How to Find Education Agents for Your Institution

How to Find Education Agents for Your Institution

According to a research presented at NAFSA: Association of International Educators, 50% international students find that education agents are helpful when they are weighing their options. Education agents can give students the information they need if they decide to study in a regional or national university. They can also help in evaluating their course options, application, visas, accommodation, travel, and more.

Naturally, the number of education agents hired in institutions is steadily increasing. The problem is that there are still a lot of concerns that are yet to be addressed when it comes to the practices of education agents. While education councils from all around the world are still finalizing the regulations when it comes to using education agents, the best thing an institution can do at the moment is to screen agents carefully.

You want to work with a reliable and trusted education agent. Thus, it’s essential that you know what to do when hiring one.

Check the agent’s background.

There’s a training course that education agents must pass in order to get a certificate. Check that the applicant has this certificate. It’s also necessary that they have good knowledge of the education system in your country. Moreover, they should be a registered migration agent. Otherwise, they will not be able to give valid advice about migration to international students.

Review the contract.

Before you sign a contract with the agent, review it and make sure that you both agree on all points. Verify the cost. Think about why you are hiring an education agent and be clear about what you expect from him or her.

Web2present, an expert in online webinars for universities, suggests that you ask whether the agent is working independently or not. There are agents who are paid by other institutions. While engaged education agents tend to offer their services at a low price, it will not be wise to hire them. Their loyalty will not be completely with you.

Keep a copy of the agreement.

Whatever agreement you have with your agent, make sure that both of you has a copy of it. Understand your rights and his or her rights.

Orient the agent.

Before the agent finally starts working for your institution, you might want to orient them about your courses, study tours, school conditions, fees, etc. When they work with you, they become part of your institution. Thus, they should know it like the back of their hand. Otherwise, they will not be able to guide students properly.

Some countries are already monitoring the quality of services given by education agents. Thus, it will do you good if you properly train and support the agent you hire. If the country has released an official Code of Ethics for education agents, be sure to follow it.

It is quite advantageous to hire an education agent for your institution. Not only will you be able to promote your school or university to interested students, but you’ll also be able to properly guide enrolled international students. The success of your international programs depends on how reliable your education agent is. Thus, make sure that you screen applicants the right way.

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