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Online platform Crizac Global has announced a strategic partnership with China’s largest arts education company in a bid to expand global creative education opportunities.

According to Crizac Global managing director, Christopher Nagle, the agreement with ACG will allow the company to “become actively involved” in the Chinese partner’s business strategy and produce specialist consumer content.

As part of the partnership, Nagle will become chief exploration officer of ACG, while the arts education company will also utilise the Crizac Global platform to “manage and expand” its study abroad segment.

Through the agreement, Crizac Global will “actively support the international business development of a large private education group”, which Nagle will lead as CXO.

“The agreement also includes production of consumer content for ACG’s media platform. 直播 , or live streaming is uniquely large in the Chinese digital media landscape and I do not know of any other B2B players who are active in this domain,” he told The PIE.

The education consumer content will be distributed through ACG’s media platform business in China.

“The partnership is important because it gives us a huge platform to build on in China, while also presenting great opportunities to expand our reach in creative education globally,” Nagle noted, adding that few, if any, large B2B players recruit to China as a study destination.

“For ACG, Crizac Global will provide crucial access and support as they expand into global markets where they are not currently present. Crizac Global has established itself across South Asia and Africa, but only entered China in 2023, so to launch this partnership so early in our journey is very encouraging for us,” he explained.

There is “important synergy” between the two companies, as Crizac Global seeks to establish itself in China where ACG is dominant, and vice versa, he said.

“ACG is aiming to build a global network of creative education schools”

ACG, which is listed on US stock exchange Nasdaq as ATA Creativity Global, intends to acquire creative schools abroad to its this network, he continued.

“In terms of achievement, we hope to establish ACG as a dominant provider of creative education globally, and establish Crizac Global as the admissions platform of choice for Chinese students wanting to study creative education abroad or non-Chinese students wanting to study creative education in China,” he said.

“ACG is aiming to build a global network of creative education schools, where students can pursue a course, or courses, at their centres in multiple countries. A Chinese fashion student might start in China and move to an ACG centre in Italy, which is a global fashion centre; whereas an Italian fashion student could start in Italy and move to China, which is the world’s largest luxury consumer market.”

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Universities in the UK and US are forging new partnerships in a bid to boost international student recruitment at their campuses.

Oxford International Education Group and Edinburgh Napier University have come together to launch Edinburgh Napier University International College, set to offer students from around the world a new route into undergraduate and postgraduate degree programs.

Edinburgh’s new, and only, embedded pathway college will see international students able to join pathway courses from January 2024.

Two undergraduate pathway courses and one postgraduate pathway course will be available to ENUIC students. After successfully completing their chosen pathway course, students can progress to one of 24 undergraduate degrees or one of 12 postgraduate degrees at ENU.

Students will be “fully integrated” into ENU campus life from day one, said OIEG in a statement, with access to the university’s support services and facilities.

To support the growth of the college, OIEG will provide recruitment expertise, leveraging its recruitment and conversion specialists, located in over 50 locations worldwide and an established network of agents.

“With Oxford International’s experience in embedded college operations, combined with the support and knowledge of our staff, I’m confident that international pathway students will know they are part of the Edinburgh Napier community from their very first day with us” said Andrea Nolan, vice-chancellor of ENU.

“By adding a new partnership to our portfolio, even more international students will have the chance to study in the UK”

“By adding a new partnership to our portfolio, even more international students will have the chance to study in the UK and achieve their dreams, said Lil Bremermann-Richard, CEO of OIEG.

“You can feel the energy around the Edinburgh campus generated by both staff and students. It’s exciting that students at ENUIC are going to add even more energy from the start of next year!”

This week, ENU’s business school also earned business accreditation from AACSB International, the longest-serving global accrediting body for business schools.

Elsewhere, Montclair State University has announced its new partnership with INTO University Partnership in an effort to expand its offerings to global students.

INTO will commence recruiting immediately to the institution in New Jersey, US, through its network of education agents for the university’s January 2024 intake.

The partnership is part of the university’s long-term strategic enrolment plan, centred around embracing diversity and enriching the educational experience of Montclair’s student body.

“Our partnership with INTO is a strategic step towards enhancing our global outreach and attracting brilliant minds from across the world. Together, we aspire to cultivate a dynamic campus environment that empowers students for success in an interconnected world,” said Wendy-Lin-Cook, Montclair’s vice president of enrolment management.

“We are proud to partner with Montclair State University, renowned for its dedication to inclusivity and affordability and delivering top outcomes for students,” said INTO’s CEO, John Sykes.

