In October, Leap GeeBee hosted its first global insights webinar, Latin America Market Insights 2025 , bringing together international admissions professionals from across the U.S. to explore emerging opportunities in Brazil, Colombia, and Mexico. The session, led by Leap GeeBee’s in-country LATAM team, highlighted one of the fastest-growing regions for outbound student mobility and outlined practical steps for U.S. institutions seeking sustainable, long-term partnerships. Latin America’s demographic and economic profile makes it one of the most promising regions for higher-education engagement. With over 650 million people and a median age of just 31, the region is home to a digitally connected, aspirational youth population. As David Arango, Country Manager for Latin America, shared during the webinar, “We’re witnessing a real shift. Students aren’t just chasing prestige anymore. They’re asking: What’s my return on investment? Will this program get me a job, or help me build a career back home?” That emphasis on employability, affordability, and flexibility is reshaping how students in Latin America choose destinations and programs. While the U.S. remains a top choice, competition from Canada, the U.K., Australia, and Europe has intensified, particularly among students seeking post-study work options or lower-cost alternatives. For U.S. institutions to stay competitive, outreach in LATAM must evolve from transactional recruitment to relationship-based engagement focused on career outcomes and long-term value. Brazil: A Rebounding Powerhouse As the region’s largest market, Brazil continues to show strong recovery and renewed interest in U.S. higher education. Following a period of currency stabilization and improved visa processes, outbound student demand is accelerating. Barbara Lemos, Business Development Manager for Brazil, noted, “When the Brazilian real stabilized last year, we saw a noticeable uptick in inquiries. Students are again seeing the U.S. as attainable, especially for language programs, exchange experiences, and undergraduate STEM pathways.” Brazilian students increasingly seek career-aligned undergraduate degrees that connect directly to employability, particularly in engineering, computer science, business, healthcare, and creative industries. These students are outcome-oriented and view international education as a strategic step toward long-term mobility or entrepreneurship. Alongside full degree programs, short-term mobility options are rising fast. Summer exchanges, intensive English or STEM boot camps, and one-semester certificate programs are popular among students who want to strengthen their English proficiency, gain a credential, and enhance their résumés without committing to four years abroad. These programs also serve as a bridge to longer-term study, allowing students to test the U.S. environment and build confidence before transferring into degree programs. However, affordability remains a key concern. Students and parents are highly sensitive to total cost of attendance - not only tuition, but also housing, travel, and visa expenses. Programs that clearly communicate financial value, payment flexibility, and return on investment stand out in this competitive landscape. For institutions, highlighting career placement rates, internship pathways, and alumni success resonates far more than ranking or prestige alone. While Brazil once hosted several government-funded mobility programs, there are no active national scholarship schemes supporting outbound study at this time. Only a few state-level initiatives remain, generally targeting high school students. The OAS Scholarship primarily supports inbound mobility, bringing students into Brazil or other OAS member states, rather than funding Brazilians to study abroad. As such, institutional scholarships, payment flexibility, and local partnerships play an even more critical role in supporting Brazilian students today. Finally, Brazilian students respond strongly to localized engagement. Outreach in Portuguese, WhatsApp-based communication, and partnerships with local schools, agencies, and professional associations build trust and visibility. When institutions invest in language, transparency, and sustained presence, families respond with loyalty. Colombia: Scholarship-Driven and Graduate-Focused Colombia continues to distinguish itself as one of the most sophisticated and scholarship-driven education markets in Latin America. Both undergraduate mobility and graduate advancement present strong potential for U.S. institutions. At the undergraduate level, Colombian families typically invest strategically, looking for programs that combine affordability, transferability, and employability. Private universities often partner with U.S. institutions through articulation or 2+2 transfer pathways, creating structured routes for students who wish to complete their degree abroad. Interest is particularly high in STEM, business, and creative industries, where U.S. programs are seen as innovation leaders. However, it’s in the graduate and professional education space that Colombia shows exceptional growth. Rising scholarship availability, expanding middle-class aspirations, and employer sponsorship are driving outbound demand for master’s degrees, MBAs, and executive education programs. According to Natalia Mendoza, Business Development Manager for Colombia, “Colombian students are very intentional. They’re