2025 International ACAC Conference Sessions

Universities are struggling with increasing application volumes and competition levels whilst counsellors are striving to manage student and parent expectations in an ever-demanding world that expects instant information and results.

A case study of key admissions challenges at the University of Edinburgh and Yale University with insights from Tanglin Trust School, Singapore, about managing expectations of applicants and their parents when applying to selective university programmes.

The session will include an open discussion where universities admissions staff and school counselling staff can discuss admissions challenges, share feedback and work towards sharing best practices to help create and shape enhanced applicant experiences in a selective admissions process.

Beginner
Intermediate
Experienced

Secondary (High School) & Individual
Post-Secondary (College & University)

Many national-curriculum (state) schools worldwide lack dedicated college counseling services. This limits students' ability to navigate complex higher education pathways, particularly in competitive international contexts. As a result, many capable students cannot access their best HE options, while universities miss out on great potential students. In this session we will share case studies highlighting innovative models of IEC-state school collaboration that aim to bridge this gap, showcasing strategies to build trust, tailor programs, and address resource challenges, followed by facilitated group discussions to encourage knowledge sharing.

It is relevant for admissions reps wishing to reach the untapped potential in state schools globally; high schools looking to elevate their guidance programme; and individual members who want to look into collaborating with schools. With experience from all sides of the table (university, school, IEC), we will show how, working together, we can support even more students.

Beginner
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Experienced

Secondary (High School) & Individual
Post-Secondary (College & University)
Organization (For-Profit, Non-Profit, CBO)

Did you ever wonder what happens after your applicant presses the submit button? Does anyone actually read the personal statements? Which IB entry requirements are more (or less) flexible than they appear? And what really constitutes a ‘near miss’ candidate? In this webinar, we will be sharing our research from a comprehensive 2023 survey of 60 UK admissions staff to gain a deeper understanding of how offers are made with a particular focus towards IB international applicants. Join us on the wonderful journey of a UCAS application answering all those questions you were too polite to ask.

Beginner
Intermediate
Experienced

Secondary (High School) & Individual
Organization (For-Profit, Non-Profit, CBO)

Leadership — in international college admissions & counseling — increasingly requires acute intercultural competencies and savvy global perspectives.

In the face of unprecedented & unpredictable circumstances impacting global higher education, how can leaders adapt and adjust to support their international students?

In this highly interactive panel discussion, veteran enrollment leader Angel B. Pérez will engage in conversation with peer & partner leaders, representing a range of perspectives and a diverse set of institutions, to discuss the global shifts in core expectations and cross-cultural nuances needed for success during tumultuous times.

Beginner
Intermediate
Experienced

Secondary (High School) & Individual
Post-Secondary (College & University)
Organization (For-Profit, Non-Profit, CBO)

International students are under enormous pressure to secure an offer of admission from a top-tier university and are often discouraged if they are not admitted to their first-choice institution before high school graduation. In some cases, students may be admitted to their dream university, but do not have the means to pay for four years of tuition at that institution. Other students enroll at a four-year university and then discover that it is not the right fit for them. This panel will demonstrate that such scenarios do not need to be the end of the road for students’ higher education ambitions, and that overlooking the transfer route is a missed opportunity. Even for students excelling in high schools with challenging IB, A-Level, and AP curricula, the transfer pathway can be simpler, less stressful, and more reliable than first-year university admission. Our panelists will show how students can prepare to transfer to even the most highly selective private universities. We will discuss the myriad advantages of beginning a bachelor’s degree at a community college, including lower tuition costs, clear transfer agreements and guaranteed admission pathways. We will also address some of the potential pitfalls of attempting to transfer from one four-year university to another, including for students who have started university in their home countries and aim to transfer to a U.S. university. Finally, we will share tips for counselors to challenge misconceptions and reframe the community college transfer path as a strategic and desirable option—one that students and parents can take pride in.

Beginner
Intermediate

Secondary (High School) & Individual
Organization (For-Profit, Non-Profit, CBO)

This session will explore how a non-profit and a higher education institution successfully collaborated to provide critical access to higher education for Palestinian refugee students. Through a detailed case study, we will present a step-by-step playbook, showcasing innovative approaches such as flexible credential evaluation, English proficiency assessment, and targeted recruitment. Attendees will gain practical insights into how to design inclusive admissions policies aimed to remove barriers and empower refugee students to achieve higher education aspirations. Join us to discover how we can work together - non-profits, secondary schools, and universities to become catalysts for change and opportunity.

