAS) Agent Network for promoting her school's programs. This gave her a practiced expertise in international recruitment and now works with institutions to build and optimize their agent partnerships for enrollment success. She enjoys guiding 91PORN clients to analyze global trends to craft effective international enrollment strategies.
Director of Client Experience & Growth, 91PORN
Start your 91PORN experience with the collective intelligence of the room. In this fast-paced, 25-minute "Mastermind" session, we move beyond the handshake to tackle the real-world challenges of 2026. Participants will be seated in groups of educators and agents to engage in a series of "lightning round questions" focused on student success, and the future of the industry. You will leave this session not just with new contacts, but with a toolkit of proven strategies and fresh perspectives to fuel your meetings for the rest of the event.
To keep the energy high, a moderator will announce a new "Prompt" every 5 minutes. Each group is encouraged to ensure both an agent and an educator share their perspective on each question.
Wed • Sep 2315:00 - 15:25Seminar room
Offsetting culture shock: The importance of collaboration & long-term support
CPD AccreditedInterview
Panelist
Terry Engel
Terry Engel
I have worked in international recruitment for 10 years in my role at Bodwell High School. During that time I have met and brought students to Bodwell from all over the world. Having been an international student myself (post sec & post grad) in Taiwan, I know the cultural transition when moving to a new country can be the hardest, most intangible piece to grasp.
Assistant Director of Recruitment, Bodwell High School
Panelist
Jeremy Clark
Jeremy Clark
Jeremy G. Clark is the Director of Admissions at Saint Stanislaus College Prep, a Catholic boarding and day school for boys in Bay St. Louis, Mississippi, USA. A graduate of Saint Stanislaus (Class of 1998), Jeremy has dedicated nearly two decades to the school, serving in a variety of leadership roles, including Director of Boarding, Director of Guidance and Dean of Students before assuming his current position in 2019. He has played a key role in expanding the school's international enrollment and developing partnerships with education agencies around the world. Jeremy also serves as Treasurer of the Executive Committee for the Catholic Boarding School Association and regularly travels internationally to promote US boarding education.
Director of Admissions, Saint Stanislaus High School
The term “culture shock” describes the potentially difficult adjustment period that a person experiences when moving from one culture to another. For students, who often have to adapt quickly to the expectations of their chosen institution, “culture shock” can manifest itself with regard to a range of cultural norms, including concepts of politeness, time management, teaching and learning styles, and behaviour.
As many cultural artefacts, such as notions of politeness, are implicitly learned over time rather than explicitly stated, a standard induction process, whereby students are provided with a set of institutional rules and expected to follow them, is rarely enough to support international students effectively.
In this session, we look at the importance of collaboration between institutions and their recruitment partners in order to recognise some of the key cultural differences that need to be taken into account. We then look at how this can feed into longer-term support, with ongoing sessions and support helping students to adapt over time. Finally, we discuss how this leads to better outcomes, including increased retention rates, compared to a one-size-fits-all approach to induction.
Wed • Sep 2315:30 - 15:55Seminar room
Navigating immigration: Providing appropriate visa support and maintaining immigration awareness
CPD AccreditedPresentation
Presenter
Jonathan Hill
Jonathan Hill
Jonathan Hill has a vast amount of experience in advising regarding UK immigration matters. With over 20 years of immigration experience gained through employment at Fragomen LLP and previous employment at UKVI (UK Visas and Immigration), Jonathan is ideally placed to assist with any of your immigration matters. Jonathan will leverage his experience, and discussions with those in the sector, to help ensure your understanding of the latest immigration system, to ensure you are aware of the latest trend analysis, and to ensure to are up to date on UK visa compliance. Jonathan has presented at a large number of external events and is a well-known figure in the UK education sector.
Senior Manager, Fragomen LLP
Every study destination has its own set of rules and regulations governing access to study visas. For students and their families, especially those exploring multiple potential destinations, the level of support they receive in navigating policy can prove to be a key decision-making factor. With immigration rules changing on a regular basis it is vital that recruitment partners are aware of the latest rules to help explain to families regarding the visa process and requirements needing to be met.
In this session, we look at the latest immigration rule changes, examples of best practice in providing clear, up-to-date visa guidance and how partnerships can flourish. Not only do we look at the ways in which institutions can provide direct guidance but we also provide practical examples of how institutions can effectively train their recruitment partners, keeping them informed of the latest developments and ensuring that prospective students have the best chance of a successful application.