looking for degrees that advance their professional standing, not just another credential. Hybrid, dual-degree, and executive programs that allow them to study part-time or begin online are especially attractive.” This practical mindset means institutions offering career-aligned, modular master’s programs, particularly in business analytics, data science, finance, education, and global public policy, are better positioned for recruitment success in Colombia. Financing plays a defining role, with programs like COLFUTURO’s Scholarship-Loan Program becoming a cornerstone of Colombia’s international education ecosystem. The initiative offers partial loan forgiveness for students who return to Colombia after completing graduate studies abroad, effectively linking talent mobility to national development goals. Mexico: The Gateway Market Mexico remains one of the most stable and strategically important recruitment markets in Latin America. Its close proximity, cultural familiarity with the U.S., and growing middle class make it a consistent source of qualified students across undergraduate and graduate levels. The market has evolved toward structured, affordability-focused pathways that reduce financial barriers while maintaining academic quality. The most successful models are those that integrate flexibility, recognition, and affordability from the start of the student journey. A growing number of Mexican students are pursuing 2+2 and 1+3 transfer pathways, beginning their studies at home or in local institutions before completing degrees in the U.S. These routes allow families to manage costs while still accessing international credentials. Dual-degree programs, especially in business, engineering, hospitality, and computer science, continue to attract strong interest by combining binational learning and bilingual skill development. U.S. community colleges are increasingly seen as a cost-effective starting point for Mexican students. With lower tuition, simplified admissions, and transfer articulation agreements, these partnerships offer a clear, affordable path toward a bachelor’s degree in the U.S. Leap GeeBee supports this model by connecting U.S. colleges with trusted preparatory schools and agency partners across Mexico, as well as educating families on the pathway from community college to a four-year institution. At the graduate level, demand is shifting toward blended and hybrid formats that allow professionals to balance career and study. Students are drawn to programs that combine online coursework with short-term residencies or on-campus immersion experiences. Disciplines such as education, business analytics, cybersecurity, and health administration show the strongest growth, particularly when programs emphasize flexibility, affordability, and international relevance. For U.S. institutions, Mexico offers a model of sustainable recruitment built on collaboration and adaptability. Institutions that prioritize transfer-friendly credit policies, academic partnerships, and hybrid program options are well positioned for success. Aligning with financial resources such as U.S. Embassy Mexico scholarships can further enhance affordability and reach. Recommendations and Next Steps for U.S. Institutions in Latin America Latin America remains one of the most dynamic regions for international student recruitment but success here depends on adaptability, trust, and long-term commitment. Below are some key recommendations from our team to shape an institution’s approach to engaging with the region. Understand What Drives Students and Deliver on It Students across the region view international education as a career investment, not a luxury. They’re calculating return on investment, focusing on employability, affordability, and post-graduation outcomes. To meet these expectations, universities should: Emphasize career pathways, internship access, and alumni employment outcomes in communications. Highlight value and flexibility, including payment plans, scholarships, and hybrid delivery options. Showcase real graduate success stories from Latin American alumni. Strengthen Agility and Collaboration with Agencies Leap GeeBee’s partner network across Latin America consistently values efficiency and engagement over brand name alone. Strong relationships depend on: Quick turnaround times (TATs) for application review and decision release. Clear and consistent admissions requirements. Open communication channels and availability of admissions teams. Joint engagement through webinars, fairs, or local outreach. Navigate Market Barriers with Practical Solutions Persistent challenges such as currency fluctuations, visa delays, and competition from countries offering post-study work options continue to shape student decisions. The most effective institutions respond by: Offering transparent pricing and creative financing (installment options, on-campus jobs, local scholarships). Simplifying application steps and minimizing hurdles to completion. Using hybrid or dual-degree pathways to reduce cost and travel risk. Customize Your Approach by Source Market Another key element shaping success in Latin America is program segmentation by source market. There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to Latin America. Each country has its own student profile, shaped by distinct economic realities and educational priorities: Brazil – Prioritize undergraduate STEM and business programs, along with