2026 International ACAC Conference Session Proposal Form

What will counselor-admissions relationships look like in 2030? This session examines three forces reshaping work: AI automation, demographic shifts as new regions become dominant markets, and changing readiness definitions as skills trump degrees. Counselors and university representatives debate which practices are obsolete and which are essential. Will universities still require counselor letters? Will test-optional become permanent, or will new assessments emerge? As Southeast Asia and Africa grow, how must recruitment evolve? Participants will leave with actionable insights and a roadmap for building the bridges needed to guide students and institutions through a future where adaptability and innovation are paramount.

This session explores how thoughtful counselor engagement can strengthen recruitment efforts and deepen shared understanding. Attendees will get a clearer sense of how a well‑designed counselor tour works in practice, from planning and logistics to collaboration points and follow‑up. It wraps with a focus on the human side of the work, offering takeaways such as building genuine relationships, fostering trust, creating shared purpose, and leaving counselors with experiences that stay with them.

Traditional questions like "What do YOU want?" rarely unlock authentic student voice, especially when family expectations, cultural values, and peer pressure dominate decision-making. This session provides practical conversation techniques that reveal student values without dismissing family input, strategies for cultural contexts where collective family decisions are the norm, and methods for helping students articulate priorities that may conflict with parental expectations. Attendees leave with question frameworks, intervention strategies for different family dynamics, and realistic expectations about what student agency can look like when individual choice must balance with family obligations and cultural values.

Mid to mature career professionals who balance management responsibilities and individual contributions. How did you learn? What are your challenges? A space for a grounded discussion of the challenges and rewards of organizational management.

College counsellors increasingly work at the intersection of an evolving higher-education landscape and parents whose understanding of careers and university remains largely linear. This session supports counsellors in reframing conversations with traditional families by shifting the focus from selecting a single “right” university or career to choosing a path made up of intentional, credible steps. By introducing alternative pathways—including staged entry models and non-linear academic routes—participants will explore how these options can be communicated as purposeful choices rather than compromises. Ultimately, the session highlights how embracing a diversity of pathways allows families to view the future not as one irreversible decision, but as a flexible journey with multiple routes to success.

An eclectic group of high school counselors will be going through a list of their favorite professional resources. We will be covering traditional sources as well as the cutting-edge AI tools (and everything in between) that we use on a daily basis. This session will be an opportunity for veterans to refresh their resource bank as well as a chance for newcomers to start with what works. Hopefully this session will also help budget holders form their shopping list. There will be an audience contribution section, so attendees are encouraged to bring their own favorites to add to our user-friendly “best of” list that will be collated and available to attendees afterward.

Shifting political climates and global uncertainty in key recruitment regions are increasingly shaping international students’ sense of safety, belonging, and trust on campus. This session explores how these external pressures influence student experiences and campus climate in international higher education. Attendees will discuss practical, proactive strategies for fostering inclusive communities. The session emphasizes sustainable, student-centered approaches to belonging and safety available at international universities.

From jet lag to late check-ins (and joining zoom calls at wildly inappropriate hours), international recruitment travel can take a real toll if we’re not intentional. This session focuses on staying healthy—physically, mentally, and emotionally—while navigating life on the road. Participants will reflect on boundaries, burnout prevention, and sustainable habits that support both personal wellness and professional effectiveness—many of them learned the hard way. Because strong bridges are built by people who are well enough to sustain them and not exclusively powered by caffeine and frequent flyer miles.

The dynamic between high school counselors and university representatives is crucial for driving successful international student recruitment. However, misalignments—often invisible—can create roadblocks in this partnership. This interactive session focuses on debunking myths and clarifying misconceptions through a “myths vs. reality” approach. Together, we’ll tackle pain points like maximizing the value of high school visits, navigating ethical communication, and aligning institutional goals with student-centered advocacy. By the end, participants will have collaborated to create a practical "collaboration checklist" that ensures smoother workflows and stronger professional connections.

The true power of a school’s reputation lies not in its brochures, but in the success stories of its alumni. This session presents a collaborative framework for transforming alumni networks from passive groups into active, influential advocates who enhance trust among prospective families, students, and university partners. We’ll dive into strategies for tracking and celebrating "positive legacies" at the university level, and how these success stories elevate the school’s standing, leading to better outcomes for both current and future students. By the end of the session, participants will walk away with a practical toolkit for building lifelong advocacy, ensuring that alumni continue to play a vital role in shaping the school’s global reputation and university admission outcomes.

Working in the field of international admissions and actively caring for children or adult family members can have unique and often overwhelming challenges. Demanding high-volume reading periods, extensive travel (both domestic and international), and often non-traditional work hours creates significant conflicts with the responsibilities of being a primary or active family caregiver. This facilitated discussion is intended for professionals at all career stages who are navigating these dual responsibilities and will provide a confidential, supportive space to share practical strategies, discuss organizational and structural barriers, and explore opportunities for advocacy within the profession. Participants will also exchange ideas for setting boundaries, communicating needs, and sustaining their careers in international admission over the long term.

Money is personal. With so much ambiguity surrounding cost of attendance and financial aid determinations for international students, many can feel pigeon-holed into one of two ill-fitting categories: “needs full ride” or “can pay full fare”, leading students, families, and counseling colleagues to shy away from the real, nitty-gritty conversations about cost and budget. Join this discussion group to hear from both sides of the desk about how to build tools for moving families from vague exchanges to frank dialogue about financial realities, and learn from data-driven discussion for working with families to widen their strategy around financial fit. Come ready to trade stories about financial aid surprises, swap real-world case studies of international student financial aid practices, and leave with the skills to finally feel confident navigating money conversations with students and families.

