Seminar Programme ICEF Brazil 2024

View the full event seminar programme for ICEF Brazil 2024, where we welcome guest speakers and panellists discussing and debating the latest trends in international education. The seminars will take place on October 3rd between 14:00 and 19:00.

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Thu • Oct 314:00 - 14:25Seminar room
How to build effective relationships in 25 minutes • Providers & Agents (for FIRST TIMERS)
Presentation
Presenter
Resh Kodabuckus
Resh Kodabuckus
Resh has been working in the international education space since 2011. Helping language schools, universities, secondary schools, and government bodies, to recruit students directly, through agencies and scholarships. Resh has worked with institutions and organisations from across Europe, USA, Africa, Asia, Australasia, and the Caribbean to recruit students. Now working with ICEF as a Business Development Manager, to help MENA and Asian educators, as well as service providers, to strategically expand and strengthen their networks/partnerships.
Business Development Manager, ICEF
This session will provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to make the most out of your participation at ICEF events in general and ICEF Brazil in particular.

The session will cover the following topics:
- How to maximise your time during the event
- Post-event follow-up and agent contracts
- How to maximise your working relationship with providers and agents
Thu • Oct 314:30 - 14:55Seminar room
ICEF Agency Status and Academy: The twin pillars of industry self-regulation
Presentation
Presenter
Brendan McGerty
Brendan McGerty
Brendan McGerty has over 18 years of international education experience from roles at BMI Media, I-Student Group and Griffith College Ireland. Based in Bahia, Northeast Brazil, Brendan is fluent in Portuguese and Spanish.
Latin America Regional Director, ICEF
Find out how ICEF is setting new standards in international student recruitment with the ICEF Agency Status (IAS) accreditation programme, and supporting training needs through ICEF Academy certification.

This session is for agencies and educational institutions aiming to enhance their quality assurance measures through ICEF’s programmes. It is more important than ever for professionals to distinguish themselves and demonstrate their standards to partners and clients. Hear how reputable agencies can be instantly verified through their unique IAS ID, which features a QR code based on blockchain technology, and our global online IAS directory of accredited agencies.

Learn how ICEF Academy enhances knowledge and expertise through its training courses, helping increase credibility with partners and clients. Understand how IAS and ICEF Academy can become core components of your quality assurance and due diligence processes, driving professional standards and ethical practices in international student recruitment.

Join us to explore how ICEF’s quality assurance programmes can help your organisation stand out, improve student outcomes, and build lasting trust with partners and clients.
Thu • Oct 315:00 - 15:25Seminar room
Future-Ready: Exploring Australia’s and New Zealand's updated education market
Presentation
Presenter
Stephanie Oliveira dos Santos
Stephanie Oliveira dos Santos
As a Business Development Manager at the Australian Trade and Investment Commission (Austrade), my primary goal is to support the growth and competitiveness of Australian education providers and innovators in the Brazilian market by enhancing their presence and reputation in the country, increasing student enrolments, and foster long-term partnerships for mutual benefit.
Business Development Manager (Education), Australian Trade and Investment Commission (Austrade) - Brazil
Presenter
Bruna de Natale
Bruna de Natale
Bruna de Natale is the Senior Market Development Manager – Brazil for Education New Zealand Manapou ki te Ao (ENZ), the leading government agency for building international education. Based at the New Zealand Consulate in São Paulo, Bruna promotes and represents all levels of New Zealand’s education system, showcasing the country’s educational opportunities and fostering relationships that generate mutual benefits in social, economic, and cultural areas.
Market Development Manager, Education New Zealand | Manapou ki te Ao
Let’s dive into the latest updates, opportunities, and challenges shaping the future of education in Australia. This seminar will provide a comprehensive overview of recent changes in the education landscape, including updates to policies, and the growing demand for skills that align with the evolving job market.

Additionally, during the session, you will learn about the different study options, benefits, and government guarantees that Aotearoa New Zealand offers for Brazilian students. You will understand why Aotearoa New Zealand is known as the country that better prepares students for the future (among English speaking countries), and be given an overview of the official channels you can use to seek further information.
Thu • Oct 315:30 - 16:25Seminar room
Connecting with U.S. diplomatic mission to access vetted education institutions and the process of obtaining a student visa
Presentation
Panelist
Jessica Fernandes
Jessica Fernandes
Jessica was born and raised in Vitoria/ES, but in November 2022, she moved to São Paulo to work at US Consulate as a Visa Assistant. She sees this as the biggest achievement in her professional life. Jessica has a degree in Business Administration from Faculdade Doctum de Vitoria.
Visa Assistant, U.S. Consulate - São Paulo
Panelist
Naa Anorkor
Naa Anorkor
Naa Anorkor started working at the US Consulate as a Visa Assistant in 2023. Prior to this, she lived and worked as an auditor for 4 years in Accra (Ghana), after acquiring a degree in Sociology And Social works from the University of Science and Technology (KNUST) in Ghana. She has had the opportunity to gain experience as a Customer Service personnel in a Telecommunication company in Accra (three years) and an online Trade Company here in São Paulo.
Visa Assistant, U.S. Consulate - São Paulo
Panelist
Seth Adam
Seth Adam
Seth Adam serves as a Vice Consul in the Consular Section at the United States Consulate General in São Paulo. Prior to joining the United States Department of State, Seth led communications strategies for nonprofits working to advance LGBTQ equality. Seth holds a B.A. from Emerson College. He is from New York City.
Vice Consul in the Consular Section, U.S. Consulate - São Paulo
Presenter
Laura Reffatti
Laura Reffatti
Laura Reffatti is a Commercial Specialist at the U.S. Embassy in Brasilia. She has been working to support U.S. education since 2015. Prior, she worked at the same department with the energy, standards, telecommunications, defense, textile and agricultural sectors. She joined the Department of Commerce at the U.S. Embassy in 1998. She also works actively with the Government of Brazil and the U.S. Ambassador on trade policy issues, dialogues, advocacies and high-level delegations. Before, she worked at Banco do Brasil, New York City branch and National Westminster Bank in New York City where she lived for eight years. Ms. Reffatti holds an AAS in Business Administration from LaGuardia Community College and a bachelor’s in Int'l Trade.
Commercial Specialist for Education, U.S. Embassy in Brasilia
This joint presentation by the Department of State and The U.S. Commercial Service will provide information on obtaining a student visa and present how the U.S. Government can be the bridge between U.S. educational institutions and Brazilian education agents, high schools and universities. The U.S. Commercial Service has over 100 offices throughout the United States maintaining relationships with universities, colleges, prep schools, language schools and other educational institutions.
Thu • Oct 317:00 - 17:25Seminar room
Sales data on the Brazilian international education market in 2023
Presentation
Presenter
Alexandre Argenta
Alexandre Argenta
Academic background in foreign trade, marketing and law. International education consultant since 1994. CEO and Founder of Travelmate Intercâmbio since 2002. President of BELTA.
CEO, Brazilian Educational & Language Travel Association (BELTA)
With Brazil increasingly a focal point for international student recruitment professionals, it is important to take into account both its size and its diversity. The world’s fifth largest country in terms of area and seventh in terms of population, there is no one definition of “a Brazilian student”, making it essential that institutions connect with established, quality agencies, whose regional knowledge is crucial in reaching students across the whole country and not just the major cities.

