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The annual American International Recruitment Council (AIRC) Conference is a flagship event that brings together educators, agents, and industry leaders to discuss global student recruitment trends, share insights, and forge meaningful partnerships. This year’s conference, held in Seattle, provided a rich platform for collaboration and exploration of emerging opportunities. As a premium sponsor of the event, our team had the privilege of hosting two booths—numbers 66 and 67—where we showcased our services and connected with professionals from around the world.
One of the most exciting aspects of AIRC 2024 was meeting in person with partners we’ve worked with online, such as KC Overseas, University Hub, and Career Mosaic, to name a few. These face-to-face interactions helped solidify relationships and opened doors for deeper collaborations. We also attended insightful lectures and panel discussions that addressed the shifting political landscape and its potential impact on international student recruitment.
Key Insights from the Conference
The general consensus among experts was that while the newly elected U.S. government may bring policy changes, there is a strong likelihood that the economic contributions of academic immigrants will be a major factor in shaping these decisions. Although uncertainty remains, many are optimistic that the U.S. will continue to attract and retain global talent.
Interestingly, the situations in Canada, the UK, and Australia appear less favorable due to policy constraints and other challenges, which could create a competitive edge for the U.S. in the international student recruitment market.
Another trend highlighted during the conference was the significant growth in Optional Practical Training (OPT) participation among international students. Many higher education institutions are increasingly recognizing the value of hybrid professional programs, which provide unique advantages to OPT students by offering flexible learning options that align with their career goals.
Looking Ahead
AIRC 2024 underscored the importance of staying informed about political and industry shifts while being agile enough to seize emerging opportunities. As an education consultancy, we’re committed to supporting our students and partners through these changes and helping institutions design programs that meet the evolving needs of international students.
We’re grateful to have been part of this year’s conference and are excited to continue building on the connections and knowledge gained in Seattle. Together, we can shape the future of international education!