Many of the careers today’s students will pursue have not been defined, named, or even materialized yet—but they are still required to make high-stakes academic choices based on current market demands. By 2027, nearly 50% of existing competencies are expected to become irrelevant, raising urgent questions about how we guide students and their families in the present day. This session brings together high school counselors and university representatives to engage in a dialog on bridging this gap. We’ll explore what employers today will seek from new graduates, how universities are redesigning their programs to build adaptability and integrate future-critical skills; and how holistic counseling practices can help prepare students for this future- one that fosters agility, emotional intelligence, and interdisciplinary problem-solving. All this to equip Generation Alpha with the tools they need to thrive in careers still taking shape.

The session explores how U.S. colleges determine English proficiency for international applicants and why waiver policies vary so widely across institutions. Drawing on current practices, case studies, and policy analysis, the presentation highlights how waiver decisions impact access, equity, and enrollment strategy. Attendees will gain practical insight into designing clearer, more consistent, and student centered waiver guidelines.

Not every strong recruiter to counselor relationship is built over coffee chats, constant travel, or perfectly polished small talk. This session focuses on authentic relationship building strategies that work for a wide range of personalities. Designed for recruiters and high school counselors alike. Attendees will explore communication practices, trust building techniques, and relationship maintenance that supports long-term partnerships without burnout and without pretending to be someone you’re not.

International students today are navigating more choices than ever, from a wider range of destination countries to more application pathways and credentials, changing how and where they apply to college. In this session, College Board, the Institute of International Education, and Common App bring together their data to show what current mobility and application patterns look like, alongside a U.S. university admissions leader who will share how institutions are responding on the ground. Panelists will explore how students decide where to apply, how many institutions to consider, and how they present their academic profiles in a crowded and competitive global environment. The session will help admissions and enrollment professionals better understand these shifts and consider how to adapt recruitment and admissions strategies in response.

Discover the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) — the international standard for describing language proficiency, with its “can-do” descriptors. Find out how the CEFR powers English assessments for university admissions, helping institutions gauge real-world readiness for academic success and understand what students can actually do with their English—whether that’s participating in a seminar, presenting research, or navigating everyday academic life.

Clearing has long been part of the UK university admissions landscape. Once viewed as a last minute option, it has evolved into an increasingly popular and strategic route for students seeking flexibility and choice - more applicants than ever are choosing to bypass the main UCAS cycle and apply directly through Clearing, and a growing number are declining their firm offers to explore Clearing opportunities instead. Join UCAS, Queen Mary University of London, and the University of Edinburgh for a lively, myth busting exploration of the UK admissions process. We’ll outline where Clearing sits within the application cycle, reveal what happens behind the scenes, and share practical insights to help you support your students with confidence during results day. Expect clear guidance, actionable takeaways, and a few “aha!” moments to help your applicants make the most of every opportunity.

Building ethical bridges means creating dialogue rooted in trust, transparency, and integrity—even when the path is unclear. In a time when global admission practices grow increasingly complex, how can practitioners navigate dilemmas productively while upholding ethical standards? Join members of the Admissions Practices Committee in an interactive session exploring how to apply the NACAC Guide to Ethical Practice in College Admission when faced with ambiguous or conflicting real-world situations. Through case studies and open discussion, we will unpack how to respond to challenges involving recruitment practices, early decision concerns, agent relationships, and institutional pressures—focusing on process over judgment. This session aims to empower both secondary and post-secondary professionals with tools and frameworks for approaching ethical gray areas, fostering a shared understanding of what ethical bridge-building in admissions looks like around the world.

In this session, the TOEFL team will explain how it addresses some of the thorniest challenges in English testing, from thwarting novel forms of cheating to designing item types that are suitable for a modern English exam. Another key topic will be ensuring that the exam remains a fair test of English, regardless of a student’s home country or learning background. Session attendees will gain deeper insight into the challenges of securely testing English at scale.

As students and families increasingly prioritize Return on Investment (ROI), counselors and universities must effectively articulate the bridge between education and employability. This session equips attendees with concrete strategies to demonstrate value, drawing on real case studies from institutions and student journeys to illustrate what works in practice. We will cover placement years, industry-embedded units, and post-study work options in the UK, Australia, and emerging global hubs, showing how these pathways translate into measurable career outcomes. Attendees will also explore data-backed alumni case examples and proven methods for activating alumni networks to reassure parents about the university investment. Join us for an evidence-led narrative on career preparation and global outcomes.

Most of us didn't plan to be a counselor. We didn't grow up dreaming about helping teenagers find their best-fit colleges. So, how did we get here? And now that we are on this path - a journey that requires us to play the roles of mentor, mediator, therapist, advocate, accountant, host, babysitter, event planner, and many others - how do we do it all, when we haven't had the proper training for it? Or any! Let's share stories of success, frustration, empowerment, and tough decisions, and discover ideas and places of where you can find resources to help you in your unexpected venture into the world of counseling.

This chat will be used to announce a new partnership between Duolingo, Beca Cometa, KenSAP, and other leading access organizations called ICAN–the International College Access Network. ICAN is a global coalition of trusted, high-quality college access organizations that identify and prepare talented students from low-resource backgrounds to study at universities outside of their home country. Through shared best practices, strategic coordination, and collective engagement with universities and education partners, ICAN will expand access and improve outcomes for high-achieving, low-income international students. We are excited to share this new initiative with the International ACAC community via a Conference Chat.

