New insights | Rebuilding trust by rethinking priorities in international student recruitment By Riccardo Lanza Studying abroad in the United States has a stellar reputation; it is the most popular destination for international students, hosting over one million students in the last academic year. We all know, however, that recent times have been challenging - the Trump administration cutting research funding, the immigration crackdown on international students and now, competition from emerging markets is intensifying as some of the European Union’s most high-profile leaders gathered to launch the ‘Choose Europe for Science’ initiative early in May. It seems the threats keep coming. It is time for universities in the USA to reassert their leadership by focusing not just on academic excellence, but on delivering the outcomes and experience today’s students value most. Edvoy’s recent research into student preferences and institutions’ perceptions of what students are looking for highlights an essential truth: student priorities are changing in subtle but significant ways. By acting on what they say, we can rebuild trust in the USA as the ultimate destination. A changing market: strategic students, choosing differently Edvoy’s latest data confirms international students are increasingly acting like consumers. Applicants are outcome focused, with value for money and employability standing out as integral to their decision-making. The top three factors for making their final choice on where to study were: Opportunities for industry placements and work experience , especially important to students from Nigeria, Nepal and Pakistan Access to scholarships or financial support , a critical consideration for particularly undergraduates from lower-income countries Cultural alignment and sense of community , where the perceived ease of fitting in and feeling welcomed had a strong influence on their decision. What is noticeable by its absence, compared with previous insights, is the university’s ranking. Over 60% of institutions ranked university reputation among their top three assets in marketing their university, whereas only 38% of students said it had a decisive impact , particularly those in Saudi Arabia, India and Bangladesh. One Indian student commented, “I knew what country I wanted, but the university came down to job links and cost. I actually ruled out a higher-ranked school because it didn’t have paid internship options.” In contrast, more than half of the students surveyed listed scholarships in their top criteria, whereas fewer than one in three institutions viewed them as a major attractor. This is a major challenge for USA universities that expect the highest tuition fees for international students, globally, with an average of $20,000-$50,000, going up to an average yearly cost of $45,000-$70,000 including accommodation and living expenses. For most, studying abroad is more than an academic pursuit - it's a major investment, often funded through family resources or loans. A degree alone is no longer the end goal; it's a gateway to better career opportunities, higher earning potential, and, for some, a path to long-term residency or international work experience. This is why features like post-study work opportunities, industry partnerships, and robust career support are playing an increasingly pivotal role in where students choose to study. Their perceived value comes with the promise of greater return on investment from the initial outlay. Changing the narrative: aligning student priorities with international student recruitment strategy The USA is renowned for its academic excellence, boasting some of the world’s top universities that consistently dominate global rankings. To compete with emerging markets, offering lower costs, it’s important to talk about more than these credentials. And you won’t have to do it on your own. While 32% of students listed university websites among their top three research tools - placing them ahead of social media (25%) - the most trusted source of guidance was clear: 44% of students said they rely on recruitment agents or study abroad consultants to help them decide what and where to study. The impact of these conversations is significant. Globally, 38% of students change their original choice of course or destination after speaking with an advisor - a figure that rises to over 60% in South Asia and East Africa . Working with, and training, partners and agents on how to talk differently about your university is vital. Here are some key areas to focus on to help them be successful: Circulate latest scholarship information for agents to promote to their student networks, updated visa and admissions guidance ensures transparency and reflects ease to apply. Showcase career opportunities , such as paid-for internships during study, mentorships or graduate employment rates . Successful alumni may even be open to talk to your agents as well. Celebrate diversity ! Many campuses offer cultural celebrations on their campuses but seldom talk about it during the application process. Share photographs with your recruitment network, and talk about how you welcome international students and help immerse them in their new country. Finally, adapt partner training based on regional priorities . For instance, students from Bangladesh and Saudi Arabia focus more on rankings; those from Nigeria, Pakistan and Nepal care more about affordability and post-study work opportunities. A student-centred strategy will win! To remain a top destination for international students, USA universities must move beyond traditional markers of prestige and also focus on what students truly value today: affordability, employability, and a sense of belonging. Rebuilding trust means listening more closely and aligning recruitment strategies with students’ evolving priorities. By highlighting practical outcomes, strengthening agent partnerships, and tailoring messaging by region, institutions can better meet the needs of a new generation of globally minded learners - and ensure the United States remains a compelling and competitive choice in a shifting global education landscape. 