“With INTO’s unparalleled global reach and market knowledge, we look forward to supporting some of the best talent in the world arriving on Montclair’s vibrant campus.”

Through the collaboration, international students will have access to an extensive range of undergraduate and graduate programs within the university’s 300+ programs across various colleges.

Meanwhile in the UK, the University of Hertfordshire and Navitas, who collaboratively deliver the Navitas Hertfordshire International College, have announced a six-year partnership renewal contract.

Cardiff University has also freshly renewed its partnership with Study Group after three years, to continue the offering of its joint collaboration, Cardiff University International Study Centre. It is hoped that the ISC will increase enrolments to 800 international students annually by 2027, Study Group said in a statement.

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K12 education group Globeducate has made acquisitions in recent months in the UK and Spain as it seeks to expand its global learning offer to more students.

The provider has acquired independent, co-educational day school in Hampshire, Boundary Oak School, as well as Princess Margaret International School in Barcelona.

The day and boarding school near Fareham on England’s South Coast enrols some 450 students, and is the provider’s third school in the UK.

The announcements come after a number of acquisitions in recent years, including in Cyprus, Spain and Southern Europe.

Chief operations officer of Globeducate, Paddy Jansen, noted that Boundary Oak School’s “ethos and culture echoes that of other Globeducate British International Schools”, as well as their “strength in programs that build character and nurture global perspectives”.

“Boundary Oak School offers students fantastic opportunities to complete their Duke of Edinburgh, to join residential trips and challenge expeditions, and the school has a unique outdoor learning program that is devised to celebrate the pleasure that comes from nature, wildlife and horticulture,” he added.

Extracurricular opportunities have long been an important factor for Globeducate schools and its students.

The Princess Margaret International School was the first international school in Barcelona to be certified to develop Primary Years Programme and Middle Years Programme for IB curriculum. With Globeducate, it will now introduce an IB Diploma Programme, which will be designed to develop students as global citizens.

It also offers students opportunities with partnerships with VEX Robotics Competition, The European Youth Parliament, Save the Children, Agenda 21 BCN for Sustainability and Animal Welfare Approved to ensure they are ready for the 21st Century workplace.

“Princess Margaret’s team has built an exceptional school, and I am sure that together we will not only become stronger as a group, but also provide PMIS students with a wider range of learning opportunities, both nationally and internationally, ensuring they can become global citizens prepared to shape the world,” Carolina Rodríguez Inciarte, Globeducate CEO Spain & Andorra, said in June when the deal was announced.

“We have found a partner with the same values and ethos as ourselves”

Executive head of School at Boundary Oak School, James Polansky, stated that “at a time when most schools are facing financial headwinds” becoming part of Globeducate’s family has “safeguarded the long-term vision for Boundary Oak School to become the premier destination school in Hampshire”.

“In Globeducate we have found a partner with the same values and ethos as ourselves: aiming to prepare pupils for life, not just for examinations,” he said.

Princess Margaret International School headmaster, Àlex Cerdà, noted the “added value” of joining such as “internationally recognised education group”.

“Our horizons, and particularly those of our students and staff, will grow exponentially, generating opportunities that would otherwise have been impossible to achieve, such as completing the educational offer by reaching the ‘continuum’ with the extension and expansion of the Baccalaureate stage, including the IB Diploma Programme,” Cerdà said.

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The student housing market has experienced significant growth and transformation, becoming a pivotal sector in the real estate industry.

The increasing number of international students, along with the rising demand for high-quality accommodations, has contributed significantly to this trend.

However, this growth is accompanied by unique challenges, including the need to meet evolving student preferences, tackle fluctuating demand, and update amenities and services to meet the ever-evolving expectations of students.

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It takes the industry’s stakeholders through the impact of data-driven strategies, revenue growth solutions, cost-effective marketing strategies and an integrated booking management system like amber connect. Amber Connect is a comprehensive partner dashboard that simplifies property management and facilitates data-backed strategic decision-making for Amber’s property partners. This invaluable tool accredits partners to make informed decisions based on demand volume, booking frequency and market conditions.

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“Understanding the intricacies of the student housing market is crucial for anyone looking to capitalise on its growth”

According to Madhur Gujar, co-founder and chief business officer at Amberstudent, “Understanding the intricacies of the student housing market is crucial for anyone looking to capitalise on its growth. Our report provides in-depth insights and analysis to stay ahead of trends, make informed decisions, and ultimately drive revenue growth. It’s a valuable tool for any stakeholder in the sector.”

Download the Amber Student Housing Partners Report 2023 to grasp a comprehensive understanding of the rapidly changing landscape of the student housing market. Arm yourself with the knowledge to stay ahead of the competition, maximise your potential market share, reduce costs, and increase revenues with essential resources and tools.