short-term English or exchange options. Lead with affordability and outcomes; note that while national government funding is inactive, state-level and institutional scholarships can make study abroad viable. Colombia – Focus on graduate and professional advancement programs aligned with COLFUTURO and employer sponsorships. Mexico – Expand transfer pathways, community-college articulation agreements, and blended graduate programs that accommodate working professionals. Institutions that adapt messaging, program design, and pricing to each country’s realities will achieve stronger engagement and sustainability. Utilizing Leap GeeBee’s in-country teams for local insight and real-time support, maximizing digital marketing, providing collateral and engagement tools in Spanish and Portuguese, and considering in-country representation are all ways to further customize an institution’s approach in the region. Embrace Emerging Models of Engagement The region’s growth will be driven by ecosystem-based partnerships, not one-off recruitment. Institutions should explore: Microcredentials and short-term programs that upskill professionals without requiring full relocation. Hybrid and dual-degree delivery models that balance recognition with flexibility. Regional hubs and faculty exchanges to bring education into the region. Scholarship collaborations with organizations like COLFUTURO (Colombia) and U.S.–Mexico Embassy programs . Stay Connected If you missed the Latin America Market Insights 2025 webinar or would like to connect directly with our LATAM country managers, contact the Leap GeeBee U.S. team at universityrelations@leapfinance.com . In addition, the US team will be attending the AIRC Conference in December. Be sure to connect with us and learn more about: New recruiting markets, updates to existing regions, and additional market insight webinars scheduled for 2026 Digital marketing opportunities designed to enhance visibility in emerging markets. Virtual and in-person recruiting events hosted through our global network of trusted agents. Our new In-Country Representative Platform, now available across all Leap GeeBee markets 

The New Reality of Global Enrollment: Partnering for Education and Employability For decades, studying in the United States has symbolized ambition and possibility for international students. Yet the motivations guiding those choices are evolving. Today’s students view education not only as an academic pursuit but as a strategic investment—one that must yield tangible outcomes in employability, immigration access, and long-term career growth. This evolution has implications not just for students, but for the institutions and agencies that serve them. Universities and recruitment partners alike are being challenged to rethink how programs are designed, positioned, and supported. Understanding the Shift: From Prestige to Practical Outcomes Recent data from Revelio Labs, analyzing over 150 million hiring records, reveals a clear trend: entry-level hiring is shrinking while demand for experienced professionals rises. As automation and AI reshape industries, early professional exposure is no longer a bonus—it’s a prerequisite. For international students, this means planning practical training—such as Curricular Practical Training (CPT) and Optional Practical Training (OPT)—from the outset of their academic journey. Moreover, proposed updates to the H-1B system that favor higher-paying positions will further reward graduates who transition quickly into meaningful employment. Universities that integrate employability into the student experience are better positioned to attract and retain these globally minded learners. Learning from Global Models The global enrollment landscape underscores the urgency of adaptation. The U.S. share of the international student market has fallen from 28% in 2001 to 16% in 2024 (ICEF Monitor, 2024). Meanwhile, competitors such as Canada have expanded by aligning education policy with clear, predictable work pathways. Canada’s co-op education framework offers a compelling example: paid, field-related work is built directly into the degree structure, and universities such as Waterloo and UBC guarantee students industry exposure before graduation. Between 2012 and 2022, Canada’s international enrollment rose by 201%, compared to 24% in the U.S.—a gap driven largely by transparent, work-integrated models. Redefining Institutional Value For U.S. institutions seeking to remain competitive, the challenge is not simply to offer CPT or internships, but to embed employability into the core of the educational experience. Effective strategies include: Proactive Guidance – Integrating early advising on CPT, OPT, and H-1B pathways ensures students plan their work experience strategically. Tailored Career Support – International students benefit from dedicated career services that address visa-specific job searches and employer communication. Curricular Integration – Making internships or co-op placements credit-bearing guarantees every student gains relevant U.S. experience before graduation. These practices strengthen both student outcomes and institutional reputation by linking learning with demonstrable return on investment. The future of international education will belong to those who bridge expectation and outcome—those who recognize that employability is not an afterthought but the foundation of value. Author: Christina Chen, GoElite Inc.