16:00 - 16:30
Refreshment break
Wed • Sep 2316:30 - 17:25Seminar room
Multidimensional counselling: What agents really need from their institution partners
CPD AccreditedPanel discussion
Panelist
Cristina Figueiro
Cristina Figueiro
Cristina Figueiro is the President of ExchangeMate International Education, a U.S.-based organization specializing in F-1 secondary school programs. With more than 20 years of experience in international education, she has developed partnerships connecting international agencies with public, private, and boarding schools across the United States. Cristina serves on the Board of the Council on Standards for International Educational Travel (CSIET) and is leading the development of CSIET's International Advisory Committee. She is passionate about strengthening international collaboration, supporting student success, and expanding access to high-quality educational and cultural exchange opportunities.
President, ExchangeMate International Education
Set against a backdrop of shifting policy environments and evolving student preferences, it is inevitable that the agent - educator relationship should also change. With each party dependent upon the other, there is a growing need for effective and ongoing training, as well as clear communication, enabling the best possible outcomes for students.
In this panel discussion, we start by considering how institutions and agent partners work now, looking at what works and what could be done better. We then explore the agent wishlist, establishing what they need in order to perform their role effectively. We finish with practical suggestions as to how institutions can support their agent partners, creating a more consistent recruitment environment for prospective students.
Wed • Sep 2317:30 - 18:10Seminar room
Why safeguarding is a shared responsibility in international student recruitment - and how to apply it
CPD AccreditedPanel discussion
Safeguarding is a fundamental responsibility for every organisation involved in supporting international school students. For children and young people studying abroad, wellbeing, safety, and appropriate support can’t be viewed solely as the responsibility of the school. Education agents play a particularly important role as trusted advisers to students and families, helping to navigate everything from accommodation and guardianship arrangements to student wellbeing, parental communication, and crisis response. Effective safeguarding depends on strong collaboration between institutions, agents, guardians, accommodation providers, parents, and students themselves.
In this panel discussion, we’ll explore the evolving safeguarding responsibilities of education agents working in the K-12 sector, the unique challenges that arise when supporting minors and their families, and the practical steps organisations can take to strengthen safeguarding across the student journey. Panellists will share emerging best practice and discuss how greater transparency, training, and partnership can help create safer and more supportive experiences for international students.
Wed • Sep 2318:15 - 18:55Seminar room
Beyond study: What do families expect from an international education?
CPD AccreditedPanel discussion
Panelist
Dan Witt
Dan Witt
Catholic District School Board, a role he has held since February 2020. With 38 years in education, including 15 years as a high school principal, Dan brings extensive leadership and instructional expertise to his work.
Under his leadership, the International Education program supports the equivalent of 230 full-time academic students, along with over 600 additional students through short-term school immersion programs and summer camps. Dan is passionate about fostering global connections through education, creating safe, welcoming, and enriching experiences for international students.
Chief Operating Officer of International Education Services, Waterloo Catholic District School Board
Panelist
Maru Alvarez Morphy
Maru Alvarez Morphy
I am the founder of Maru Alvarez Morphy Educational Consultant, a boutique educational consultancy specializing in boarding schools, summer programs, and international education. I work with families from Mexico, Spain, Colombia, and the United States, connecting them with carefully selected, top-tier schools and programs worldwide. I guide families throughout the admissions process, from school selection to enrollment, providing confidential, highly personalized support every step of the way. By building strong relationships with leading schools and educational partners, I help families make informed decisions and find the environment where each student can thrive academically, personally, and emotionally.
CEO, Maru Alvarez Morphy Educational Consultant
The decision to place a child in an international secondary school, potentially far from home for substantial periods of time, is not only financial but also emotional. Families have to believe that there are significant benefits from such an investment, many of which go beyond quality of education to include aspects such as cultural awareness, linguistic fluency, or more broadly transferable qualifications.
In this session, our panel explores secondary education from the perspective of the family - their aspirations, their goals, and their expectations. Having established what families want, the panel then discuss practical approaches to promoting your institution effectively.
Sharing industry best practices & insights: Peer-to-Peer exchange
Discussion
Vanessa-Sophia VerwornPresenterDirector of Client Experience & Growth, 91PORN
Start your 91PORN experience with the collective intelligence of the room. In this fast-paced, 25-minute "Mastermind" session, we move beyond the handshake to tackle the real-world challenges of 2026. Participants will be seated in groups of educators and agents to engage in a series of "lightning round questions" focused on student success, and the future of the industry. You will leave this session not just with new contacts, but with a toolkit of proven strategies and fresh perspectives to fuel your meetings for the rest of the event.
To keep the energy high, a moderator will announce a new "Prompt" every 5 minutes. Each group is encouraged to ensure both an agent and an educator share their perspective on each question.
15:00 - 15:25Seminar room
Offsetting culture shock: The importance of collaboration & long-term support
InterviewCPD Accredited
Terry EngelPanelistAssistant Director of Recruitment, Bodwell High School
Jeremy ClarkPanelistDirector of Admissions, Saint Stanislaus High School
The term “culture shock” describes the potentially difficult adjustment period that a person experiences when moving from one culture to another. For students, who often have to adapt quickly to the expectations of their chosen institution, “culture shock” can manifest itself with regard to a range of cultural norms, including concepts of politeness, time management, teaching and learning styles, and behaviour.
