Seminar Programme ICEF China 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 China 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 with Chinese counterparts

While appealing to the same age group, offering some of the same cultural opportunities, and potentially held on the same campus, international K-12 and summer schools are vastly different in terms of study duration, student needs, and learning outcomes. As a result, it is essential that agents and institutions avoid a one-size-fits-all application approach, focusing on ensuring the best possible experience for students according to their chosen pathway. 

In this panel discussion, we look at the different approaches suitable for K-12 and summer school learning opportunities. With reference to established best practice, we consider the extent to which K-12 and summer schools require pre-arrival support, internal placement tests to effectively stream classes, induction sessions to ensure student familiarity with the locale, and more. 

This seminar is designed to showcase Spain, and in particular Valencia, as one of the most attractive destinations for international students today. Participants will gain a clear understanding of the unique combination of academic excellence, cultural richness, and professional opportunities that studying in Spain provides.

During the session, the audience will learn about:

• Education pathways in Spain: from vocational training to university programs, and how these align with international standards (EQF, ECTS).
• Opportunities for employability: new regulations that allow students to work during their studies and transition into the European job market.
• Cultural immersion: how living in Spain—and specifically Valencia—offers students not only high-quality education but also a vibrant Mediterranean lifestyle with language, gastronomy, and local traditions.
• Strategic advantages of Valencia: a safe, dynamic, and affordable city with strong connections to industry, tourism, technology, and healthcare sectors.
• Support structures for students: from visa assistance to integration programs, ensuring a smooth transition into Spanish and European life.

By attending, participants will leave with a clear roadmap of how to position Spain and Valencia as a top-tier study destination for their students, and how to leverage these advantages when advising families or building recruitment strategies.

Faced by a range of challenges, from domestic economic issues to the policy decisions that have increasingly impacted visa access across Australia, Canada, the UK, and the US, Chinese student preferences are evolving. While the big four remain immensely popular, the appeal of closer, cheaper alternatives is encouraging Chinese students to consider a diverse range of study destinations. 

In this session, we take a data-driven look at the destinations that are increasing their popularity with Chinese students. We look at the most common destination preferences that have emerged, as well as their primary advantages over the big four, including ease of access to visas, more readily available accommodation, and rapidly advancing quality of education. 

The desire among Chinese students for an international education is as strong as ever, but today’s generation faces stronger economic headwinds and increasingly complex visa requirements. For agents, the challenge is no longer just to generate interest, but to guide students and parents through this uncertainty towards successful enrolment.

On this panel, we will therefore move beyond the headlines to offer practical, on-the-ground strategies to convert student interest into enrolment. We bring together experts from higher education, a leading Chinese agency, and the China Britain Business Council to explore key topics, including:

• Affordability: How to frame conversations around value and funding in a sensitive economic climate.
• Visa Policies: Understanding the nuances of policy shifts in key destinations, using the UK as a key case study, and building visa-ready applications.
• Emerging Opportunities: Are there new corridors or program types gaining traction amidst these challenges?

Led by Shelly Xu of Education New Zealand (ENZ), this presentation looks closely at the country’s strengths as a study destination for Chinese students, from its welcoming environment to the quality of the education offered across its institutions. 

Following a brief overview of ENZ’s role in supporting New Zealand’s international education sector, the session provides a snapshot of Chinese students studying in New Zealand; further information on what makes New Zealand stand out; the facts and figures highlighting New Zealand’s top ranking as a study destination; the overall advantages of studying in the country; and a look at the policy-level support options available from the government.  

This seminar offers an overview of the UK’s strengths as a study destination, including its inclusive academic environment, world-ranked universities, innovative teaching, and strong industry links. It will highlight current China–UK student mobility trends and emerging opportunities. Attendees will be introduced to the British Council’s Agent and Counsellor Training hub and the benefits of joining our official agent network in China. The session will also feature the British Council Alumni UK programme, including a success story from a Chinese graduate, and conclude with details of an upcoming regional networking opportunity for agents and sector partners.

The largest single source market for international students, China is immensely important for recruitment professionals. However, in order to effectively and sustainably recruit from the country, it is necessary to understand the motivating factors driving students to select their study destination - both in terms of country and institution. 

While an institution’s academic reputation (often expressed via rankings) remains a determining factor, recent reports indicate that Chinese students also consider a number of other factors including the proximity of their chosen study destination and the presence of a Chinese community, as well as a number of practical considerations such as climate, cost of living, and access to work opportunities. 

In this panel discussion, we dig into the growing range of factors that attract Chinese students and consider how these can best be leveraged in effective marketing materials.