Beginner
Intermediate
Experienced

Secondary (High School) & Individual
Post-Secondary (College & University)
Organization (For-Profit, Non-Profit, CBO)

Do you feel like students lose the forest for the trees, altering their lives for short sighted goals? Are you constantly answering the same technical questions and pushing to help students find perspective? In this session, we will discuss how to cultivate an ethos of self-awareness, reflection, and prioritization that can not only help students navigate their immediate next steps (list building, essay, etc) with confidence, but also equip them with skills they will use time and again as they navigate future crossroads in their lives. With tips on setting expectations with students, exercises to guide their thinking, and experience from around the globe, join us for a session about empowering students to make intentional, priority-driven choices, find value in their process, and develop the assurity to navigate their complex and dynamic futures.

Intermediate
Experienced

Secondary (High School) & Individual
Organization (For-Profit, Non-Profit, CBO)

Working with predicted grades can be a stressful process for counsellors and admissions teams alike. Are they accurate? Do they need to be? Drawing on real world data (including from the IBO) and examples we aim to give those on both sides of the desk genuine insight into how they are viewed by various constituents and to inform your work with advisees and applicants. We will discuss how predicted grades are used in the admissions process across a number of key destinations along with strategies for both producing, increasing accuracy and utilizing this data point for your work with students and applicants.

Beginner
Intermediate

Secondary (High School) & Individual
Post-Secondary (College & University)

The session aims to understand how students and counselors can approach disclosing extenuating circumstances such as disabilities or other challenges during the college application process from the perspectives of universities and career counsellors. We will examine the potential benefits and challenges faced by students who disclose the same including how it influences admissions decisions, accommodations, etc. Counsellors will share insights into how disclosure is handled within the application process, as well as best practices for supporting students in making informed choices. Universities will focus on how they view the disclosure within an application and larger context

Beginner
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Experienced

Secondary (High School) & Individual

Why chase just one unicorn when you can explore an entire herd? Scotland’s four-year degree offers international students a flexible, dynamic path to discovering their passions—just like the U.S. college structure. This session, featuring the University of Edinburgh, the University of Aberdeen and the University of Strathclyde from Scotland, and Fordham University from New York, will compare the two education systems, showcasing why students should look beyond London and consider a four-year education experience. UCAS will present exclusive data on Scottish applications and trends, offering key insights, and we will delve into academic breadth, student life, and career opportunities across both the US and Scottish systems. Counsellors will leave equipped to help students unlock a world of possibilities—because sometimes, the best opportunities lie where you least expect them!

Beginner
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Experienced

Secondary (High School) & Individual
Post-Secondary (College & University)

How do college counselors really feel about professional development opportunities, especially university fly-in programs? We’re setting out to find out! Our survey will tap into counselors’ insights on the value of these experiences, budget constraints, and how fly-ins influence their recommendations to students. By collecting and analyzing their perspectives, we aim to help universities refine these programs to better support counselors and, ultimately, the students they serve. Let’s bridge the gap between intention and impact—because when professional development truly meets counselors’ needs, everyone benefits!

Beginner
Intermediate
Experienced

Secondary (High School) & Individual
Post-Secondary (College & University)

Why do universities ask students to self-report grades when schools send transcripts? Why do counselors choose not to disclose class rank? What do schools wish universities knew and vice versa? In the ever-evolving world of college admissions, this panel will address - and hopefully demystify - why the ‘other side of the desk’ does things the way they do. By better understanding how our counterparts work and think, we can provide more comprehensive support for students and remind ourselves that we are actually all on the same side of ensuring students land at their best fit institutions. Expect a frank discussion among the panelists - and the audience - to help everyone be stronger together!

Beginner
Intermediate
Experienced

Secondary (High School) & Individual
Post-Secondary (College & University)

This session will discuss the use of university application limits for high school students as a tool to aid students and families in doing more thorough research before the application phase to find their best-fit HE options. We aim to discuss the rationale for creating such policies, the logistics (various examples of school application limits), along with exploring the potential negative consequences and impacts on various stakeholders. This will be an interactive session that facilitates discussion with participants to collect quantitative and qualitative data, and allows sharing of best practices in supporting student balance and wellbeing in the university research and decision-making process.

Beginner
Intermediate
Experienced

Secondary (High School) & Individual
Post-Secondary (College & University)
Organization (For-Profit, Non-Profit, CBO)

Math expectations are critical part of the international admissions equation. Ways in which universities interpret math qualifications are changing, with more enrollment leaders attempting to apply more equitable & innovative approaches to their analysis. This dynamic panel session will explore evolving concepts related to the role that math plays in global college admission.

Intermediate
Experienced

Secondary (High School) & Individual
Post-Secondary (College & University)
Organization (For-Profit, Non-Profit, CBO)

Our experience and data reveal that, despite the wide variety of course choices available, students and their families tend to focus on a limited selection. What hidden gems can we recommend to prospective students? How can we effectively present options beyond the obvious to students and their families? This session aims to empower counsellors to guide students toward unique and rewarding pathways beyond the conventional favourites.