Are we helping students thrive—or simply perform? Grounded in research on student well-being, engagement, and achievement, we explore the growing connection between joy, purpose, and academic success. As stress and performance pressure rise across grade levels, the evidence reveals a clear pattern: achievement without joy leads to disengagement, and pressure without purpose leads to burnout. Do academic excellence and well-being truly sit in opposition—or is joy, in fact, a powerful driver of sustained performance?

Let’s take a few minutes to look at the “past” of both our profession of international admissions and International ACAC. Some veteran counselors and admissions folks will share some historical and perhaps hysterical anecdotes, tracing our route to 2026. Can you imagine international admissions before the internet, and even before fax machines (Fax WHAT?)? How did International ACAC start from the “three van counselor tours!” Let’s relive some of the fun stories that have helped form International ACAC and the profession in general.

Teams are the heartbeat of our profession. This session explores how to move beyond managing colleagues to build thriving, values-driven teams by intentionally integrating culture - whether in remote, global, traditional or other settings. Ideal for those stepping into leadership roles or leading from within, this session supports anyone looking to mobilize people around a shared mission. Learn how to build a culture that promotes transparency, trust and high performance while centering a shared commitment to students.

Vietnam is one of the fastest-growing international student markets, yet it remains widely misunderstood by many institutions. This interactive session will explore Vietnam’s diverse school systems, family-driven decision-making culture, and the socioeconomic factors shaping students’ educational pathways, with particular attention to gifted schools and emerging Tier 2 cities. Participants will gain practical strategies for recruiting students following the Vietnamese curriculum, including scholarship considerations, alumni engagement, and relationship-building practices that extend beyond the school visit. Designed for university and college professionals seeking deeper cultural context and actionable insight, this session emphasizes shared experiences, discussion, and real-world examples from the field.

Universities and counselors alike are operating under increasing pressure with shifting student demand, policy uncertainty, limited resources, and growing expectations for personalized guidance. This session invites university representatives to rethink international recruitment through a more balanced, diversified partner model that supports both institutional teams and the counselors guiding students through an increasingly complex college search journey. Rather than relying on a single channel or overextending internal staff, participants will explore how a thoughtfully curated mix of third-party partners, including digital platforms, in-country support, peer advisors, marketing and engagement tools, and admissions workflow solutions, can reduce strain, improve student experience, and create more sustainable recruitment outcomes. The focus is not on adding more partners, but on choosing the right ones. Partners that complement institutional goals, respect counselor workloads, and meet students where they are during moments of uncertainty and decision-making.

“Multi-track” is the new phrase secondary and international high schools are using to describe students who are applying to the U.S., UK, Canadian, European, and Asian universities at the same time. Collectively American universities have approximately 384 overseas branch campuses across 85 host countries worldwide, a 15% increase since early 2023. Now nearly 70% of U.S. institutions report partnerships abroad. In the UK more than 23-25% of the graduate and undergraduate population is international. This session will discuss the challenges and opportunities for students and universities in the growing global educational environment.

This session explores how to bridge the "authenticity gap" by centering an increasingly strained admissions process on genuine student voice and dynamic counselor advocacy. We will share case studies showing how shifting from static application components to more dynamic, evidence-rich mediums allows counselors to validate a student’s fit more effectively. Admissions officers will reflect on these examples to share how such qualitative factors influence their review process, offering a "high-definition" perspective that restores humanity to admissions decisions. In a hopeful counterbalance to the pressures of reducing students to a score and AI-scored essays, participants will leave with a framework for fostering a student-centered experience that prioritizes genuine voice, true curiosity, and real-time engagement.

Post-pandemic realities have reshaped how students evaluate study abroad options, with affordability, geopolitical tensions, and career outcomes now outweighing the traditional factor of prestige. This session explores how information gaps and digital decision-making tools influence student choices, particularly in relation to U.S. study. Using recent research, we will examine emerging mobility patterns and their implications for counselors and universities. The session offers evidence-based guidance for navigating this new recruitment landscape.

This session explores the often-overlooked gray area of unintentional fraud in global admissions — when omissions, outdated information, or well-intentioned advocacy result in material misrepresentation. Using real examples such as failing to disclose prior school attendance or disciplinary history, not updating school profiles, or reporting inflated extracurricular involvement, we will examine how these situations arise and why they persist. Participants will discuss shared responsibility among students, counselors, and universities and leave with practical strategies to promote transparency and protect the integrity of the admissions process.

A recent survey shows that 92% of students use AI tools to generate text, while another contrastingly reports that 39% of college applicants avoided AI entirely due to ethical concerns. As colleges roll out AI policies, students and counselors now face new questions around equity and interpretation: are students who avoid AI being rewarded for integrity, or quietly disadvantaged? This panel examines the latest AI policies across U.S. colleges and offers candid insights from the perspectives of admissions officers, secondary schools, and rigorous academic programs. Participants will leave with practical guidance on how to advise students responsibly, ethically, and strategically in an admissions landscape that is often evolving faster than official rules can keep up.

This session explores how the Pittsburgh region’s unique evolution from an industrial powerhouse to a global leader in health, tech, and education creates an ideal ecosystem for international students. We will examine how the "City of Bridges" connects diverse scholars with world-class research, a welcoming community, and an affordable cost of living. Attendees will leave with actionable insights on how Pittsburgh’s distinct cultural and professional landscape attracts and supports students from around the globe.

