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Return to Bulletin Home - October 2009 |
Report From Sao Paulo: First-Ever ICEF Latin America Workshop The inaugural ICEF Latin America Workshop in Sao Paulo, Brazil (September 30-October 2, 2009) was a resounding success. Packed with both business opportunities and a rich social/cultural programme, it gave educators from 85 institutions in 17 countries the chance to meet with 137 ICEF-screened agents from 110 agencies all over Latin America (Brazil, Colombia, Argentina, Peru, Ecuador, Bolivia, Chile, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Mexico, Paraguay, Uruguay, Venezuela).
The ICEF Latin America Workshop is a response to two clear and important trends in the international marketplace. First, the region is increasingly important to educational marketers the world over. Second, the attendance of Latin American agents at ICEF events has grown dramatically in recent years—indicating both the expansion of educational markets in the region as well as the growing sophistication and reach of its agents. The workshop took place over two and a half days and saw 2,463 formal business meetings take place—not taking into account all the informal but important discussions that occurred over breaks and at evening receptions. Kiri Gill of Heretaunga College in New Zealand said: "For a first timer it was an immediate learning curve for me. It is quite an innovative concept. The social functions were extremely beneficial—they aided the approachability of potential agent partners. I enjoyed the whole event." At the event were educators from all sectors and a wide range of countries. Latin American agents got the opportunity to expand their range of products and services (e.g., courses offered in French, German, Italian and Spanish in addition to English). Columbia's Hugo Restrepo of Palomares Tours S.A./Optima International commented: "It was by far the most productive and fruitful workshop I have attended in the past twelve years! I made very important contacts which will likely result in business."
As usual, the market intelligence seminars were a huge hit—filled to capacity in most cases. They included "Study and Work Opportunities in Canada"; "Education in Australia and New Zealand"; "The Brazilian International Student Market and its UK Partners"; "Why Recommend the Netherlands as a Study Destination in Higher Education"; "The Brazilian Study Abroad Market: Behaviour and Expectations"; and "How to Best Work with Agents from Latin America." Of course the workshop's destination lent a wonderful flavour to the event. A definite highlight was the main dinner and dance, which showcased Brazilian culture with regional food, samba dance, Capoeira—a Brazilian martial art—and live percussionists.
“ICEF workshops are definitely without a doubt the most well organised and professional events in the industry.” said Sheryl Stearns of George Stevens Academy, USA. “I’ve been very impressed with the quality of my meetings with agents and am looking forward to working with them in the coming moths.” The ICEF website will provide complete details for the 2010 Latin America Workshop as they become available. |
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