Intermediate

Secondary (High School) & Individual

This session explores the critical role of collaboration between high school and university counselors in preventing and identifying fraud in the college admissions process. Through case studies, practical strategies, and open dialogue, participants will gain actionable insights to safeguard the integrity of admissions and support ethical practices in their institutions.

Beginner
Intermediate
Experienced

Secondary (High School) & Individual
Post-Secondary (College & University)

We learn more from our mistakes than we do from our wins. In this interactive, emotional, vulnerable, bear-it-all session, we’ll hear from five education professionals (and the audience if brave enough) who, at some point in their careers, made what they thought was a career-defining error. For example:

- A job taken for the wrong reasons;
- An email fired off in anger to the wrong person;
- Pushing ahead with a plan only to find the assumptions were all wrong;
- Defying a boss on a matter of principle.

We will be soliciting anonymous stories before the session and picking on people in the audience for their mistakes, and sharing insights as to how those balls-ups led to new opportunities, a new mode of thinking, a shift in character, or simply a plan never to repeat that mistake.

More importantly, we’ll collaboratively find ways to support each other when we think we’ve thrown it all away.

Beginner
Intermediate
Experienced

Secondary (High School) & Individual
Post-Secondary (College & University)
Organization (For-Profit, Non-Profit, CBO)

This session will explore EducationUSA’s holistic strategies to enhance international student success and recruitment. Key focus areas include optimizing student placement and creating comprehensive student support systems. The session will also provide tools to assist U.S. higher education institutions with their recruitment goals. Attendees will gain practical strategies to support international students throughout their academic journeys and tips on how EducationUSA enhances student recruitment efforts globally.

Intermediate

Secondary (High School) & Individual
Post-Secondary (College & University)

How can I help inform students who want to play competitive sports at university in the US, Canada or UK? How will we assess their talent? How can their athletic talent get noticed? Where are the options for them to play? Who will be involved in the process? How do I manage expectations within my school community? What are the financial realities of athletic scholarships? Come get answers to these questions (and others) and learn about opportunities worldwide for your student athletes!

Beginner

Secondary (High School) & Individual

Recruiting students in Africa isn’t just about showcasing rankings, scholarships, or career prospects—it’s about selling trust. For families and students considering studying abroad, the decision is deeply personal, shaped by concerns around safety, return on investment, and post-graduation opportunities. Universities that understand these nuances are more successful in attracting and retaining students from the region.

In this interactive session, three seasoned international educators will share insights into what works (and what doesn’t) when engaging with students, parents, and school administrators across Africa. Using real-life case studies, migration trends, and data-driven insights, we’ll explore:

• How to build trust with African families through transparency and personalized engagement.
• The evolving role of school administrators and counselors as key influencers.
• The impact of government policies and visa challenges on recruitment strategies.
• Ways to leverage alumni and student networks for sustained engagement.

This session will provide attendees with practical strategies to navigate Africa’s dynamic recruitment landscape while fostering meaningful relationships with students and their families. If you’re looking to deepen your impact in Africa and boost student engagement, this session is for you!

Experienced

Secondary (High School) & Individual
Post-Secondary (College & University)
Organization (For-Profit, Non-Profit, CBO)

Europe’s rich and diverse higher education landscape offers international students exciting opportunities, but understanding it can be challenging. This session features representatives from the University of Pécs (Hungary), Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore (Italy), and Universidad de Navarra (Spain), highlighting both public and private institutions. Counsellors will gain insights into admissions, visas, tuition, living costs, and student life in non-native English environments. The session will help them guide students toward informed decisions and realistic expectations about studying in Europe.

Beginner
Intermediate

Secondary (High School) & Individual
Organization (For-Profit, Non-Profit, CBO)

In the current university application process, students and their families often have specific ideas on courses or areas of study that can be very popular or oversubscribed. For this session, presenters will collect data from colleagues to research courses/degrees/programs/majors that have cross-over skills and content with academic areas that are oversubscribed, and provide some alternative courses/ majors/ pathways that students and their families should consider exploring.

Beginner
Intermediate
Experienced

Secondary (High School) & Individual
Post-Secondary (College & University)
Organization (For-Profit, Non-Profit, CBO)

University applications don’t exist in a vacuum - each student brings a unique context that shapes how US admissions representatives understand their profile. From curriculum differences to grading systems, school type to class size, many factors influence how an application is read. But how well do students and counsellors understand that context?

This session will break down the layers of context admissions representatives consider and explore practical strategies for guiding students in effectively presenting their academic and personal backgrounds. Using real student examples, we’ll examine how different parts of the application can be used to communicate context clearly and meaningfully.

Designed for secondary counsellors, this session will provide tools to help you guide students in understanding their own context and advocating for themselves effectively, along with tips and insights into how and where context can shape admissions outcomes.

