How to Find a Quality Educational Agency
to Help You Study Abroad
The Association of International Enrollment Management AIRC is the Standards Development Organization for the field of international student enrollment, recognized by the U.S. Department of Justice, Attorney General and Federal Trade Commission. AIRC's rigorous, independent and objective Certification of educational recruitment agencies is the quality standard in the United States.
What Key Services Should Agencies Provide?
- Finding Best Fit institutions to apply to
- • for subject matter studies
- • for cost
- • for size, location and services and amenities
- Inform you of visits, webinars, fairs and other events to learn first hand about prospective universities
- Help you narrow down your choices, provide unbiased advice and guide you on how to apply for admission to your final top selection
Agencies Should Also
- Be in frequent contact with you and the institution(s) you are applying to for status updates and to answer your questions
- Help you to understand the next steps upon acceptance
- Prepare you for the visa application process and interview
- Provide you with an opportunity to offer feedback on their services and lodge complaints when necessary
- Provide you with continuing support after you enroll
Keep in mind that
SOP Guidance
An agency should guide you on writing your SOP, but not write it for you
No Guarantees
An agency should never guarantee admission or visa issuance
Document Integrity
An agency should inform you of the importance of document authenticity and never offer to alter documents
Confidentiality Assurance
An agency should keep all your documents confidential
No Document Hold
An agency should not hold your visa or other admission documents in exchange for a fee
Fee Verification
Students and families should verify with the enrolling institution if it is legitimate for the agency to collect your enrollment fee or tuition payment on their behalf.
Important Considerations when Choosing an Agency
- Is the agency registered as a business and legally licensed to operate?
- Does the agency have a verifiable qualification, such as AIRC Certification or is it a licensed immigration advisor?
- Is the agency operating professionally?
- Is the agency well-informed about the educational systems abroad, study options available and locations?
- The agency must only partner with accredited institutions or those institutions recognized by a country's Ministry of Education.
- Does the agency charge service fees? Are the fees and conditions explained to you clearly?
- Note that most agencies receive a commission from university partners upon successful enrollment. An agency should be clear about whether they will assist you with an application to a university that is not a partner and not try to persuade you to apply to partner institutions only.
- The agency must have a service agreement that spells out your obligations to them and their obligations to you.
- The agency may or may not provide service fee refunds but they should have a refund policy that is transparent.
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