In this session, we dig deeper into the exciting market that Brazil represents, providing an overview of 2023 sales as reported by agents and the market demands reported by students. Additionally, we’ll look at the destination and programme trends, regional insights, and provide practical tips on working with Brazilian agents.
Thu • Oct 317:30 - 17:55Seminar room
The Brazilian family dynamic: Regional perspectives on educational choices abroad
Presentation
Presenter
Ana Beatriz Faulhaber
Ana Beatriz Faulhaber
Ana Beatriz Faulhaber is founder and CEO of CP4 Cursos no Exterior. With over 35 years of experience in international education and student recruitment in Brazil, Bea has taught for more than 18 years at the high school and university levels. She holds a postgraduate degree in HE in Methodology and Innovation in Tourism-FGV, a Master's in Education, and is a Certified Coach. She co-authored 2 books about Career and Tourism. She also holds a specialization in Intercultural Relations in Global Business from MIT Professional Education. Currently,Bea serves as Regional Coordinator for Rio de Janeiro at BELTA and is a member of the association's Ethics Committee. She is a member of BPW and has served as Vice President of BPW Rio de Janeiro.
CEO, CP4 Cursos no Exterior
The presentation aims to highlight some of the factors that influence Brazilian families in choosing study abroad programs, based on research conducted with agents from various regions of the country. It will address some of the family concerns, which may vary depending on the age group of the students; as well as regional differences that impact these decisions, considering socioeconomic and cultural aspects. The goal is to provide insights that will help foreign institutions align their offerings with the expectations of Brazilian families by effectively collaborating with Brazilian agencies.
Thu • Oct 318:00 - 18:55Seminar room
Meeting Brazil's growing demand for Higher Education
Panel discussion
Moderator
Brendan McGerty
Brendan McGerty
Brendan McGerty has over 18 years of international education experience from roles at BMI Media, I-Student Group and Griffith College Ireland. Based in Bahia, Northeast Brazil, Brendan is fluent in Portuguese and Spanish.
Latin America Regional Director, ICEF
Panelist
Ilie Soloviov
Ilie Soloviov
Ilie Soloviov is a Senior Program Manager at Dalhousie University with fifteen years of experience in the international education sector. Throughout his career, Ilie has supported international students in achieving their educational goals, guiding them in pursuing ESL certificates, diplomas, and degrees at various colleges and universities across Canada. As a Senior Program Manager at Dalhousie University, Ilie has recently played a key role in developing and implementing the Post-Graduate Diploma in Professional and Leadership Studies.
Senior Program Manager, Dalhousie University
Panelist
Alexandre Argenta
Alexandre Argenta
Academic background in foreign trade, marketing and law. International education consultant since 1994. CEO and Founder of Travelmate Intercâmbio since 2002. President of BELTA.
CEO, Brazilian Educational & Language Travel Association (BELTA)
Panelist
Maria Flavia Aguiar
Maria Flavia Aguiar
Flavia brings over 20 years experience at International Education industry managing a variety of destination such as Canada, Australia, USA, Europe and UAE, as an exchange student, agent and as recruiter, inspired to transform students' lives positively thru Education abroad the globe. A true traveller of the world, passionate about CSR and volunteering initiatives, new cultures and to bring study opportunities to International Students.
Associate Director (Brazil), GUS Europe & Middle East
A significant growth market, Brazil boasts a large, youthful population, with 44% of its 218 million inhabitants under the age of 30, and a strong economy. In the 2023/24 academic year, approximately 110,000 Brazilian students were studying abroad, 89,150 of whom were in higher education, while English language programmes are also in high demand.

With agencies and global educators having noted a shift in consumer demand for higher education, this panel covers a range of topics, providing practical advice to those looking to enter the promising Brazilian market. Topics include:
- Choosing your agencies - making the distinction between larger, franchise-based agents and smaller/medium-sized establishments
- Choosing the right programmes to push - undergraduate or postgraduate.
- Identifying the fields of study most popular per region.
- Proficiency challenges and highlighting the available support, such as pre-sessional English classes or tailored language support.
- The benefits of considering a partnership with local language schools and pathway providers.
- Fee payment and scholarships.
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