Beginner
Intermediate
Experienced

Secondary (High School) & Individual

In times of war, education is not just a pathway to opportunity—it is a lifeline and a tool for resilience. If you want to make a real impact in a child's life, nothing is more powerful than giving them the gift of education. Through the life changing work of Horizons Academy, Al Nayzak, and our incredible global partners like Second Chance, Purdue University, and Notre Dame University, we’ll show how education is lighting the way for students in Gaza, Ukraine, Syria, Lebanon, Afghanistan and Africa, even in the darkest times. This session will offer you the chance to learn how you can help build pathways for these students and how the international ACAC community can unite to create life-changing opportunities. Join us, and together let’s build a future where every child has the chance to rise, no matter the odds.

Experienced

Secondary (High School) & Individual
Post-Secondary (College & University)
Organization (For-Profit, Non-Profit, CBO)

The recent flurry of executive orders coming out of the White House has created sweeping uncertainty in higher education. Join us for a robust panel discussion of the most immediate and lasting impacts on international students and the universities that enroll them. Featuring university representatives, high school counselors, and Duolingo's head of government affairs, the panel will analyze the most important policy shifts stakeholders need to be aware of, including on immigration, federal funding, university recruitment and admissions policy, and student perceptions of studying in the US.

Beginner
Intermediate
Experienced

Secondary (High School) & Individual
Post-Secondary (College & University)
Organization (For-Profit, Non-Profit, CBO)

University admissions are always an extremely stressful process for all stakeholders, but more so for children in the age group 16-18 years and their parents. The school counsellors and post-secondary representatives will discuss the effects of stress and procrastination on the students as well as their applications (understanding the effects that the university sees when they go through applications that have been completed last minute). The post-secondary representatives will also share tips and tricks to help students deal with the challenging times and share university data to help understand its effects as well. Further they will make suggestions on how we can help the students tackle the problem.

Beginner
Intermediate
Experienced

Secondary (High School) & Individual
Post-Secondary (College & University)
Organization (For-Profit, Non-Profit, CBO)

As the cost of higher education continues to rise, Universities starve for funds to help students and students are seeking more tangible ways to finance their education while gaining relevant skills for the future. This session will dive in how to navigate ROI discussion with students, parents and explore co-operative education (co-op) programs, experiential learning opportunities, and scholarships that can work together to ease the financial burden of university education. By combining work-integrated learning with financial support, universities can offer students an enriching academic experience while helping them manage tuition costs. This session will highlight innovative approaches that universities are using to integrate co-op programs, internships, and paid learning opportunities with scholarship offerings to make education more accessible and sustainable.

Beginner
Intermediate
Experienced

Secondary (High School) & Individual
Post-Secondary (College & University)

Given the rapidly changing technological, social, and educational landscape, the work of higher-education recruitment and college counseling is undergoing a revolution. This session aims to prepare participants to harness AI as a complement, not a replacement, enabling them to reduce inefficiencies, eliminate bottlenecks, and enhance productivity in the workplace while freeing them to focus on irreplaceable human-centered relationships and tasks. It also seeks to prepare attendees to anticipate and creatively respond to the future challenges by equipping them with resources, networks, and tools for staying informed and adapting to the new landscape. Finally, it will provide ideas for helping participants guide students in developing the adaptability, decision-making, and AI fluency that will define success in an AI-driven world.

Beginner
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Experienced

Secondary (High School) & Individual
Post-Secondary (College & University)
Organization (For-Profit, Non-Profit, CBO)

Transforming IB Education for a Changing World: The IB DP Systems Transformation Course

The future of education is about equipping students to address the world's most pressing challenges for the benefit of people and the planet. This is the course of the future! The IB DP Systems Transformation course offers an innovative academic pathway aimed at empowering students with the mindset and skills necessary to foster systemic change through a transdisciplinary course. Developed in partnership with the International Baccalaureate Organization (represented by Paul Teulon) and offered at UWC Atlantic, UWC Singapore, Upper Canada College, and Mulgrave School, this pioneering course challenges traditional education models by emphasizing real-world learning, project-based assessment, and student agency. Students will graduate with the IB Diploma. Additionally, this course aims to equip students with the knowledge, skills, experiences, and literacy that post-secondary institutions around the world seek. This session will explore how the new IB Diploma course integrates systems thinking, design thinking, and digital innovation to empower students as bridge-builders, innovators, leaders and problem-solvers. We will discuss how the initiative is shaping the future of the IB Diploma Programme, offering a more flexible and experiential approach to learning. Leaders from participating institutions will share insights on their specific schools’ course and implementations.