As universities expand credit and advanced standing policies for incoming students, an important question remains: when should students take credit—and when might it be better not to? This session explores credit and advanced standing through the lens of student choice, academic readiness, and long term success. Drawing on perspectives from secondary counselors and higher education professionals, the session will examine how students navigate decisions about acceleration, workload, academic transition, and degree planning. They will consider how clear, transparent, and well communicated credit policies are essential to enabling students to make informed choices that align with their goals, rather than defaulting to credit because it is available. The session will also address the university’s role: when universities lack clear or consistent credit frameworks, students are often unable to make meaningful choices at all.

Counselors remain the single most influential factor in international student decision-making. Yet, for universities, the critical question has shifted: what truly influences the counselor? For decades, the partnership between universities and K-12 counselors has served as the fundamental conduit for international student mobility. That relationship is now entering a new era, redefined by digital fatigue, heightened administrative pressure, and evolving student expectations. In this session, we will learn first-hand from counselors and university professionals. Rather than offering generic outreach tactics, our lively panel will share best practices, and evaluate their own experiences to move toward resilient, co-created ecosystems. Participants will gain tangible, evidence-based frameworks to move beyond transactional recruitment and build sustainable, high-impact counselor partnerships that prioritize student success. We will look at some proprietary data from over 4,000 students and 200 counselors to identify the specific drivers of institutional trust.

This session will equip school counsellors with information on alternative study destinations in the UK outside of London. The expert panel will offer knowledge from the various nations of the UK, offering insight, data, and knowledge to help you advise students on alternative destinations. The session will feature research collected by the panel to understand the information gaps when advising students about applying to various cities in the UK. This will include information about culture, food, industry, and the cost of living. This session will feature an interactive quiz, Q&A, and interactive discussions to encourage audience participation and knowledge sharing. Find out why looking outside of London may be the best decision your students make this year!

While applicants to medical school in many nations target programs close to home, others seek exposure through environments where they will expand their understanding of medicine globally while interacting with representatives and peers from diverse backgrounds. Those who desire to practice in the U.S. may consider alternatives to studying in the U.S. as several med schools abroad provide viable pathways to prepare for licensure in the nation where they study, their home countries, and the U.S. Through a case study exchange, participants will engage collaboratively to identify a program list meeting the needs of hypothetical students and defend their choices based on applicant objectives for professional practice.

Getting in is only half the battle. For "first experience" students—including those from low-income backgrounds, first-generation households, and international students navigating new cultural landscapes—the transition to university is often marked by a gap in the intangible skills and/or resources needed to thrive beyond academics. This session is meant to enlighten practitioners from both sides of the desk on best practices they can embrace to increase students’ sense of belonging, well-being, and success as well as reduce attrition rates among “first experience” students. We will explore how practitioners on both sides of the desk can identify and bridge these gaps, moving beyond academic preparation to focus on cultural fluency and institutional navigation.

Third Culture Kids (TCKs) are campus "bridge builders" with unmatched cross-cultural fluency, yet they often remain invisible on enrollment dashboards and institutional categories. This interactive session challenges you to look beyond the data to identify these "hidden" students earlier in the recruitment cycle using the CIS Educational Transitions Framework. Join us to swap traditional checklists for strengths-based strategies that turn the search for belonging into a powerful tool for yield, retention, and community impact.

This session is for any new university counselors in the field who may not have a background in social emotional counseling. It is meant to provide practical ideas that counselors implement such as active listening, unconditional positive regard, and various applicable counseling theories and frameworks while having an interactive component. Resources and reading for further growth will be provided in the end.

Accreditation is frequently referenced when evaluating institutions and advising students, yet its meaning and implications are not always well understood. This session will examine the role of accreditation bodies, distinguish between institutional and secondary or specialized accreditation, and explore how accreditation practices vary across countries and education systems. Through case studies and facilitated discussion, participants will strengthen their ability to interpret accreditation credentials and apply this knowledge when supporting student decision-making and mobility.

Learn how to move beyond numbers and use data to tell a powerful, student-centered story to your board of directors. This session will highlight best practices, strategies for sharing successes, identifying needs, and connecting evidence to future planning and funding priorities. Participants will explore how intentional storytelling strengthens board understanding and supports informed decision-making. Practical examples will illustrate how data can guide vision, strategy, and investment.

Ongoing policy shifts and political uncertainty in the United States continue to reshape the global higher education landscape. As international student mobility patterns evolve, institutions around the world are feeling the ripple effects of changes in U.S. immigration policy, funding priorities, recruitment practices, and student sentiment. Join Duolingo’s Head of Government Affairs, Ed Fu, alongside university leaders from the UK and Canada for a timely, global conversation on how the current state of U.S. higher education is influencing international enrollment strategies and decision-making beyond U.S. borders. Panelists will share how their institutions are responding to changing student perceptions of studying in the U.S., adjusting recruitment approaches, and navigating increased interest in alternative destinations. The session will offer counselors and educators insight into what these global shifts mean for students considering international pathways in 2026 and beyond.

In this session, we'll explore how students can build a truly comprehensive list that activates all options and not just the same 30 colleges historically popular at your high school. Bring important factors into play early in the process like categorization, academic rigor, subject-matter interests, international and domestic financial aid options. We'll also showcase how powerful new reporting and visualization tools make it possible to glean critical insights from your historical data with ease, whether it be for board reporting, general trend analysis or conversations in real time with students and families.

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.

