Seminar Programme ICEF Brazil 2025

This introductory session is a perfect fit both for first timers wishing to learn more about forming partnerships; and for regular event attendees, who can share their valuable experience in the field. It provides practical tips and strategies for making the most out of any ICEF event, and ICEF Secondary Education in particular. 

The international education sector is built on close relationships, and is at its best when professionals are able to share best practice and learn from one another. This session represents a unique opportunity for attendees to pool their knowledge in a supportive environment, ensuring a more productive event experience for all. 

Topic areas include: 

• Making the most of your time during the event
• Developing effective post-event follow-up strategies and agent contracts
• Building a mutually beneficial relationship with providers and agents 
• Tips for breaking the ice in meetings

The international education market is going through a period of deep transformation. In Brazil, shifting consumer behavior, political and economic instability in major destination countries and increasing competition have placed both agencies and institutions in a complex scenario, yet also full of opportunities for those who operate with a strategic vision.

In this session, we will explore three essential pillars to achieve sustainable and consistent growth in Brazil:

• Market Understanding – a practical and qualitative look at the Brazilian agency ecosystem, its current challenges, emerging trends and opportunities for institutions aiming to position themselves more effectively.
• Strategic Management – frameworks and best practices to enhance sales performance, optimize operations and build a strong, long-term presence.
• Data-Driven Decision-Making – how to turn market insights, consumer behavior and performance indicators into intelligent, student-centered strategies.

Rather than reacting to market shifts, this session is an invitation to lead with purpose. It’s an opportunity for international education leaders to reflect, realign and make smarter decisions heading into 2026.

With a number of key study destinations shining a spotlight on the international education sector, it is more important than ever that practitioners from across the industry come together to focus on transparent, ethical, and sustainable recruitment practices. 

In this insightful discussion, our speakers share examples of tried and tested best practice, exploring what has worked for them when developing their agency partnerships. With a wealth of tips and strategies, the discussion will not only be essential for those entering the international student recruitment industry but also experienced practitioners seeking ideas from their peers. 

Learn about the International Education market in Brazil with BELTA research 2025 results and the trends in the Brazilian study abroad market nowadays. Information will be given about agencies and student profiles in 2025and the tendencies for this year. The survey shows important changes and new trends. Educators will have updated information and will learn that partnering with quality Brazilian agents is an effective way to increase their share of the market.

Why are students from over 100 countries choosing Malta as their study destination? In this session, we take a closer look at Malta’s rise as an international education hub that blends academic excellence, cultural richness, and a warm, English-speaking environment.

As a Schengen country and full member of the European Union, Malta offers international students access to the wider European region, while also providing a safe, inclusive, and stable living environment. English is one of the official

languages, making it easy for students from all backgrounds to integrate both socially and academically.

Malta’s education system emphasizes quality, employability, and international recognition, with institutions offering degrees aligned with the Bologna Process. Beyond the classroom, Malta supports students with a range of practical benefits, all supporting students towards their career goals.  

This session will highlight reasons to consider Malta a top-tier study destination in Europe. Whether you’re advising students or forming new institutional partnerships, discover why Malta is fast becoming one of Europe’s most attractive options for global learners.

While most students are familiar with the major study destinations within the US, this vast, diverse country offers a wealth of unique cities, each with their own cultural character and advantages for visiting students. These lesser-known destinations not only offer the same world-class education but they are also less competitive, making them the perfect choice for prospective students seeking a unique education experience in the US. 

In this session, Laura Reffatti explores a number of hidden gems within the US, detailing both the range of programmes and the unique cultural opportunities that they represent for students. The perfect presentation for agents looking to expand their portfolio, this session is the first step to exploring the wider benefits the US has to offer. 

As distinct from a panel session or keynote, the roundtables provide a space for a less-structured discussion but with guidance from an informed specialist. To provide that guidance, each table is led by a host whose role is to moderate and animate the discussion around the topic at hand.

- There will be two sittings of all tables, each lasting 25 minutes. The first begins at 18:00; the second at 18:30.

Roundtables' topics:

1. What factors will continue to push students to Ireland? - Simone Ricci & Jorge Guadalupe
2. Has the UK become a more attractive market for Brazilian students following recent policy changes in other key destination markets? - Fabio Bincoletto
3. An evolving market: How will Canada's policy changes impact Brazilian students? - Vinicius Teixeira
4. Can emerging study destinations compete for global students? - Maria Flavia Aguiar
5. Effectively integrating technology: How is AI affecting recruitment in Brazil - Mauricio Segura
6. What do K-12 Brazilian students want? - Flavio Crusoe Jr
7. How Aotearoa New Zealand prepares students for the future in a safe and sustainable way - Bruna de Natale