We hope this session will spark interest and conversations with universities that see alignment with their undergraduate programs and ethos for collaboration and recognition. Our panel recognizes the opportunity for the IB DP Systems Transformation Course to serve as a model for other IB schools that see the relevance and fit for your students and communities in the future.

Beginner
Intermediate
Experienced

Secondary (High School) & Individual
Post-Secondary (College & University)

This session offers a comprehensive introduction to Strategic Enrollment Management (SEM), tailored for all levels of college admission professionals and aims to support both individual recruiting efforts and whole-team strategic planning. SEM is a holistic process that helps institutions achieve and maintain optimal recruitment, retention, and graduation rates by leveraging data-driven insights and strategic planning. This session will feature real-world examples of how data is being used by several universities to inform strategy. Practical exercises will offer both theoretical insights and hands-on experience. Attendees will leave equipped with actionable insights and next steps to enhance their enrollment efforts.

Intermediate
Experienced

Post-Secondary (College & University)
Organization (For-Profit, Non-Profit, CBO)

Are your students looking for an urban environment, with the opportunity to be in one of the fastest, most progressive, smart cities in the world? Hong Kong is an English-medium, higher education market where students can stay two years after graduation without having to get an employment sponsorship immediately. Learn about courses where HK is especially cutting edge: STEM, AI, design, entrepreneurship, and medical-adjacent courses. Understand pathways after graduation, including internships, employment opportunities, PhDs, and permanent residency. Takeaways from this session include not only higher education opportunities, but importantly, social, economic, and global mobility opportunities for students as well.

Beginner
Intermediate
Experienced

Secondary (High School) & Individual
Organization (For-Profit, Non-Profit, CBO)

Join our panel—including a testing expert and three international school college counselors—as we explore the recent shifts in standardized testing. We'll discuss the SAT and PSAT's move to digital adaptive formats, the upcoming overhaul of the ACT, test site availability challenges, and the evolution of admissions testing policies in college applications, with a specific focus on international students seeking to apply to schools in the USA . Gain insights into how these changes impact students and learn strategies to navigate this evolving landscape effectively.

Beginner
Intermediate
Experienced

Secondary (High School) & Individual
Post-Secondary (College & University)
Organization (For-Profit, Non-Profit, CBO)

Shifts in global geopolitics profoundly affect cross-border student mobility, raising complex challenges for university representatives planning outreach strategies and high school counsellors guiding students. This interactive panel will explore key geopolitical trends projected for the near to medium term, spanning international relations, policy reforms and economic fluctuations, and examine their impact on admissions and student futures. Expert panelists from Canada, the U.S., and Australia will share nuanced insights into reconciling these shifts with recruitment and counselling strategies to support students’ educational and long-term career goals. Attendees on both "sides of the desk" will gain forward-looking approaches to anticipate challenges, mitigate risks, and guide students effectively amid evolving global dynamics.

Beginner
Intermediate
Experienced

Secondary (High School) & Individual
Post-Secondary (College & University)
Organization (For-Profit, Non-Profit, CBO)

International admissions and travel can be complex, but the right tools can make all the difference. This interactive session will introduce tried-and-true apps and platforms to streamline recruitment, communication, and travel logistics. This session will share practical insights, demo key resources, and encourage audience participation to exchange tips and best practices for Slate schools and non-Slate schools alike. Walk away with a curated toolkit to enhance efficiency and impact in your role.

Beginner
Intermediate
Experienced

Post-Secondary (College & University)
Organization (For-Profit, Non-Profit, CBO)

Join UCAS alongside UK universities Cambridge, Keele and Aberdeen as we discuss the new UCAS personal statement, and importantly, how universities will look at it. Building on our experience and reflections with the new format of the UCAS reference, we’ll explore what the new personal statement will look like and how we intend to use them as part of our respective admissions processes. We’ll give you honest insights into how to craft a personal statement for our institutions, alongside the background from UCAS on what to expect.

Beginner
Intermediate
Experienced

Secondary (High School) & Individual
Post-Secondary (College & University)
Organization (For-Profit, Non-Profit, CBO)

Gain a clear, first person and data-driven understanding of Myanmar’s current conditions and what impact it has on students seeking international education. Learn how resilient students, families and counselors have been when facing challenges and how universities are successfully recruiting talented students from Myanmar. Learn first hand from universities how Myanmar students positively impact their campuses.

Beginner
Intermediate
Experienced

Post-Secondary (College & University)

Government policies aimed at restricting international students, such as tightened visa issuance, processing delays, housing shortages, and shifting immigration regulations, have become growing concerns for students aspiring to pursue post-secondary education abroad. These barriers, often amplified or misunderstood through media narratives, raise an important and timely question: “Are we still welcoming?”

This session brings together members from Australia, Canada, the UK, and the USA to examine how government policies and institutional responses in leading destination countries are shaping international student experiences and influencing their decisions.