About the author: This is a post paid for by Amber. Founded in 2016 by IIT Kharagpur graduates Saurabh Goel and Madhur Gujar, Amber was born out of the necessity to streamline the intricate process of locating student accommodations abroad. Since its inception, the startup has undergone significant growth and transformation, culminating in a rebranding from AmberStudent to “amber” in 2021. Today, amber is a premier provider of Global Student Housing Solutions, working closely with PBSA, HMOs, and universities, boasting a vast listing of over one million verified student housing options, across 140+ cities spanning 25+ countries and six regions.

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A phrase floating around for some time has suggested that 90% of international students in the US enrol at just 10% of the country’s institutions. Is this actually the case?

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, the number of Postsecondary Title IV schools totalled almost 6,000 schools in 2021. Of these schools, 2,877 were invited to partake in the Open Doors survey in 2022. 

IIE, which compiles the annual report, noted a 52% response rate in 2022 , with 1,489 institutions submitting data – the remaining figures are imputed. 

Some 948,519 international students studied at US universities in 2022 – but California, New York, Massachusetts, Texas and Illinois hosted 435,557 international students – 46% of that total. 

IIE data provided to The PIE News indicates that 28% of international students in the US are hosted by the top 25 institutions; 75% were hosted by the top 200; and 90% were hosted by the top 500.

The figure does paint a narrow picture and a system that has unused capacity for international enrolments. 

“Postsecondary institutions, used to planning for ever-larger demand, will face a new reality”

“International students may initially favour certain geographic locations and specific higher education institutions, but there are so many amazing colleges and universities,” Jill Blondin, associate vice provost for global initiatives at VCU, told The PIE. 

Getting students to consider other options apart from those well-known colleges is easier said than done – especially when, as Blondin put it, it can be an “overwhelming” experience for students to go through “a myriad of options”. 

International student enrolment in the US was back up in 2022 despite issues surrounding decline from China, with India set to overtake as top source country within the next five years.

However, international recruitment and the need of some colleges to perhaps broaden horizons could play into another bigger issue for US colleges – wherein domestic enrolment is set to drop off a cliff.  

South Dakota State University is “currently engaged in a strategic plan for enrolment management that addresses each area of the university’s recruitment efforts, including undergraduate, graduate, international and online learners”, according to its VP for international affairs Jon Stauff.

“Academic units have been encouraged over the past several years to imagine different ways to deliver programs, new ways to engage traditional markets for students, and novel approaches to introduce our programs to potential students in new markets in the region, nationally, and internationally,” he explained.

International recruitment will be one prong in a trident of methods, also including non-traditional and underprepared students, Ben Waxman, CEO of Intead, told The PIE.

“It’s not all about enrolment loss. It’s about revenue loss – in each one of those segments, there’s a student pool to be tapped. But you can’t just be an institution that has served the 18-year olds and then suddenly hang out a sign saying, ‘Oh, and by the way, we also serve international’ or, ‘By the way, we also serve underprepared students’.

“You actually have to adapt. You have to change what it is you’re offering so that that student segment is served well,” he noted.

South Dakota State’s current strategy takes in some understanding of this need to adapt.

“Internationals are just one aspect of our efforts to sustain and grow enrolments in the coming decade,” Stauff noted.

“It is important not to neglect your neighbours and key population centres in our state, as we are a public university with a specific vision to serve our state.”

Some colleges would find a whole new revenue stream with certificates – a shorter, less regulated and less structured credential could be a short-term solution to financial issues for smaller colleges, Waxman suggested.

Eddie West, assistant dean of international strategy at San Diego State University, warned that the competition among smaller colleges may get even stiffer as elite universities power through an expected tumultuous time mostly unscathed.

“Not every school that starts this work or tries to increase their existing international enrolment is going to be successful. So many schools, and countries, [are] actively courting international students,” West said.

“A wiser decision, though perhaps a tougher pill to swallow, could be for those schools to either thoughtfully downsize – one might say ‘right size’,” West added. He also posited the idea that schools may need to take on “non-traditional learners”, as Waxman suggested.

“It is incumbent on us as international educators to share the opportunities”

But West also indicated that demographic changes will play out differently in different areas of the country – the Northeast and Midwest, West said, are facing the most acute declines.

He suggested that states wherein extreme heat is often a problem are going to find it harder to recruit both domestic and international students – a “graver, if longer-term challenge” to think about.

Overall, Waxman concluded that universities’ wills to survive these tough times ahead will come from a singular decision.