As students increasingly seek global pathways to higher education, international branch campuses of U.S. universities are playing a growing role in expanding access, affordability, and mobility, particularly for students from regions affected by visa, financial, and geopolitical barriers. This session explores how the highly ranked U.S. international branch campuses in Education City in Qatar function as bridges between educational systems and accessibility. Participants will gain a practical understanding of how these campuses support students to study a U.S. curriculum in this innovative “multi-versity” environment and learn about the financial aid, cross-registration and international student support available. Designed for counselors and advisors, the session will focus on how to accurately advise students on the options available in Education City, the common misconceptions, the diversity of the student community and the benefits of studying in such a unique educational environment.

This panel will explore how institutions can better support low-income international students across their college journey. Panelists will share practical, cross-departmental strategies for bridging gaps in access, information, and belonging, with examples of how campuses and communities collaborate to address logistical, academic, and financial challenges once students arrive. Using a student timeline approach, the session highlights how bringing people and resources together during uncertain times can create more equitable and successful experiences for international students.

The school profile is an essential and mandatory piece of U.S. university applications, but it’s often misunderstood, overlooked or unhelpful. We, however, believe there is great power in a profile and how it can serve as a bridge between schools and university admissions: it can advocate, explain context, and assist universities in their review. In this refreshingly honest session, school-based counsellors share recent changes they’ve made (and why), with real-time insight from university representatives into how the document is actually used. Expect practical takeaways for both counsellors and admissions representatives, along with a no-nonsense look at what works, what gets overlooked and how to help your profile bridge the gap.

Join this session to learn more about EducationUSA’s resources for creating meaningful connections between international high school counselors, students, and U.S. higher education institutions (HEIs). High school counselors will expand their knowledge of the U.S. higher education system to better guide students seeking to study in the United States, including leveraging the mega-decade in sports to provide specialized advising for students interested in combining academic and athletic pursuits. Participants will learn how the EducationUSA network delivers comprehensive training to high school counselors on the U.S. higher education system, application processes, and connects them with over 4,000 accredited U.S. colleges and universities. Learning Objectives: Attendees will learn about EducationUSA’s resources to expand their knowledge of the U.S. higher education system. Attendees will gain access to EducationUSA’s global network to better guide students interested in studying in the U.S. Attendees will learn what the mega-decade of sports is and how that will be of interest to their students.

With increasing global interest in studying in mainland China, this session will provide an overview of the higher education landscape, from the structure of the education system to admissions requirements for international students, unique programs such as MBBS, and available scholarship opportunities. We will also explore the nuances surrounding qualifications for Chinese heritage students who have grown up overseas, using real student cases to offer practical, entry-level guidance on the application process. Participants will gain a clearer understanding of what kind of students could be a perfect fit, and why China is emerging as an attractive destination for international students.

Counselors, you play such an impactful role in the parts of students’ applications that are out of their control! This session will provide tangible do’s and don’ts regarding school profiles, recommendation letters, and communication with admission colleagues, particularly for selective U.S. colleges and universities that employ a holistic review process. We’ll also cover best practices from both the high school and college sides and you’ll leave with practical strategies to take back to your colleagues and school teams. Most importantly, we want to hear what you’re wondering about and help dispel misinformation, so we promise to leave plenty of time for questions and valuable discussion.

How can I collect meaningful application data without using a platform? How can I save time on administrative tasks so that I can spend more time with students? How can I help teachers who are not fluent in English write letters of recommendation? In this session, we will share free (or low-cost), simple tech solutions that you can start implementing right away – regardless of your comfort level with technology!

The ANZAC Spirit—representing shared history, values, and cooperation—extends to the deep educational ties between Australia and New Zealand as Commonwealth countries with aligned academic standards, similar qualifications frameworks, and rigorous quality assurance systems. This session uses Australia as a familiar reference point to illuminate New Zealand's distinctive higher education landscape, helping counselors understand how New Zealand's system both mirrors and diverges from its larger neighbor while fitting within the broader Commonwealth education ecosystem. Key topics include university structures and rankings, admissions requirements, academic calendars, competitive-entry medical programs (medicine, dentistry, veterinary science), post-study work rights, student visa pathways, and critical differences in scale, selectivity, and institutional fit. Where relevant, the session will draw parallels with the UK and other Commonwealth destinations to provide additional context for counselors' advising strategies. By the end of the session, participants will be able to: - Articulate key similarities and distinctions between Australian and New Zealand higher education systems - Identify when New Zealand offers strategic advantages for specific student profiles - Advise confidently on applications, timelines, and post-study opportunities in both countries - Position Australia and New Zealand as complementary destinations within a cohesive global advising framework

What happens when a student presses submit on their Common Application? This session is meant to give new and mid-career counselors a view of the processes that take place after a student submits their Common Application so that they can be better informed to counsel their students. Having an image of the actual process in their minds helps counselors give key advice to students. As a result, colleges and universities get applicants who are better suited to their institution. We will explore who reads the application first, who reads it second, what informs the sequence of reading, when does it go to a committee, who has the final word, what does the two-person style of reading look like, how do admissions offices organize the process, what is the difference between small and large admissions offices and more. Join us for a deep dive into U.S. college and university admissions.

As global higher education systems evolve, career and technical pathways are increasingly recognized as rigorous, respected, and highly effective routes to university degrees and long-term career success. This session provides high school counselors with a comparative overview of career and technical higher education models in the Netherlands, Switzerland, the United States, and Canada, highlighting how applied learning pathways lead to respected university credentials and global career mobility. The session equips counselors with the systems knowledge, advising language, and confidence needed to guide students toward non-traditional—but highly respected—routes into university studies and professional careers.