Discussion Points Include:

Policy Impact: How evolving visa regulations, housing restrictions, and related policies are affecting international enrollment trends and recruitment strategies.
Media Narratives: Addressing common misconceptions and anxieties fueled by headlines, and offering strategies to help students and families interpret media narratives with context and calm.
Navigating Uncertainty: Approaches to counsel students through unpredictable and ongoing changes in immigration and non-immigration policies, including visa delays, housing shortages, and political shifts.
Data-Driven Insights: Reviewing the latest data from major stakeholders in international education, such as sector associations and institutions to identify where shifts in student applications and mobility patterns are occurring, and why.
W.T.F. (What’s The Feeling?) : A space for attendees to share what they’re hearing on the ground. How are policy changes and media coverage affecting students, and how can we respond with empathy, clarity, and practical support?

Attendees will leave with practical strategies and insights to better advocate for international students, ensuring global education remains accessible and inclusive despite evolving challenges. Join us to strengthen a collaborative, “Stronger Together” message that fosters clarity, confidence, and a truly welcoming environment for students around the world.

Beginner
Intermediate
Experienced

Secondary (High School) & Individual
Post-Secondary (College & University)
Organization (For-Profit, Non-Profit, CBO)

Not all who retire are truly ready to stop the impactful work they’ve been doing—sometimes for many years. In this session, retired college counselors share their post-retirement professional experiences. Pathways to opportunities are considered, and best practices as well as essential questions are covered. Please join us if retirement will soon be upon you.

Experienced

Secondary (High School) & Individual
Post-Secondary (College & University)

Presented from the perspectives of school counselors alongside Canadian recruitment and admissions representatives, this session will offer a comprehensive understanding of the Canadian education system and why it continues to be a sought-after destination for international students. We will explore Canada’s reputation for academic excellence, cultural diversity, student support services, and post-graduation opportunities. Additionally, the panel will provide clarity on how Canadian universities have adapted to recent immigration policy changes, ensuring they remain a welcoming and accessible choice for international students.

Beginner
Intermediate
Experienced

Secondary (High School) & Individual

Writing applications can be daunting for students, especially when they are applying to a variety of institutions. Students sometimes have wide-ranging interests, and that range is reflected in the varying requirements and purposes of the applications. Come to this session to learn about a variety of writing required for applications and how to counsel students as they struggle with representing themselves well in their applications. We will review key similarities and differences in the writing required, and advice, for the Common Application essay and Activities section, key supplemental essays for the US, the personal statement for the UK and the letter of motivation for the EU. College and university representatives will give examples and talk about what they are looking for in the application writing.

Beginner
Intermediate

Secondary (High School) & Individual

In a world with rising costs, global political tensions, enrollment challenges, and increased pressure, how can we remain steadfast in our commitment to ethical practice? Collaboration and shared student-centered values may just be the strongest answer. Join members of the International ACAC Admissions Practices committee as we discuss real-world ethical dilemmas like Early Decision Agreement implications, the responsible use of artificial intelligence, and increased application fraud. Together, we can navigate these complexities by reinforcing ethical decision-making and supporting one another on all sides of the desk. Attendees will leave with actionable strategies and resources to empower themselves, their offices, and the students and families they serve.

Beginner
Intermediate
Experienced

Secondary (High School) & Individual
Post-Secondary (College & University)
Organization (For-Profit, Non-Profit, CBO)

You want to help your Grade 9 and Grade 10 students engage with reflecting on their strengths, identifying opportunities, making the great academic choices and developing skills. Maybe you have been allocated a time to work with these students but don't know what to offer or where to start. You would like to do more but don't have contact time with students. Come and brainstorm, plan and leave with sessions and activities to implement in your schools.

Beginner
Intermediate

Secondary (High School) & Individual
Organization (For-Profit, Non-Profit, CBO)

As global demographics shift, U.S. colleges have an opportunity to build more diverse campuses—despite domestic uncertainties. This session brings together admissions professionals, counselors, and advocates to discuss how we can improve support for students from underrepresented countries in U. S. institutions through the recruitment and the admissions processes. Our panelists will share actionable insights, experiences, and strategies to foster greater collaboration and improve equity and inclusion for these students. Come join in for a dynamic conversation aimed at sharpening our approach and championing diverse voices in higher education!

Beginner
Intermediate
Experienced

Secondary (High School) & Individual
Post-Secondary (College & University)
Organization (For-Profit, Non-Profit, CBO)

Educators from this year’s International ACAC Scholar Cohort will share information about the success their students have achieved at home and overseas in spite of significant obstacles. The Scholars will provide valuable insights about support systems they have built for students. They also welcome your questions!