AIRC Addresses Student Document Authenticity and AI in Institutional Admission Applications

Employment prospects are increasingly linked to student perception of high-quality education Career development opportunities remain the most influential factor determining where international students pursue global education, according to new research conducted by international education specialist IDP Education in March 2025. The Emerging Futures 7 – Voice of the International Student research, which collected responses from more than 6,000 students from over 100 countries, shows a growing number of students are linking graduate employment prospects with their definition of high quality of education. According to the research, students’ understanding of whether an institution provides ‘high-quality education’ is now largely based on its ‘graduate employment rate’. This outranked ‘institution ranking’, ‘facilities available to students’ and ‘quality of academic staff’, showing that students are seeking tangible outcomes from their studies. The research also identified that ‘Job outcomes from the institution’ was the top non-academic factor when choosing an institution for 58% of international students. Simon Emmett, Chief Partner Officer at IDP Education, stated that these findings underscore the mutually beneficial relationships between international students and host countries. "We know that international students choose their study destination based on factors that help them become job ready, with access to post-study employment being the key influence,” said Emmett. “Simultaneously, we observe that international students are increasingly able to address essential skill shortages in the destination workforces. "The research serves as a timely reminder for governments and policymakers to embrace international students, who go on to fill vital skill gaps and foster long-lasting diplomatic ties between their home and host countries,” he said. While the research showed that there were positive sentiments among students, it also revealed they are struggling with study-related costs and increasing cost of living. “Financial considerations, such as the cost of visa, and savings requirements are weighing on students’ minds. One in two students told us they would consider switching to another destination country if it had lower savings requirements,” said Emmett. “Additionally, two thirds of students cite tuition fees, living costs and extra expenses as their biggest worry.” Despite the varying external pressures impacting each study destination, international student preferences for first-choice destination remained steady. Australia still holds the top spot, followed by the USA, the UK and Canada respectively. Australia has seen a five percentage point increase since March 2024, while Canada has continued to see a drop in the number of students choosing it as their first-choice destination, down six percentage points since March 2024. International students’ interest in graduate employment opportunities is positive news for the US, which currently faces a critical labor shortage, fueled by demographic headwinds and an increasing demand for skilled labor. In a recent white paper , IDP explored how international student graduates represent an untapped source of eager and skilled talent in the U.S. which can help fill the country’s labor gaps. Current employment pathways for international students, such as OPT, are underutilized, as many employers are unaware that it does not require employer sponsorship, has no lottery or cap, and has no associated costs to the employer. As the results of this latest Emerging Futures research show that international students are heavily motivated by what will happen after graduation, the US can use this to its advantage to address critical labor shortages.  Download the infographic report to explore key findings: https://resources.idp-connect.com/ef7-us

Disclaimer: The following blog post is sponsored by ECE. The content represents the sponsor's views and not necessarily AIRC's. Please contact staff@airc-education.org with any questions.