Research. Volunteer work. Summer programs. The modern application has become a predictable checklist, but to a U.S. admissions officer reading thousands of files, this 'pay-to-play' curation creates a sea of homogenized applicants just going through the motions. This session explores how counselors and admissions officers can partner to dismantle this mentality. How can we best work together to identify students truly motivated by a love of learning and how to help them convey intellectual depth, purpose, and a sense of self that cannot be purchased? How can we pivot conversations back to authentic growth? Admissions officers will reinforce that U.S. highly selective admissions committees look to identify intellectual depth, reflection, authenticity, and voice. Attendees will leave with practical strategies for counselors to help families distinguish between packaged versus meaningful experiences as well as methods for fostering students’ true intellectual curiosity and personal purpose.

Conflict, violence, persecution, and natural disasters are part of our students' lives; we don't (like to) think of these as part of the admissions process, but they are. As busy practitioners we may feel overwhelmed upon hearing of a student in this situation; we may feel panicked, isolated and not know how to assist or guide them, but there are numerous resources and knowledgeable, experienced colleagues who have been in your shoes! Join us for this practical session to build your toolkit of resources to assist students in building bridges to successful futures. You will leave with information about how to obtain and reconstruct 'missing' documents, ask relevant questions to assess needed information, understand global admission policies, learn about immigration and funding resources and how others have been able to support students in these situations.

Data shows that students feel the highest anxiety about their university transition in the months between acceptance and the start of their studies, when they’re navigating frustration with the ambiguity and uncertainty of a new experience, along with culture shock, family expectations, and mental health concerns largely on their own. This session brings together high school counselors and university representatives to address this critical gap. Counselors will share what they're hearing from students during this vulnerable period, while university representatives will discuss what they're learning about students who struggle versus those who thrive, and what early interventions make the difference. Participants will engage in discussions around the gaps in current transition data and explore practical, structured practices that ensure students not only arrive but thrive once they step foot on campus. Attendees will leave with a shared framework for supporting students through this pivotal transition period.

Are you overwhelmed by tote bags, lanyards, shirts, pens, and pins from conferences? So was I, until a closet avalanche broke me of my swag hoarding habit. My epic decluttering made me realize that conferences - from travel to food to swag - are typically not very sustainable events. This Conference Chat chronicles my efforts to be a more sustainable conference-goer in 2026. Learn how you can become a more sustainable conference attendee and how you can encourage your colleagues and institutions to be more sustainable, too. Inspired by the #TravelwithCANIE podcast episodes. Recycle your lanyard at the end of this conference!

Whether it's unrealistic expectations, complicated family dynamics, excessive coddling, or insistence on a plan that's doomed to fail, we've all had at least one parent drive us crazy. Join us to hear some horror stories with happy endings and get proven tips to help you improve communication in your most stressful scenarios and turn trouble into triumph.

Many students treat the UC Application as a checklist of past achievements, missing the chance to showcase their future potential. In this session, diverse perspectives will spotlight common “missed opportunities,” from PIQs that could tell a bigger story to academic information entered incorrectly, supported with real-life examples. With the UC system receiving 32,000 applications from international students each year, understanding this is more important than ever. We’ll explore how to reclaim this overlooked space and why the California Community College pathway remains the ultimate missed opportunity for students seeking a route to the University of California. Join us to learn how small adjustments can transform an application from ordinary to unforgettable.

What transforms a dedicated counselor into an innovator? Drawing from 15 years of building programs across China—from solo practitioner to leading teams of 15—this Chat explores the external conditions and internal mindsets that spark innovation, and how to move beyond one-off initiatives toward sustainable practice. Using real cases in program design and ethical leadership, I will offer a practical framework for identifying innovation triggers and embedding creative problem-solving into daily counseling work. Participants will leave with actionable strategies to cultivate both the spark and the system.

The rapid advancement of AI and automation is fundamentally reshaping the future of work, challenging traditional college counseling frameworks. This interactive session equips counselors with strategies to guide students toward resilient, meaningful career pathways in an era of unprecedented uncertainty. Part 1: The Changing Landscape We'll examine how AI, automation, and the gig economy are transforming job roles, then explore "future-proof" skills—complex problem-solving, critical thinking, adaptability, and emotional intelligence—using OECD skills analysis and the WEF Future of Jobs Report. We'll reframe university selection to emphasize return on learning and institutional agility over traditional rankings, drawing on insights from experts including Doug Lederman, Tom Brunskill, Michael T. Nietzel, and Jeff Selingo. Part 2: Table Talk. Participants will share and discuss practical counseling frameworks to help students embrace ambiguity, build growth mindsets, and transform career anxiety into productive exploration. We'll collaboratively develop approaches that prepare students for lifelong career transitions, not just their first job. Part 3: Key Takeaways We'll synthesize actionable strategies for helping students and families look beyond short-term outcomes, focusing on skills, experience, and meaningful ROI rather than solely on institutional prestige and rankings.

Confuse students, lose students. In this dynamic workshop, learn the exact StoryBrand framework used by leading brands to cut through noise and position students as heroes and you as their trusted guide. IECs will attract more clients, university reps will engage more students, and everyone leaves with clarity that converts. This hands-on workshop delivers practical tools for immediate impact. In today's crowded educational marketplace, clear communication isn't just nice to have—it's essential for survival. Most institutions and IECs make the same mistake: they position themselves as the hero of the story. But students don't connect with organizations that talk about themselves; they connect with guides who understand their journey and can help them succeed. Participants will learn to: - Apply the 7-part StoryBrand framework to websites, emails, counseling conversations, and recruitment materials - Identify their ideal student/client and articulate the core challenges keeping them up at night - Reframe marketing messages to prioritize student needs over institutional features or consultant credentials - Create clear calls-to-action that move students from interest to enrollment or engagement - Transform confusion into conversion through strategic messaging.