Credential Evaluations: The Hidden Key to Building Trust in International Admissions In today’s global education landscape, accuracy and trust are non-negotiable. As institutions navigate processing international applications, the need for reliable, consistent, and fair assessment tools has never been greater. Credential evaluations offer a simple but powerful solution—bridging gaps between diverse education systems, reducing risk, and streamlining admissions decisions. But the benefits don’t stop at universities. For recruitment agents, integrating credential evaluations into your workflow can significantly elevate your credibility, reduce rework, and position you as a true partner in student success. Whether you're an institution aiming to uphold academic integrity or an agent striving to stand out, credential evaluations are no longer optional—they're essential. Why Credential Evaluations Matter to Institutions 1. Reduce Risk Universities are under increasing pressure to detect document fraud and uphold academic standards. Credential evaluations add a trusted third-party layer of authentication, protecting institutions from admitting unqualified or misrepresented applicants. 2. Ensure Fair Admissions With thousands of education systems around the world, it’s nearly impossible for institutions to fairly assess all applicants without some form of standardization. Evaluations create a common language for reviewing foreign credentials. 3. Speed Up Decision Making When students provide ready-to-evaluate credentials, institutions save time. Admissions teams can move faster, leading to higher placement rates and improved student satisfaction. Why Credential Evaluations Benefit You as an Agent 1. Increase Your Credibility Submitting complete, authenticated, and evaluated documents makes you a trusted partner. This credibility leads to: Repeat partnerships Higher application conversion rates Invitations to preferred agent programs 2. Reduce Rework and Rejections Applications often get delayed or denied because of: Incomplete documents Unofficial translations Unverifiable institutions Credential evaluations help minimize these issues and reduce unnecessary back-and-forth. 3. Position You as a Professional Consultant Offering evaluation guidance shows you’re more than just an agent—you’re a strategic advisor. You help students understand the value of their education and guide them toward successful outcomes abroad. How to Integrate Credential Evaluations into Your Process Identify the Requirements Find out which credential evaluation services are accepted by your partner institutions. ECE works with more than 2,000 institutions across the U.S. and Canada. Educate Your Students Explain how evaluations improve their chances of admission, credit transfer, or visa approval—and why starting early matters. Build It into Your Workflow Create a checklist for evaluations as part of your application process. Help students gather necessary documents and start evaluations early. At ECE we’re proud to work with recruitment agents. We even offer a dedicated ECE Agent Portal™ that allows you to place and track orders on behalf of your students. Trust Is the Currency of Global Education In a competitive recruitment landscape the agents and institutions that stand out are those who lead with integrity, clarity, and professionalism. Credential evaluations might seem like a small step, but they play a powerful role in building that trust—ensuring that every application is not only complete but also credible. For institutions, evaluations uphold academic standards. For agents, they elevate your reputation, simplify workflows, and strengthen your value as a long-term partner. Most importantly, for students, they facilitate a smoother, more transparent path to global education.

Introduction The Philippines is emerging as a promising international recruitment market for U.S. higher education institutions. With a young, globally minded population and strong historical ties to the U.S., Filipino students are increasingly considering international study, especially in the U.S., as a pathway to personal and professional growth. In a recent webinar hosted by IDP, in-country experts Jojo Habana, Philippines Country Director and Romina Romero, Country Destination Manager - Canada/US shared valuable insights into student motivations, enrollment trends, and recruitment strategies tailored to the Philippines market. IDP Philippines recently expanded U.S. operations, making it a perfect time for partners to diversify their recruitment strategies into this growing market. This article distills key insights and takeaways from the webinar. Philippines Country and Education System Overview 

Baltimore, MD / Washington, DC — STAR Scholars in collaboration with the American International Recruitment Council (AIRC) , is pleased to announce the publication of Navigating the Future of International Enrollment Management: Insights and Strategies (DOI: https://doi.org/10.32674/zhaw2s80 ), edited by Clay Harmon and Krishna Bista . This scholarly volume provides a comprehensive analysis of the rapidly changing global landscape of international student enrollment and offers actionable frameworks for institutions, policymakers, and practitioners. Drawing on contributions from internationally recognized researchers and experienced enrollment professionals, the book addresses critical themes shaping higher education today: the rise of international branch campuses, the role of transnational education models, the integration of artificial intelligence and digital transformation in recruitment, and the importance of equity, student well-being, and institutional resilience. Case studies from the United States, Latin America, Asia, and Africa demonstrate how global perspectives and local realities intersect in shaping the future of international higher education. The volume has been praised by global leaders in the field: “A compelling framework that transforms international enrollment from a complex challenge into a strategic opportunity for global academic excellence.” — Thomas Tinnefeld, PhD, Saarland University of Applied Sciences, Germany “An essential resource offering innovative strategies and crucial insights for education leaders navigating international enrollment in today’s rapidly evolving global landscape.” — Chunipha Poedloknimit, PhD, Western University, Thailand “A rich collection of perspectives that deepens our understanding of how to create supportive and globally connected learning environments for international students.” — Lu Lu, PhD, Beijing Language and Culture