New AIRC Website to Drive Stronger IEM Community Building and Knowledge Sharing Live on February 24, 2025

As a member of the U.S. for Success Coalition’s Advisory Council, we are pleased to share the following updates with the AIRC community. Quarterly Update (covering the period from November 2024 to January 2025) What Our Coalition Leaders are Saying To mark the one-year anniversary of our coalition, we issued a press release: U.S. for Success Coalition Sets New Goals and Welcomes New Members to Achieve International Student Success . See our 2025 Coalition goals here . Following the election, a number of our Executive Committee members issued statements and recommendations for the new Administration. Defending and Maintaining the Integrity of our Student Visa Programs On January 28, 2025, NAFSA’s Joann Ng Hartmann and Jill Allen Murray issued a fact-based response to alleged abuse of the U.S. Student Visa system. In Alleged Abuse of the U.S. Student Visa System: A Fact-Based Response , they make important clarifications on issues such as student visa status, student visa integrity, international student transfers upon entry, curricular practical training, and the role of associations and coalitions. Late last year, the U.S. for Success Coalition established a Visa Integrity Task Force to explore whether there are issues that need to be addressed in order to ensure the security of our system continues to serve the vast majority of international students and higher education institutions who are adhering to responsible, ethical practices. As a coalition, we are committed to the success of international students, and as such, we have a vested interest in preserving the integrity of the F-1 and J-1 student visa categories. There will always be those who will try to take advantage of existing visa categories and pathways for other purposes, and we aim to minimize any bad actors to ensure the vast majority of students and higher ed institutions who are using the system with integrity can continue to do so. Our Visa Integrity Task Force is currently focusing on preparing a brief informational document to address the alleged improper use of initial school transfer by arriving F-1 students. Steve Springer, Director, Regulatory Practice Liaison of NAFSA, serves as chair, with support from task force member representatives of the following organizations: AACRAO, AIRC, ICEF, NAFSA, and Shorelight. Higher Education Engagement: Resources and Upcoming Events The U.S. for Success Coalition continues its working group, chaired by Joann Ng Hartmann of NAFSA and Kate Campbell of IIE, to strengthen the Coalition’s work with U.S. higher education institutions in order to increase and diversify international student enrollment and post-graduation pathways across all U.S. states and territories. Our 2025 goals for this part of the coalition’s work are to: Share advocacy opportunities with coalition members and their respective higher ed institution (HEI) members to increase and diversify international student success in the United States; Share relevant data from the coalition’s leadership about market trends in student mobility and enrollment; Uplift best practices for student success; and Serve as a connector for higher education institutions across multiple organizations. We were pleased that so many of you were able to join our welcome event on December 4 with higher education institutions. There will be additional sessions on how U.S. higher education institutions can benefit from the coalition’s work at the upcoming March AIEA conference in Houston, Texas, and the May NAFSA Conference in San Diego, California. What We Can Do Together United, informed and vocal, together we can make change happen. As noted in Erica Stewart’s emails to Connecting Our World advocates (if you haven’t signed up to receive those emails, you can do so here ), here are a few things we can all do: Share the impact of recent Executive Orders on your students, college or university and community. NAFSA has distributed this brief questionnaire, intended to help better understand the immediate and potential impact of recent executive actions by the Trump administration affecting international education and exchange programs, DEI (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion) programs, National Institutes of Health (NIH) research funding, and extreme vetting of international students and scholars. You may submit this anonymously and without providing contact information. Bookmark NAFSA’s online “go-to” resource to stay abreast of the current administration’s executive orders and other federal actions affecting international education. Note the URL shortcut of nafsa.org/current-us-administration . The Presidents’ Alliance on Higher Education and Immigration is also regularly adding resources to its website for all immigrant populations: undocumented, international and refugee students. The f ederal policies category provides a summary of how the recent Executive Orders and other actions impact different groups of non-citizen students - including international students . The Presidents’ Alliance also recently launched the newly revamped Higher Ed Immigration Portal to help users find crucial data, advocate effectively, and fuel change at the federal, state, and campus levels. Take Action : In addition to educating about the human difference that international students make, we must also educate policymakers about how international students help to lower costs for U.S. students and bring revenue to local businesses (food, retail, housing, etc). Use NAFSA’s Take Action tool to share the latest economic value data with your elected officials in Congress. Gather your stories. Promoting a positive narrative about international students will be vital to our success in protecting against policies that would damage our ability to attract and retain these students. We need to be sure we are ready to tell our powerful stories about what’s at stake if international student visas were to be denied or revoked or if international student programs are undermined or called into question. We all know that when international students choose the United States to study, live and work, we all benefit. As you gather your stories, if you would like to share them with the Coalition’s leaders for advocacy, you can enter your stories in box #5 of the questionnaire on NAFSA’s website. Additional Resources from Our Advisory Council Members For each quarterly