Over the past 18 months, international students in the U.S. and those thinking of applying to U.S. universities have faced the most uncertain environment that they have in decades. Sudden visa revocations, new restrictions governing duration and adjustment of status, and the potential elimination of the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program have resulted in confusion, disappointment and a drop in new student arrivals. What has happened, what might happen, and what approaches can counselors take when working with students who are not U.S. citizens or legal permanent residents? Presenter Todd Pierce, an IEC who served as a U.S. diplomat for over 25 years, will cover these issues and more.

Artificial intelligence is everywhere these days. In a professional context promising better targeting, smarter predictions, and personalized recruitment at scale. But the reality is often more complicated. Most of us know how to use AI for basic tasks like drafting emails, and sense there is far more potential in workplace efficiency, yet remain unsure what meaningful, responsible use actually looks like in practice within the international education sector. This TED-style talk is not delivered by a technologist or software engineer. Instead, it offers a grounded, practitioner-led perspective. Drawing on real institutional contexts and sector experience, the session explores what AI can look like for those of us without a tech background: where it adds value, where it creates noise, and where it quietly reshapes how decisions are made, reframing AI as something that must be interpreted, questioned, and contextualized. It is a leadership conversation about how international recruitment professionals can stay thoughtful, credible, and human in a data-driven world.

Forget what you thought you knew about these two countries. In just five years, Central Asia has transformed from a quiet observer to an engine of student mobility. Standing at the crossroads of East and West, this emerging market is experiencing a "perfect storm": a massive youth boom, a rapidly expanding middle class, and significant government investment in study abroad funding. But how do you navigate this new landscape? This session provides a deep dive into the specific drivers behind the recent explosion in student mobility in Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan from the counselor and university perspective. We will also explain the local education system, and provide a toolkit for evaluating applications with confidence. Leave with the insights needed for your recruitment strategy and the know-how to select its best students.

With the global higher education landscape in constant flux, counselors are called to the front lines to help students navigate policy changes, visa challenges, and shifts in personal priorities. Join us for an interactive session that will showcase actionable strategies to diversify your students’ university lists and help them adapt when things don’t go as planned. Hear from a panel of experienced school counselors as they share real-life examples of how they've guided students through unexpected hurdles and helped them discover exciting opportunities beyond what they expected. Learn how free, innovative tools can expose your students to a world of opportunities and leave empowered to support your students through whatever the landscape may bring.

Latin America has increasingly become one of the most dynamic and complex student recruitment markets in the world. This session will explore effective strategies for recruiting students in the region to universities and pre-college programs in the United States and other global destinations, grounded in cultural context, data trends, and on-the-ground experience. Panelists will share insights on outreach models, affordability considerations, and evolving institutional, family, and student expectations. Attendees will leave with practical tools and a deeper understanding of how to build recruitment pipelines in Latin America.

This session will focus on how university representatives and high school counselors assess the quality of a high school visit. Presenters, from both sides of the desk, will share what metrics matter, how this impacts plans to return, and how they document this in their respective CRMs (Slate, Blackthorn, etc.). The goal is to share and demystify how “the other side” assesses a visit to be fruitful and, ultimately, how to bring the most value to the students, counselors, parents, and universities alike. The session will include four panelists' experiences, plus opportunities for group discussion, in hopes of “building bridges” and gleaning insights from our colleagues.

Building on last year’s Global Roundtable: “Are We Still Welcoming?”, this follow-up session shifts from identifying challenges to building bridges across policies, institutions, and student support networks. As government policies continue to impact international student mobility—through visa restrictions, processing delays, housing shortages, and evolving public discourse—students and counselors are navigating an increasingly complex and uncertain environment. This session brings together a global panel from Australia, Canada, the UK, and the U.S. to explore how institutions, counselors, and partners can actively respond, foster trust, and maintain access to international education. Through facilitated discussion, panelists will examine how collaborative strategies can bridge gaps between policy realities and student expectations, while countering misinformation and supporting informed decision-making. Discussion topics will include: - How admissions and college counselors are adapting recruitment and advising strategies in response to shifting government policies. - Bridging communication gaps for students and families caused by media narratives and public perception. - Practical approaches to supporting students facing visa delays, housing constraints, or ongoing uncertainty. - Identifying credible resources, partnerships, and advocacy efforts that promote transparency and access. - Sharing global best practices that strengthen collaboration among counselors, institutions, and policymakers. Participants will leave with actionable strategies and shared language to better advocate for students and reinforce a message of collaboration, access, and welcome. Together, we will explore how the international education community can move beyond barriers and build bridges that support students—now and into the future.

The rapid expansion of artificial intelligence and automation has reshaped global student aspirations and enrollment patterns, driving increased demand for software-centric and data-driven academic programs. This trend has often come at the expense of traditional foundational disciplines such as engineering, psychology, life sciences, and economics. However, emerging global labor-market data suggests a recalibration. Reports from the World Economic Forum and the World Bank indicate that nearly 40% of workforce skills are expected to change, increasing demand for professionals who can apply core disciplinary knowledge across industries and adapt to evolving technological contexts. We propose to examines the growing misalignment between higher education pathways and labor-market needs, arguing that sustainable employability lies not in AI-exclusive training but in an “AI + X” approach that integrates digital competencies with strong disciplinary foundations. Using core engineering fields—mechanical, electrical, civil, chemical, and manufacturing—as a primary case study, the paper draws comparative parallels with psychology, life sciences, and economics to illustrate how foundational disciplines continue to underpin emerging global sectors such as clean energy, healthcare technologies, mental-health services, smart infrastructure, and sustainable manufacturing.

