By Jane Larsson, CIS Executive Director

 

What a pleasure it was to meet with so many of our community members in person at our 2024 CIS Global Forum on International Admission & Guidance and workshop earlier this month in Basel, Switzerland. As usual, a range of opportunities and challenges arose during our discussions together. And the networking activities seem to grow each year! 
     

 

'Two full, enriching days at the CIS Forum in Basel networking with colleagues new and old. Already looking forward to gathering together again in Seville 2025!'

—David Tobin, College & Career Counsellor at The International School of Stuttgart (posted via LinkedIn)

 

 

Our week began with a special pre-Forum workshop focused on ‘Bridging the Gap’ for students between school and university. This learning opportunity for secondary counselors and university leaders examined how we can learn from the perspectives of students and strengthen our continuity of support as they move across countries and cultures.

The workshop keynote sessions by Dr Justin Chen and Dr Shanton Chang highlighted two core areas of our research: the role of culture in young people’s experiences of mental health, and their digital transitions. This workshop was underpinned by research data and informed by the work of CIS Supporting Member Safe Passage Across Networks (SPAN). We also provided participants with a preview of the CIS Transitions-Care Model & Support Pack, which we'll publish early next year. 

 

 
As I returned home, three new realizations emerged from our time together last week.

An integral part of the student experience is their digital transitions. Shanton’s keynote educated and challenged us all to think about the implications of digital journeys and the information that students rely on to make their decisions. Students maintain their relationships digitally even as they move to new countries. Where do they find relevant guidance and support after they arrive at university? Does your institution’s ‘digital campus’ match their needs and behaviors? We’ll continue to find ways to bring this essential aspect of their lives into clearer focus for us all.

My second realization relates to the sheer pace of change. Next year, we will save space for emerging topics as we finalize the Forum program. Evolving immigration policies and technology tools and behaviors are demanding our attention as they impact practices. We’ll continue to ask you what topics you want to focus on at our events and ensure we add current events to the schedule.

 

'Incredible opening session [...] by Dr Laura Penn, PhD on the importance of being present and leading with unconditional love. [...] an expert in the speaking arts and leadership communication, truly inspired us with her insights on authentic communication and the power of presence.'

—Roberta G, Senior International Student Recruitment Officer (EU & Africa), Imperial Colleague London (posted via LinkedIn)

_{[Image right: Dr Laura Penn delivering her keynote, Supporting Students to Become Agile & Resilient Communicators of the Digital Age]} 

 

Thirdly, as university admissions professionals explore emerging markets for international student recruitment, the CIS Global Team has a lot of information that can be useful to you.

Local schools continue to internationalize their programs and are joining us to learn and adopt international practices, including development through the CIS International Accreditation process. Our school support and evaluation team spend up to a week in each school to guide and advise them as they improve.

As I joined the regional focus group sessions at the Forum, many of you asked questions that our team can advise you on. (What is the level of English proficiency? Are school leaders and counselors traveling? Do the schools have counselors? What curricula are they offering?) 

We’ll continue these essential conversations across our school and university community during upcoming Live Member Connection online meetings and events. 

 

 

'... my takeaways from another great event from the CIS team: Our sector is under extreme pressure and the need for an innovative, sustainable and truly collaborative approach to international recruitment is greater than ever. A post-pandemic recruitment environment, with all of its geopolitical and economic challenges, needs a refreshed approach. A comfortable return to old ideologies, mindsets and tactics will not suffice in reaching our students where they live. We need to consult and listen to our students to ensure that what we deliver is relevant, valuable and truthful in informing their choices. [...] our ongoing delivery of international education needs to be multi-faceted, transnational, and consistent to continue to bring our universities to students globally. The days of significant onshore enrolment growth are over. [...] Thanks to the CIS planning team and to colleagues for making this such an enjoyable and engaging event.'

—Karl Abbey, Head of International Recruitment at The University of Huddersfield (posted via LinkedIn)

 

Enjoy more Forum photos
 

 

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Related content:

• Bridging the gap between schools & universities for successful post-secondary student transitions
• International school to university transition: How can we best support students?
• Measuring the success of your school’s university counseling programme
• Five ways to embed transitions-care within and between schools
• Five ways to improve international student healthcare when they transition to university
• Student well-being perspectives on cross cultural transitions to higher education
• Three themes for schools and universities to support international student transitions across cultures
• Student mental health and well-being: Supporting students in transition from school to university