University, China As international student mobility faces unprecedented disruption from demographic shifts, political dynamics, and digital innovation, this book provides clarity and foresight. By aligning institutional practice with global strategy, it equips universities and professionals to advance inclusive, ethical, and sustainable enrollment management worldwide. Publication Information: Title: Navigating the Future of International Enrollment Management: Insights and Strategies Editors: Clay Harmon and Krishna Bista Publication Date: September 4, 2025 DOI: https://doi.org/10.32674/zhaw2s80 Availability: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle, and Open-Access eBook Keywords: International enrollment management, student mobility, higher education, global engagement 📦 Order copies: STAR Scholars Press Catalog ### About AIRC: The Association of International Enrollment Management AIRC is a 501(c)(3) non-profit membership association recognized by the U.S. Department of Justice and the Federal Trade Commission as a Standards Development Organization (SDO) for the field of international enrollment management. Its members are accredited secondary and post-secondary institutions, student educational recruitment agencies, and service providers that seek to promote standards-based international student recruitment and enrollment practices. As a leader in the field of international enrollment management, AIRC develops and provides essential resources, services, and programs for its 400+ members to advance their recruitment goals and adhere to standards. Contact: Clay Harmon, Executive Director American International Recruitment Council +1 240-547-6400 Clay.Harmon@airc-education.org

The past two years have seen major changes across the international education sector, yet demand from future students remains high. In fact, international student advisors from 40 countries shared in the most recent ApplyBoard Recruitment Partner Pulse Survey (1) that, despite shifting policies, international students remained dedicated to their academic goals. Read on to learn which factors are currently affecting future students' destination decisions, how interest levels and student perceptions are changing, and which study destinations are top-of-mind. The UK, Canada, and the US Remain the Most Attractive Study Abroad Options When asked how attractive different destinations were to their students, the US was a compelling option for many respondents. 67% said their students thought the US was a 'very attractive' or 'attractive' option :

Over the past several months, the education community has closely followed and responded to policy decisions that have significantly affected the recruitment of international students to U.S. institutions. As we continue to navigate these evolving challenges, Leap GeeBee and our university partners remain committed to driving forward, supporting not only yield efforts for the Fall 2025 intake but also encouraging applications for future terms. Several recent strategic discussions with our institutional partners have revisited the concept of application incentives and flexibility on admissions requirements. While such incentives encourage students to submit applications, do they ultimately work? And, do they simply drive up application volume or do they actually improve other points of the application funnel? Application fee waivers Application fees serve a variety of purposes in the admission process. Practically speaking, there are real costs to be covered in the processing of application materials. Conceptually, the application fee can be an intentional barrier, requiring students to have enough genuine interest in a school to pay the fee. However, incremental costs build quickly as students prepare their application materials, and seemingly nominal amounts in US dollar terms can be significant in the home countries of potential students. Additionally, the initial application is only one of many touchpoints during the admissions process when a university can engage with great students. Lessening the barriers to apply brings more students into a university’s funnel, thus increasing the volume of potential students to admit and ultimately enroll But, what does the data tell us? Out of 138 universities recently reviewed, 98 of the institutions (71%) provided application fee waivers. Perhaps not surprisingly, these institutions received 98.2% of applications submitted during the observed time frame. Admit rate was effectively the same across the two pools. However, offer acceptance as measured through I-20 issuance was lower for fee waiver schools, at 36% compared to 48% for those who required the fee. While conversions for app fee waiver schools were lower by 12 percentage points at the I-20 issuance stage, the higher volume generated by these schools provided a strong enough base to outweigh these losses in ultimate enrollment numbers.

AIRC is pleased to release our 2024-2025 Annual Impact Report. Take a look at AIRC's successes this past year and our future plans. 

Millions of students pursue international education every year. It's a movement that's continued through global shifts in affordability and access, and will continue to grow. In fact, some sources project there will be over 9 million international students by 2030. To see how future students' priorities are shifting and what factors are shaping their journey, the team at ApplyBoard, an international student mobility platform, runs a semi-annual Student Pulse Survey. Since the first survey in 2022, over 3,500 students have shared their thoughts. The most recent survey ran between February 25, 2025, and March 12, 2025, and collected insights from nearly 850 students. Let's take a closer look at which programs and careers students are aiming for, how changing policies are affecting their plans, and which study destinations are gaining ground. Key Findings: In the survey, affordability was the most commonly cited determining factor when choosing a study program. It was noted as important by 77% of respondents. 92% of surveyed students indicated some level of interest in studying in the US. Due to rising costs, just over one in four students are considering different study destinations than they'd initially planned. Strong Interest for Studying in the US Rises When asked where they'd like to study, 65% of respondents were only interested in studying in one or more of the following destinations: Australia, Canada, Germany, Ireland, the UK, and the US. The survey also looked at students' specific levels of interest in these destinations: