Finding the Right Student Recruitment Agent: Mission Possible

ETN Focus Workshops are created with the idea to inspire and foster a truly beneficial relationship between universities seeking to innovate and diversify their international student mix and recruitment agents from emerging and less explored markets.

That is why we think of our education agent workshops as something different: a space that builds connections based on mutual trust and opens up real opportunities for professional exchange of knowledge, ideas and experience.

Together, we can reach a common goal: an open, diverse and vibrant community of international students that fit the vision and mission of their host university while achieving success in their own educational endeavours.

Having this in mind, we would like to share with you some tips and tricks on how to pick the right agents to collaborate with, based on our own extensive experience we’ve gained over the years working with international students and agents from various markets and backgrounds.

So, how to pick the right student recruitment agency for your institution?

Step 1: Gather your internal knowledge

It is essential to know your local environment from A to Z before you bring in an agent. Talk with all the stakeholders that are involved in one way or another into the strategy and running of your university’s international recruitment office. All the insights, ideas and suggestions they can give you are part of your future portfolio.

Step 2: Fix all that needs to be fixed

It’s all about working on your content strategy and bringing the very best possible experience for all students who are seeking information about your university online and offline. Take a deeper look into your institution’s official website and social media presence: are they up-to-date, relevant and easy to navigate through? Is it easy for prospective students to become part of your university community, or is it sort of a struggle?

Step 3: Make your research

Being aware of your own expectations and having a compelling communication strategy is the basis of having a truly valuable first discussion with the agent and see immediately if he or she fits these expectations. Here is a list by NACAC with several institutions that can help you check out if the agency you have in mind is a trustworthy partner.

Step 4: Meet with agents personally

Our workshops are taking place in emerging and less explored markets all over the world. Our approach to the meeting space for agents and educators is different. By limiting the number of participants in each workshop to a maximum of 30 agents vs. 30 educators, we create a relaxed and stress-free atmosphere that inspires real collaboration and long-lasting working relationships. You are very likely to find the right agent to bring fresh international talent into your institution at our events, and even if you still have your doubts, we will be happy to consult you and assist you towards making the right choice.

Step 5: Make the choice

After thoroughly researching the agents and meeting some of them in person, universities usually have very little questions. But if there is still something more you would like to know before making your decision, feel free to contact us and we will do our best to make sure you get connected to the right agent for you.

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ETN Focus Workshops are educational events aimed at diversifying your international student body. We connect local student recruitment experts with universities and institutions from all over the world.

If you are interested in recruiting international students from less explored markets, check out our events.