Beginner
Intermediate
Experienced

Post-Secondary (College & University)
Organization (For-Profit, Non-Profit, CBO)

Advancement in our field almost always requires taking on supervisory responsibilities. At the same time, becoming a supervisor almost always comes with little, if any, training on how to effectively lead people. The consequences of poor management quickly become apparent with staff burnout, high turnover, and workplace drama. Add on the challenges of managing across different time zones, cultures, and generations, and becoming a successful people leader can sound daunting.

However, being a good manager is not innate and can be learned. Come hear from senior team leaders across high school, college, and organization settings about how they tackle particular management challenges and develop their teams. You'll walk away with tools to keep learning and a renewed view of supervision not as a chore, but as a means to help grow future generations of professionals in our field.

This session is intended for mid-career to advanced professionals who aspire to take on or already have supervisory and team leadership responsibilities.

Intermediate
Experienced

Secondary (High School) & Individual
Post-Secondary (College & University)
Organization (For-Profit, Non-Profit, CBO)

Universities across the world partner with education agents to meet ever increasing international student enrolment targets. The UK has recently launched a sector leading “Agent Quality Framework” via the British Universities International Liaison Association (BUILA), in conjunction with the British Council and UUKI, to ensure that all UK Universities engaging with this stakeholder group enact best practice and ensure recruitment agents adhere to a specific code of ethical practice.

Join a panel of UK Universities to learn how different institution engage with agents, from the selection process and due diligence checks to training, engagement and performance management; the UK sector has created a comprehensive set of guidance to ensure quality agent partnerships.

You will also hear about how institutions, agents, and schools can work together, using the existing working relationships to create mutually beneficial arrangements including group visits, operational logistics, and country/institutional knowledge.

A spotlight on the UK’s Agent Quality Framework will provide a unique insight into how the UK sector recognises the critical role agents play in attracting and supporting international students, and how the framework provides resources to champion the student voice and choice.

Beginner
Intermediate

Secondary (High School) & Individual
Post-Secondary (College & University)
Organization (For-Profit, Non-Profit, CBO)

School counsellors and independent advisors play a crucial role in guiding students through the complexities of international admissions, but who supports the supporters? This session explores practical strategies for building a collaborative, inclusive, and sustainable community of counsellors worldwide. We will delve deep into how we (as University reps) have engaged with counsellors across Sub-Saharan Africa in particular, sharing insights on peer mentorship, resource-sharing, and regional networks. Join us for an interactive conversation on strengthening our collective impact - because we are always #StrongerTogether.

Beginner
Intermediate
Experienced

Secondary (High School) & Individual
Post-Secondary (College & University)
Organization (For-Profit, Non-Profit, CBO)

We often find many helpful sessions at International ACAC related to educational systems, transcripts, and academics, but as college/university admission becomes more and more selective, extracurricular activities can be an important way for applicants to distinguish themselves. How can students best communicate the ways they have spent their time outside of class? How might colleges and universities use this information in their admission reviews? This session includes representatives from Ghana, China, the UK, and US, and aims to bring perspectives from all sides of the desk (high school counselors, IECs, and college/university reps) together as we consider effective ways to support students toward meaningful engagement outside of the classroom.

Beginner
Intermediate
Experienced

Secondary (High School) & Individual
Post-Secondary (College & University)

Mark Twain once said, “Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness,” a sentiment more relevant than ever in 2025. In today’s interconnected world, education is a powerful tool for fostering cross-cultural understanding, strengthening economic ties, and preparing students for success in an increasingly globalized workforce.

Australia and its strategic partners are dedicated to enhancing educational collaboration, fostering academic mobility, and strengthening institutional ties. It is a major destination for international students and has vast potential for growth in international student mobility.

Aligned with the #StrongerTogether theme, this session will explore how international education can enhance people-to-people connections while delving into the diverse university options available in Australia and the dynamic recruitment landscape. By collaborating and sharing knowledge, we can empower counselors and university representatives to better guide students toward global academic success.

As one counselor aptly said, “Australian applications are easy until they’re not!” This session will provide insights into navigating the system's nuances while also broadening perspectives on bilateral education partnership opportunities and global academic mobility.

Discussion Points:
- Understanding the Australian Higher Education System
- Navigating the Application Process
- Expanding Australia Student Mobility
- Bridging Global Opportunities

This interactive session will feature perspectives from an Australian university representative, an EducationUSA advisor, an independent counselor, and a high school counselor. Together, they will demystify the Australian university application process, highlight opportunities for international engagement, and provide actionable strategies to support students accessing higher education across borders.

