It was a fantastic learning experience to attend the 21st Washington International Education Conference hosted by the Washington International Education Council on behalf of the Academic Credentials Evaluation Institute (ACEI) on March 28 and 29, 2024. The conference brought together representatives from U.S. higher education institutions, who had the privilege of attending sessions by the U.S. Department of State, embassies in Washington DC, and leading organizations in international education. The key themes of this conference revolved around student recruitment and global student mobility and addressed current trends, engagement strategies, and challenges within the realm of international education.
The conference opened with an engaging presentation by Eddie West, Assistant Dean, International Strategies and Programs, San Diego State University Global Campus, who discussed the pros and cons of using international student recruitment agents and best practices.
The Educational Attaché Panel featured representatives from the embassies of Japan, Mexico, France, Turkey, Argentina, the Kingdom of Bahrain, the State of Qatar, Malaysia, Spain, Oman, India, Egypt, and the Organization of American States Rowe Fund. They showcased up-to-date information on the state of educational exchanges between the United States and their respective countries and detailed their efforts directed at U.S. students who wish to study abroad as well as scholarships, programs, and events available for students coming to the U.S.
Substantive presentations by Dr. Fawzy A. Bukhari, Cultural Attaché of the Saudi Arabian Cultural Mission, and Ms. Shen Xuesong, Minister Counselor of the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China were especially impressive, delving into the past, present, and future of U.S. educational and cultural exchanges with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the People’s Republic of China.
AMIDEAST highlighted an array of services and a vast knowledge base available to those individuals from the Middle East and North Africa who wish to study in the U.S. and U.S. students interested in study abroad programs. I found it noteworthy that according to an AMIDEAST survey on the level of study, which is of interest to students from the region,13% of respondents expressed their interest in studying in the U.S. at the high school level. The educational and cultural exchange at the high school level significantly influences students’ decision to return to the U.S. for further education, according to AMIDEAST.
Many thanks to the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China for hosting a wonderful reception which included a guided tour of contemporary and ancient art masterpieces from its collection.
The U.S. Department of Commerce, BONARD, and the Institute of International Education (IIE) shared research findings and information on data tools that can be used to drive student enrolment and touched upon various national and global issues that impact it. The data from the 2023 academic year demonstrates that the U.S. continues to be the top destination for international students with 1,057,000 students currently studying in the U.S., a 12% increase from the previous year, which is the fastest rate of growth observed in more than 40 years, according to IIE Open Doors Report. The presenters expressed optimism when discussing future projections noting a strong post-Covid-19 rebound in international student enrollment, which is in part due to US colleges and universities’ improved student outreach strategies.
Sunrise International Education took the attendees on a deep dive into the People’s Republic of China, focusing on the economy, students’ perceptions and challenges, as well as existing opportunities and toolkits for student recruitment. EducationUSA presentation highlighted virtual tools that are currently used for recruiting students from Iran.
Elise A. Fialkowski of Klasko Immigration Law Partners provided a comprehensive overview of updates to the issuance and processing of F1, J1, and H1B visas, and SEVIS compliance issues.
Tom Katen of the U.S. Department of State closed the 21st Washington International Education Conference with an outline of updates to existing student visa policies and requirements, emphasizing that student visa appointments remain a top priority for the US Department of State. According to him, 609,000 student visas were issued in 2023, which is more than in any year since 2016.
A significant number of participants this year were first-time attendees, who are bound to return for future events, drawn by thought-provoking presentations replete with the latest research data, an outstanding speaker lineup, and a memorable conference experience overall thanks to the efforts of the Washington International Council and its President Mr. William Fish.
Zina Rumleanscaia, BA MEd
Senior International Credential Analyst