As many cultural artefacts, such as notions of politeness, are implicitly learned over time rather than explicitly stated, a standard induction process, whereby students are provided with a set of institutional rules and expected to follow them, is rarely enough to support international students effectively.
In this session, we look at the importance of collaboration between institutions and their recruitment partners in order to recognise some of the key cultural differences that need to be taken into account. We then look at how this can feed into longer-term support, with ongoing sessions and support helping students to adapt over time. Finally, we discuss how this leads to better outcomes, including increased retention rates, compared to a one-size-fits-all approach to induction.
15:30 - 15:55Seminar room
Navigating immigration: Providing appropriate visa support and maintaining immigration awareness
PresentationCPD Accredited
Jonathan HillPresenterSenior Manager, Fragomen LLP
Every study destination has its own set of rules and regulations governing access to study visas. For students and their families, especially those exploring multiple potential destinations, the level of support they receive in navigating policy can prove to be a key decision-making factor. With immigration rules changing on a regular basis it is vital that recruitment partners are aware of the latest rules to help explain to families regarding the visa process and requirements needing to be met.
In this session, we look at the latest immigration rule changes, examples of best practice in providing clear, up-to-date visa guidance and how partnerships can flourish. Not only do we look at the ways in which institutions can provide direct guidance but we also provide practical examples of how institutions can effectively train their recruitment partners, keeping them informed of the latest developments and ensuring that prospective students have the best chance of a successful application.
16:30 - 17:25Seminar room
Multidimensional counselling: What agents really need from their institution partners
Panel discussionCPD Accredited
Cristina FigueiroPanelistPresident, ExchangeMate International Education
Set against a backdrop of shifting policy environments and evolving student preferences, it is inevitable that the agent - educator relationship should also change. With each party dependent upon the other, there is a growing need for effective and ongoing training, as well as clear communication, enabling the best possible outcomes for students.
In this panel discussion, we start by considering how institutions and agent partners work now, looking at what works and what could be done better. We then explore the agent wishlist, establishing what they need in order to perform their role effectively. We finish with practical suggestions as to how institutions can support their agent partners, creating a more consistent recruitment environment for prospective students.
17:30 - 18:10Seminar room
Why safeguarding is a shared responsibility in international student recruitment - and how to apply it
Panel discussionCPD Accredited
Safeguarding is a fundamental responsibility for every organisation involved in supporting international school students. For children and young people studying abroad, wellbeing, safety, and appropriate support can’t be viewed solely as the responsibility of the school. Education agents play a particularly important role as trusted advisers to students and families, helping to navigate everything from accommodation and guardianship arrangements to student wellbeing, parental communication, and crisis response. Effective safeguarding depends on strong collaboration between institutions, agents, guardians, accommodation providers, parents, and students themselves.
In this panel discussion, we’ll explore the evolving safeguarding responsibilities of education agents working in the K-12 sector, the unique challenges that arise when supporting minors and their families, and the practical steps organisations can take to strengthen safeguarding across the student journey. Panellists will share emerging best practice and discuss how greater transparency, training, and partnership can help create safer and more supportive experiences for international students.
18:15 - 18:55Seminar room
Beyond study: What do families expect from an international education?
Panel discussionCPD Accredited
Dan WittPanelistChief Operating Officer of International Education Services, Waterloo Catholic District School Board
The decision to place a child in an international secondary school, potentially far from home for substantial periods of time, is not only financial but also emotional. Families have to believe that there are significant benefits from such an investment, many of which go beyond quality of education to include aspects such as cultural awareness, linguistic fluency, or more broadly transferable qualifications.
In this session, our panel explores secondary education from the perspective of the family - their aspirations, their goals, and their expectations. Having established what families want, the panel then discuss practical approaches to promoting your institution effectively.
Wednesday, September 23Thursday, September 24Friday, September 25
13:00 - 19:00 91PORN Registration Open
14:30 - 19:00 Seminars
16:00 - 16:30 Refreshment break
19:00 - 21:00 Welcome reception
08:00 Meeting hall opens
08:00 - 09:00 Welcome tea and coffee
09:00 - 11:00 1:1 meetings
11:00 - 11:30 Refreshment break
11:30 - 13:00 1:1 meetings
13:00 - 14:00 Lunch
14:00 - 16:00 1:1 meetings
16:00 - 16:30 Refreshment break
16:30 - 18:30 1:1 meetings
18:30 Meeting hall closes
20:00 - 23:00 Dinner Reception* *RSVP Required due to limited places