“It will be [whether they have] an entrepreneurial mindset. It doesn’t matter whether the new market you’re going after is students from Kenya or Brazil or it’s non-traditional students who are within a 50 mile radius of you,” he told The PIE.

Whether some colleges may not, as West said, survive the cliff, remains to be seen – but the general sector, in Blondin’s opinion, needs to stick together to see it through to the other side.

“It is incumbent on us as international educators to share the opportunities, specifically the support we provide as well as the academic value proposition for international students,” added Blondin.

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Republican party politicians in the US are pushing for the Supreme Court to hear an appeal from a group calling Optional Practical Training opportunities for international graduates to be halted.

The Washington Alliance of Technology Workers union, which represents STEM labour market workers from the US, has long argued that OPT “hurts” American citizens as it provides job opportunities for international talent.

Over several years, the union has raised the issue in courts in the US on several occasions, including in 2019. In 2021, courts ruled in favour of the Department of Homeland Security, which allowed STEM graduates on F-1 visas to access OPT.

Most recently, the ruling was upheld by the US Court of Appeals, which US institutions – many of which have long backed the post-study work opportunity for international graduates – hailed as a “victory”.

US senators Ted Cruz, Mike Lee, Tom Cotton, Mike Braun and Katie Boyd Britt have now urged the Supreme Court to hear the case through an amicus brief submitted on June 5.

The Supreme Court has this year shaken the US higher education sector by repealing affirmative action and striking down a student debt forgiveness plan introduced by the Biden administration.

In the written submission, the group of Republican senators say previous rulings “are not just wrong but vitiate the non-immigration visa system”, in addition to rendering other Immigration and Nationality Act provisions “illogical or superfluous”.

They say decisions are “already having profound consequences” on both the US immigration system and on American workers, and “consequences will only multiply over time”.

The group fears that “hundreds of thousands of aliens” will remain in the country, “competing against American citizens for jobs”.

NAFSA, together with Presidents’ Alliance on Higher Education and Immigration, led an amicus brief in support of the OPT program back in 2021.

While the WashTech case made its way through the legal system, the organisation has argued that “losing OPT would be a real blow to US higher education and society as a whole”, deputy executive director for Public Policy, Jill Allen Murray, said.

Since 1947, the program has enabled international students to access experiential learning, which she said is “a key part of what makes a US higher education so desirable to domestic and international students alike”.

“Our nation’s economy and educational institutions are undeniably enriched by the presence of talented, diverse, and motivated international students and OPT is an important factor in attracting those students,” Allen Murray noted.

NAFSA reiterated that the “ongoing threat to OPT” make apparent that the country needs a coordinated national strategy for international education.

“With such an overarching commitment in place, successful international education policies – such as OPT – would be more likely to be recognised as essential,” Allen Murray said.

“The US should provide a direct path to green cards for international student graduates of US colleges and universities who wish to work here and have employers willing to sponsor them,” she added.

Asked whether NAFSA is concerned with the calls for the Supreme Court to hear the Washtech case given recent rulings by the country’s highest court, Allen Murray stated, “While it is impossible to predict the rulings of the Supreme Court, NAFSA stands by the legality of OPT.”

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Payments company Flywire has partnered with Tencent’s fintech arm in a bid to allow Chinese students and families to make education payments abroad via WeChat Pay.

The arrangement with the financial arm of the Chinese technology conglomerate, Tencent Financial Technology, will allow Flywire to “further streamline” the payment experience for students looking to make international tuition and other education-related payments from China, the software company said.

“This partnership ensures that for Chinese students studying internationally at institutions that use Flywire, we essentially become their ‘pay’ button, by offering localised and seamless payment capabilities, which benefit students, families and institutions alike,” said Mohit Kansal, senior vice president of Global Payments and Payer Services at Flywire.

“Flywire has long offered Weixin Pay as a payment method, but the direct connection with Tencent makes the payment experience more convenient and streamlined.”

The company’s existing footprint in China, along with its “impressive client roster and proven technology” made the partnership natural for Tencent, according to general manager of Tencent Financial Technology Asia Pacific, Wenhui Yang.

“We are always looking for better ways to serve our users,” Yang said.

“Flywire will enable our users to improve their international payment experience”

“As more Chinese students are eager to study abroad again, we’re confident that Flywire will enable our users to improve their international payment experience, and make paying for education as easy as sending a chat.”

The partners added that Chinese students have traditionally faced lengthy and complex processes when making tuition payments internationally.

Chinese students will now be able to pay education institutions through Weixin Pay, more commonly referred to as WeChat Pay, in their own currency, while institutions will receive payments in their local currency.

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