Beginner
Intermediate
Experienced

Secondary (High School) & Individual
Post-Secondary (College & University)
Organization (For-Profit, Non-Profit, CBO)

The province of British Columbia, located on the West Coast of Canada, is home to the world-renowned BC Transfer System. How does it work? The BC Transfer Guide pre-articulates programs and courses across the provincial post-secondary landscape, offering students access to countless educational pathways. Typically, a student will begin their studies at a top public college in the province, where they take advantage of more flexible admission requirements, small class sizes, personalized attention, and more affordable tuition. After 1-2 years, the student will transition seamlessly to a top-ranked university through their chosen articulated pathway, taking all of their credits with them, to complete their university degree without delay. For a student designing their own post-secondary pathway, the flexibility and options are limitless!

Beginner
Intermediate
Experienced

Secondary (High School) & Individual
Post-Secondary (College & University)
Organization (For-Profit, Non-Profit, CBO)

Cambridge International, the College Board, and the International Baccalaureate all offer rigorous programs that prepare students well for higher education. Representatives of all three organizations will share updates and discuss student mobility trends in our different curricular offerings. Please join a conversation about how we can best serve your schools and universities. Our focus is putting students first and supporting you.

Beginner
Intermediate
Experienced

Secondary (High School) & Individual
Post-Secondary (College & University)
Organization (For-Profit, Non-Profit, CBO)

In this session, we will share a student-centered approach which puts students in charge of their post-high school planning. The Sophomore Seminar is dedicated to helping students make a more informed decision regarding their course selection in G11 whereas the Junior Seminar focuses more on university research. At the end of each session, students are responsible for completing 2-4 slides with each seminar culminating in a Student-Led Conference where students present their plans to their counselor and parents/caregivers. Join us as we dive into the details of this approach, explore its benefits for students, parents/caregivers, and counselors, and provide you with ready-to-use resources to implement at your own school.

Beginner
Intermediate
Experienced

Secondary (High School) & Individual

Gender expectations and the balance of working while starting/having a family, can make parenting challenging. There is a belief that perhaps you must lose one identity in order to gain another. This is especially true for parents in the field of international admissions/recruitment. With career and parental expectations ever changing, this topic is relevant to parents or those entertaining parenthood at all stages of their career. The goal of this session is to open a conversation about maintaining both parental and professional identities, navigating feelings of guilt and societal pressures, and connecting with other parents in the field who struggle or have overcome these hurdles.

Beginner

Post-Secondary (College & University)

Since their inception, International ACAC Regional Institutes have carved out a unique niche in the professional development and networking space. More and more members attend Regional Institutes every year, and they provide an exciting opportunity to engage with colleagues in a smaller, more localized setting, focusing on specific circumstances within each particular region. Regional Institutes are just one way the Association offers high schools and university campuses the opportunity to participate in an impactful educational event as a host institution.

Come discover what it takes to host an upcoming International ACAC Regional Institute. Participants will learn about the benefits and requirements, and how institutions are true partners in the process alongside International ACAC. We will be joined by the International ACAC Regional Institutes Team as well as past International ACAC Regional Institute hosts to answer all of your questions including: cost, logistics, getting your administration on board, and much, much more.

Beginner
Intermediate
Experienced

Secondary (High School) & Individual
Post-Secondary (College & University)
Organization (For-Profit, Non-Profit, CBO)

Despite everyone’s best efforts rankings are here to stay. In some cultures, university rankings play a particularly large role through the admission process. This can present a whole new slew of challenges for families: how are rankings calculated and how do you compare different lists? In this session, university admission officers will share different strategies and techniques they use to cope with and manage the constant rankings push including other data points about student experiences and outcomes.

Beginner
Intermediate
Experienced

Secondary (High School) & Individual
Post-Secondary (College & University)

Caribbean students seek to study abroad but very few universities actively recruit them. Join us to learn more about these excellent students, the English-speaking education systems they study in, how to decipher their credentials, local scholarships and funding, regional trends, tips for successfully recruiting and yielding in the region, and facts to convince your administration your recruitment trip isn't a ‘vacation in the sun’.

Intermediate

Post-Secondary (College & University)

Discover how vocational and alternative curricula, such as the IB Career-Related Programme (IBCP) and BTEC qualifications, as well as school created curricula are shaping the future of education by blending academic rigor with career or socially-focused learning. This session will explore how these programs align with international university admissions standards, providing students with globally recognized credentials and real-world skills, while a societal impact. Attendees will gain insights into advocating for practical learning experiences and how institutions can better support students from these pathways in the admissions process. Join us to learn strategies for bridging the gap between academic preparation, social action and career readiness.

Intermediate

Secondary (High School) & Individual
Post-Secondary (College & University)

Reviewing similarities and differences regarding visas for attending universities in Europe. Brought to you from the EUC perspective: Switzerland, Spain, Italy, and Belgium. The participants in the session will learn insider recommendations to increase the success rate of the visa application process. The session will cover the journey from the visa appointment, required documents, and interview process.

Experienced

Secondary (High School) & Individual