International students are weighing geopolitical instability, rising tuition costs, immigration complexity, mental health pressures, and the growing presence of AI in the application process. What are counselors experiencing firsthand, and how does that compare to trends in the United States? Drawing on responses from international secondary school counselors across the globe, this session will walk attendees through key 2026 findings, including shifts in country consideration, affordability pressures, AI use in advising, and counselor workload. We will incorporate live polling to compare audience experiences with the data and highlight year-over-year contrasts with last year’s U.S.-focused survey. This session centers practitioner voice while guiding participants through the findings in real time. Attendees will leave with a clearer understanding of evolving student priorities and actionable insights to strengthen collaboration, communication, and student support across contexts.

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.

There have been significant challenges for U.S. higher education over the past few years. But does what you are hearing in social media match what’s happening on the ground? And how do we talk about it with students and families? Hear directly from universities and school counselors as we talk about the proverbial elephant in the room. Topics include: general higher education trends, enrollment, financial policies, research funding, student visas, and most importantly, how universities and counselors are supporting students during this time. Separate fact from fiction and have a dialogue with experienced colleagues.

IB predicted grades play a surprisingly limited role in U.S. admissions, yet they generate outsized pressure for students, families, and schools. This session examines evidence-based versus aspirational use of IBPGs, common pitfalls in collection and submission, and how teacher practices can unintentionally motivate, or penalize students. Drawing on international school data and the presenters’ own experience of sending and not sending predicted grades to U.S. universities, participants will explore clearer, fairer, and more strategic policies for when, how, and whether predicted grades should be sent at all.

With rapidly changing laws and regulations globally that impact LGBTQ+ students, it is important for students to consider destinations abroad where they will be safe, have quality access to healthcare, and will be able to express themselves freely. In this session, representatives from universities in Oceania and the UK will discuss global options for LGBTQ+ students. This session is intended for counselors and recruiters alike, to understand best practices and unique needs of LGBTQ+ students making the leap abroad.

Liberal Arts and Sciences Colleges follow the philosophy that by studying context, history and humanity, students can prepare to live lives of meaning, purpose and creativity. Today, as traditional "practical" careers have begun to face automation, the value of a broad-based education is more important than ever before. The Liberal Arts help us understand that the world and education need to adapt in order to grow. We will also explore how our field can evolve to meet the challenges of this new era.

This session draws on the China ICAC Annual Report (Classes of 2022–2025), an ongoing research initiative led by counselors with data collected directly from high school–based practitioners. As of March 2025, over 500 counselors representing 380+ public, bilingual, and international schools across mainland China have contributed to this unique dataset. The report offers valuable insights into admissions and counseling trends, the stakeholders who make the final decision on matriculation, college readiness, the impact of AI, and counselors' well-being. Attendees will gain a deeper understanding of the evolving counseling landscape and student pathways in one of the world’s fastest-changing education markets. For admissions professionals, whether new to the region or experienced in recruiting from mainland China, this session will help validate current strategies while opening space for further dialogue and collaboration. High school counselors in China, East Asia, and beyond will benefit from a clearer view of counselor dynamics, institutional priorities, and emerging opportunities. Co-presenters include Xiaoqiao Zhang, professor and researcher with extensive experience in U.S. liberal arts recruitment; Wei Lin, who has supported student recruitment from mainland China for over a decade; and Francis Miller, co-chair of the China ICAC Membership Committee. Together, the team will provide layered perspectives grounded in research and professional practice. Updated findings from the Class of 2025, scheduled for release in April during the China ICAC annual conference, will be incorporated ahead of the International ACAC summer conference, ensuring the session reflects the most current data available.

In an increasingly volatile international environment where concerns around cost of living and visas are increasingly prevalent trans-national education, transfer and articulation options are growing in popularity. Join this group of experienced educators for an open conversation about the growing number of options for transnational and multinational study options. We will discuss international branch campuses, joint institutes, pathway and transfer options that can help students reduce costs and navigate visa uncertainty. We'll give counselors the tools to support students in navigating these options and seek to simplify an increasingly complex landscape.

U.S. universities operating campuses outside of the United States have a growing role in global higher education as bridges across national higher education systems, cultures, and academic traditions. Drawing on examples from established U.S. global campuses, this panel will examine the opportunities and challenges of sustaining these bridges, including alignment with host-country regulations, preservation of institutional identity, and meaningful local engagement. This panel will highlight emerging practices - such as visa pathways, study-away models, and financial aid opportunities - that strengthen student mobility and access during a time of shifting geopolitical conditions. We will also examine how counselors and stakeholders evaluate U.S. institutions abroad, with a focus on academic quality, accreditation, and shared governance.

Think all of Texas is tumbleweeds and ten-gallon hats? Think again. This dynamic session, led by a panel of international admission professionals from Texas institutions, will debunk common myths about the Lone Star State and spotlight why Texas is an increasingly attractive destination for international students. Attendees will leave with practical resources, key talking points, and a refreshed perspective on the academic and cultural opportunities across Texas’s diverse higher education landscape.