update, we intend to share relevant data from the coalition’s leadership about market trends in student mobility and enrollment. Here are some recently released reports from Advisory Council Members ApplyBoard and IDP: ApplyBoard has released two reports you may find useful for our own planning and analysis: What Were the Fastest-Growing Destinations for International Students in 2024? TOP TRENDS IN INTERNATIONAL EDUCATION FOR 2025 AND BEYOND Navigating Global Student Mobility IDP issued a new white paper, co-published with inSpring: “ Connecting Industry & Education: International Talent as a Solution to the U.S. Labor Shortage .” The United States is facing a critical labor shortage, fueled by demographic headwinds and an increasing demand for skilled labor. The 1.1 million international students already in the country, trained with in-demand skills and eager to work, represent a powerful solution. Despite clear benefits, these talented individuals remain an underutilized resource. Download IDP’s white paper , which takes a deep dive into:  Causes of the U.S. labor shortage and most-impacted states and industries International talent as a workforce solution Available employment pathways Benefits of international students to the U.S. economy Case studies of a higher education institution, an employer, and an international student Priority actions for how education and industry can collaborate to build a sustainable, future-ready U.S. workforce

A new white paper by IDP and inSpring explores an underutilized, high-impact solution to the U.S. labor shortage: international student talent. Facing demographic headwinds and an increasing demand for skilled labor, industries across the U.S. are struggling to fill critical roles. The 1.1 million international students who are already in the country, trained with in-demand skills and eager to work, represent a powerful solution to the nation’s skilled labor shortage. Despite clear benefits, these talented individuals remain an underutilized resource. The white paper takes a deep dive into the U.S. labor market, identifies the industries most affected by worker shortages, and lays out practical solutions for businesses, higher education institutions, and international students to address these challenges. Key findings: why the U.S. needs international talent A Growing Labor Gap - By 2032, the U.S. is expected to have a shortfall of 6 million workers. Every state is currently affected by the labor shortage, though certain regions and industries will be harder-hit. Demographic Headwinds - Historically low birth rates, an aging workforce, and early baby boomer retirements mean fewer young Americans are entering the labor market. Demand for Skilled Labor - Technological advancements have increased demand for educated workers, but U.S. colleges and universities aren’t producing enough graduates to keep up. By 2031, 72% of jobs will require post-secondary education. International Students Are Ready to Contribute - The U.S. is home to 1.1 million international students, many of whom are trained in high-demand STEM skills and strongly motivated by post-graduate employment opportunities. A win-win solution: hiring international talent Hiring international graduates presents one of the most advantageous solutions to the U.S.’s workforce challenges, for all parties involved. IDP's Emerging Futures research shows that there is tremendous desire from international students to be educated and employed in the U.S., and our higher education system has the capacity—and need—to host them. Domestic student enrollments are on the decline, signaling potential trouble for U.S. colleges and universities. International students bring substantial benefits to the communities they live, work, and study in, contributing $43.8 billion to the U.S. economy and supporting hundreds of thousands of jobs. The fields of study that international students are pursuing align closely with U.S. workforce needs, with more than half choosing a STEM degree. The Optional Practical Training (OPT) program provides a straightforward path for businesses to hire international graduates without sponsorship, visa caps, or extra costs. OPT is extendable through continuing education, meaning that an international student earning a STEM bachelor’s degree and continuing on to a STEM master’s degree would have a total work authorization of six years. Despite these benefits, the program remains underutilized. Case studies The white paper showcases examples of partnerships between higher education institutions and businesses that are successfully leveraging international talent and explores the perspective of an international student who has gone through the process themself. Case Western Reserve University (CWRU) , a private R1 research university in Cleveland, Ohio, exemplifies best practices in international student career support, though proactive employer education strategies, tailored programming, and student advocacy. South Carolina-based pharmaceutical company Ritedose Corporation has developed an innovative solution to hiring challenges: the Ritedose International Student Engagement (RISE) Program. Through a strategic partnership with Benedict College and inSpring, Ritedose connects skilled international graduates with employment opportunities, while simultaneously addressing personnel gaps. Harshith Kadaiah Gowda, an international graduate of the University of Alabama at Birmingham, has successfully made the transition from education to employment. After completing a job readiness program conducted by inSpring, he landed a position as a SCADA Analyst at the Diversified Energy Company. These case studies demonstrate the positive impact that can be made when industry and higher education collaborate and shed light on the common challenges that international students encounter while seeking employment in the U.S. Priority actions for a sustainable, future-ready workforce What would happen if industry and higher education worked together to implement the hiring of international talent on a larger scale? It would make a significant impact on the U.S. labor shortage, boost the economy and innovation, and change the lives of millions of international students. The white paper outlines priority actions for how higher education institutions, employers, and international students can collaborate together to build a sustainable, future-ready workforce. Download the white paper Short on time? Read the Executive Summary. 

