Education Agent Fairs: Why do you have to attend them?

If you’re reading this article, most probably you still don’t see a point in attending education agent fairs. Or you don’t believe they would be valuable for your institution. The truth is, if you are looking to recruit international students or diversify your current student body, education agent fairs are among the best options for you.

We all know that reaching students from different parts of the world is often a difficult. Even with solid historical backgrounds and talented marketing teams, many institutions still find it hard to connect with their prospect students. Advertising on overseas markets is challenging and expensive. One solution is to use alumni students as a source of recommendation. While this is indeed a valuable asset, it is not enough to yield the desired outcome. Student fairs, on the other hand, allow you to meet directly with students and promote your school.  However, the truth is that very often the students are not those who make the decision. Their parents are. Education agent fairs with their B2B format provide a secure instrument to recruit new students from diverse backgrounds. By connecting you with agents who work with local students and their families, they provide a medium to precisely reach your target markets.

What is an education agent fair?

Education agent fairs are networking events where you meet with relevant student recruitment partners (education agents) in your most desired markets. This is the right place to obtain valuable regional insights and build connections that will help you diversify your international student body. Educators have their own tables, where they exhibit promotional materials of their institutions, and where they welcome agents. The agent fair programme is usually not limited to one-to-one meetings only, but also grants other networking opportunities, such as gala dinners, coffee breaks, etc. 

Who actually is the education agent?

The education agent is an individual or a company representative who provides study abroad advice, support and placement to students in their local market. When students are willing to continue their studies abroad, they often use the services of such entities. They help them with information about possible destinations and foreign educational institutions, accommodation, travel, visa, advise, and many more. There are different types of education agents that can cover various marketing needs within your institution.

Advantages of recruiting students through education agents:

Recruiting international students through agents is a low cost, low at risk process. Using recruitment agents is very efficient for any kind of educational institution. Having in mind that they provide counselling services to prospective students education agents may positively influence your admission conversion rate. Here is why you should consider meeting an education agent:

• The agent is a reliable local point of contact for students and parents who seek information about study abroad opportunities
• The agent is familiar with most educational practices of institutions as well as with students’ profile and needs and could always suggest the best possible match for you
• Education agents are trustworthy for both students and educators
• Agents are also very helpful when it comes to services provided to students, such us assistance with application forms, accommodation, visa, travel, insurance, etc.
• If necessary, agents can provide telephone and email support to students studying abroad

As you can see, there are numerous advantages of using the services of education agents for your institution. Once you establish a network of selected agents, it will cost you relatively little to use their service.

So, do you have any experience working with education agents? Tell us about your networking experience, we would love to hear from you!