Professional Development and Networking

Whether you already have years of experience in international admissions and recruitment or you are new to the field, you can learn from peers and make new connections at our numerous events throughout the year. We have robust participation of both universities and schools, which maximizes opportunity for networking from both sides of the desk.

Are you a member? Head to the CIS Community portal for a series of member-only live and on-demand webinars. Gain support of topics including regional admissions updates from universities worldwide, how to support student transition to higher education in the current climate, different aspects of mental health and well-being. Also, hear updates from school guidance counsellors on how their students are doing and what is happening in their schools and region.

We offer events both in person and virtually to meet the needs of our membership community. Join your peers across the CIS community to gather, learn, network, strategise, support each other, and share a wealth of expertise during our global events.

Global Forum

The annual CIS Global Forum on International Admission & Guidance unites school guidance counsellors and university admissions from around the world with a shared goal of supporting students making their transition from international school to university. Take the opportunity to develop professional connections, discuss crucial industry topics, and expand your perspective of student recruitment.

Global Forum on International Admission & Guidance
Basel, Switzerland

14–15 November 2024
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Learn more about past forums.

Regional Institutes

Experience the dynamic professional development and networking opportunities standard to all CIS events with a regional focus! CIS continuously collaborates with regional partners in order to provide you with the highest-quality expertise and network. Our regional conferences are characterized by a more intimate atmosphere than the Global Forum and also include a student recruitment fair.

CIS-EARCOS Institute on International Admission & Guidance
Bangkok, Thailand

20–21 September 2024
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Latin America Institute on International Admission & Guidance
Bogotá, Colombia

28 February – 1 March 2025
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Learn more about past institutes.

Higher Education Awards

Each year, awards are presented to CIS members that embody the CIS mission and that have provided exemplary service in international admission and guidance community. Awards are presented annually at the CIS Global Forum.

Membership Directory

For a basic overview of our 700+ CIS member schools, look through the membership directory. Contact information and additional details for our schools can be found within the CIS Community portal.

Live Member Connections for counsellors and university admissions teams

These 1-hour meetings provide a space to chat about the hot topics related to changes and developments in university admission practices, student behaviour, recruitment strategies. They're a great way to connect with your peers on the challenges facing your students as they prepare for their transition to university. You'll exchange perspectives on a new topic each month related to changes in university admission practices, student behaviour, recruitment strategies, and anything else on your mind. We'll have a structured conversation to discuss and accumulate new practices that have emerged during the pandemic about how to effectively network in the virtual landscape. We’ll keep the events page updated with latest dates.

'Networking and meeting new people cannot be taken for granted these days. Thank you for providing a platform for us to meet and share ideas, feelings, resources. I look forward to the next one!'

‘The space is inclusive of members from various regions, and non-judgmental. CIS facilitates a space for counselors and admissions staff new to the field to learn from others including road warriors who have spent decades recruiting internationally. It’s the least expensive and most accessible development I can do from my home or office, from anywhere in the world, that said it’s the most valuable times I spend learning with and from others.’ 

Facebook Groups

Join one (or more!) of the new CIS Regional Facebook Groups to stay connected with your admissions and counselling colleagues. Learn about regional trends and issues in international education, exchange ideas, and find community with a regionally-specific support network.