AIRC: The Association of International Enrollment Management is pleased to announce the institutional recipients of The Sir Cyril Taylor Memorial Scholarship for Study in the United States during the 2025-2026 academic year. This is the third year of the annual scholarship award cycle. Each of the institutions selected will receive up to $10,000 USD in funding to award scholarships to disadvantaged or underrepresented students from the United Kingdom to enroll at their institution. This scholarship is made possible by a generous donation by The Cyril Taylor Charitable Foundation. Students who receive the scholarship will enroll at the selected institutions during the 2025-2026 academic year and will be pursuing either full-degree or short-term, non-degree programs. The institutional recipients are: Baylor University Contra Costa Community College District Elmhurst University Lycoming College Millikin University Middle Tennessee State University Purdue University Northwest Seattle Colleges The University of Tulsa University of Tennessee, Knoxville Widener University AIRC Executive Director Clay Harmon commented, “This program is a wonderful example of how a partnership between a charitable foundation and a membership association can make a positive impact on students’ lives through high quality educational opportunities. I’m very proud of our AIRC members who have been chosen to host deserving students from the United Kingdom to study in the United States.” As a Trustee of the Cyril Taylor Charitable Foundation, AIFS Chairman William L. Gertz stated, “This is a terrific example of a win-win program. A wide variety of US institutions receive scholarships for UK students who could not otherwise afford to study in the U.S. These institutions are geographically diverse and students get to experience life, mostly outside major U.S. cities. We think this is the perfect program for the Cyril Taylor Charitable Foundation as it meets the mission and legacy of its founder, Sir Cyril Taylor. We look forward to expanding the program in years to come through AIRC.” AIRC Director of Membership and Sponsorship Rachael Lamson commented, “AIRC is extremely pleased with the quality and diversity of AIRC member institutions who applied to receive The Sir Cyril Taylor Memorial Scholarship funding. For the third year, this program will directly benefit our members by assisting institutions and agencies to achieve their international student enrollment goals. We look forward to supporting the scholarship recipients while spreading awareness about the power of international education.”  Contact: Rachael Lamson, Director of Membership and Sponsorships, rachael.lamson@airc-education.org

Posted on January 24, 2025 This week marks a significant transition as Donald Trump returns to the White House. Within the new administration's first few hours, it had already implemented a wide variety of executive actions that dramatically changed the US government's stance on immigration; vetting and review of visa applications from certain countries; diversity, equity, and inclusion; and many other areas. As of today, we have not yet seen any executive actions directly related to international student mobility, and prominent voices in our advocacy community are optimistic that we may be able to find common ground with the Trump administration on some issues. On the other hand, Congress has passed the Laken Riley Act, which has the potential for negative impacts on international enrollment, and President Trump is expected to sign it. This is a dynamic time of change and uncertainty for international enrollment management in the United States. In this moment, community, resilience, and clarity of vision are critical for the ongoing success and wellbeing of our members and our students. I want to inform our members that AIRC is stepping up and leaning into new advocacy efforts, as laid out in our 2024-2027 Strategic Plan . As a member of the Alliance for International Exchange and an Advisory Council member of the US for Success Coalition , we are positioned to collaborate with NAFSA, EnglishUSA, AACRAO, and others to push for our priorities in a strong and unified manner. We have launched a new Advocacy Committee of AIRC members dedicated to this project, and we will share action updates as needed with the membership. Your membership in and support of AIRC have never been more crucial, and we will continue to maximize the impact of your membership through our advocacy efforts. But you do not need to wait to hear from us to equip yourself and your colleagues with critical knowledge and skills. Our friends at NAFSA have prepared extensive resources related to both public policy and regulatory issues. I encourage you to read NAFSA's webpage focused on the new administration, sign up for action alerts, and review their informational materials. You may also wish to consider attending the Alliance or NAFSA Advocacy Day programs in Washington, DC - unique opportunities to speak directly with your Congressional offices on issues that matter to our community. The Alliance has also shared resources related to the power of international exchange, including the one-page International Exchange: A Proven Investment and Policy Priority Recommendations for the Incoming Trump Administration . Please feel free to contact me at any time if you have questions or input regarding AIRC's advocacy plans and activities. As an association, we exist to serve you, amplify your good work, and advocate for your needs. We are strongest when we pull together and strive toward a better experience and brighter future for our students. Clay Harmon, EdD Executive Director