ICEF Podcast

by ICEF GmbH

NewHow is the sector responding to ELT school closures and what happens next?October 21, 2026 · 45 min

Episodes: 88
Released: monthly
Latest episode: Oct 21, 2026

About the podcast

The ICEF Podcast is designed especially for international education professionals. We bring ICEF market experts and outstanding education professionals together to shed light on how to respond to the challenges facing the international education sector, helping you grow your business into the future.

Episodes 88

How is the sector responding to ELT school closures and what happens next?
October 21, 202645 minEpisode 87
Main topic:How is the sector responding to ELT school closures and what happens next?withCraig Riggs (host)Editor in Chief ICEF MonitorAlexandre ArgentaPresidentBrazilian Educational & Language Travel …
Show notes
Main topic:
How is the sector responding to ELT school closures and what happens next?
with

Craig Riggs (host)
Editor in Chief
ICEF Monitor

Alexandre Argenta
President
Brazilian Educational & Language Travel Association (BELTA)

Gonzalo Peralta
Executive Director
Languages Canada
Stephan Roussounis
CEO & Co-Founder
Bayswater Education
The big shift and the future of international student recruitment
September 25, 202646 minEpisode 86
News & developments:- Australia moves to reduce net migration with new restrictions on student family members and “visa hopping”- How can we tell the story of international education?Main topic:The big shift …
Show notes
News & developments:
- Australia moves to reduce net migration with new restrictions on student family members and “visa hopping”
- How can we tell the story of international education?
Main topic:
The big shift and the future of international student recruitment
with
Martijn van de Veen (host)
CBDO
ICEF

Craig Riggs
Editor in Chief
ICEF Monitor
Beyond the brochure: What employability really looks like for students
August 24, 202659 minEpisode 85
News & developments:- After years of growth, Korea faces the challenge of better integrating and retaining international students - Visa delays and policy uncertainty projected to reduce foreign enrolment in …
Show notes
News & developments:
- After years of growth, Korea faces the challenge of better integrating and retaining international students
- Visa delays and policy uncertainty projected to reduce foreign enrolment in the US by more than 100,000 students this fall
Main topic:
Beyond the brochure: What employability really looks like for students
This episode is sponsored by: Successful Graduate
with
Martijn van de Veen (host)
CBDO
ICEF

Craig Riggs
Editor in Chief
ICEF Monitor

Gordon Scott
CEO & Founder
Successful Graduate

Sheenu Kathuria
Founder & CEO
EduNation Consultants
“Good, steady, and disciplined’’: New Zealand's plan for sustainable international enrolment growth
June 26, 202649 minEpisode 84
News & developments:- Netherlands reports first-ever decrease in foreign enrolment for 2025/26 - Ascending in world university rankings and highly affordable, Azerbaijan is strengthening its offer to …
Show notes
News & developments:
- Netherlands reports first-ever decrease in foreign enrolment for 2025/26
- Ascending in world university rankings and highly affordable, Azerbaijan is strengthening its offer to international students
Main topic:
“Good, steady, and disciplined’’: New Zealand's plan for sustainable international enrolment growth
This episode is sponsored by: ICEF Academy
with
Rod Hearps (moderator)
VP Oceania
ICEF
Sharon-May McCrostie
Director, International and Sector Engagement
Education New Zealand | Manapou ki te Ao
Celia Coombes
Director Visa
Students, Immigration New Zealand | Rōpū Manene
Craig Riggs
Editor in Chief
ICEF Monitor
Martijn van de Veen (host)
CBDO
ICEF
Student flows are shifting - are agencies following suit?
May 25, 202654 minEpisode 83
News & developments:- US immigration officials allege OPT is being widely abused and say “more actions are forthcoming” - UK universities bracing for a further decline in international enrolments Main topic …
Show notes
News & developments:
- US immigration officials allege OPT is being widely abused and say “more actions are forthcoming”
- UK universities bracing for a further decline in international enrolments
Main topic:
Student flows are shifting - are agencies following suit?
with
Alexandre Argenta
President
BELTA - Brazilian Educational & Language Travel Association
Craig Riggs
Editor in Chief
ICEF Monitor
Martijn van de Veen (host)
CBDO
ICEF
Sustainable international student recruitment from a UK-China perspective
April 27, 20261 h 7 minEpisode 82
News & developments: - A common challenge: Strengthening student confidence in the ROI of study abroad - Study finds strong agent interest in partnering with Japanese universities Main topic: Sustainable …
Show notes
News & developments:
- A common challenge: Strengthening student confidence in the ROI of study abroad
- Study finds strong agent interest in partnering with Japanese universities
Main topic:
Sustainable international student recruitment from a UK-China perspective
This episode is sponsored by: ICEF USA
with
Kiran Patel
Senior Director Commercial & Deputy Head of China
CBBC
Jian Li
Deputy Director (Education)
British Council
Cheryl Xu
Director of China Office
University of Portsmouth
Dave Amor
Founder & Director
Higher Insights Ltd.
Christina Ke
Managing Director
Uoffer Global
Tony Lee
Chief Visionary Officer
ICEF
Craig Riggs
Editor in Chief
ICEF Monitor
Martijn van de Veen (host)
CBDO
ICEF
Are you using the right digital channels to reach international students?
March 25, 202648 minEpisode 81
News & developments:- Irish higher education reports a fourth straight year of foreign enrolment growth - Canada and India deepen educational ties; India repositions as an equal player in international …
Show notes
News & developments:
- Irish higher education reports a fourth straight year of foreign enrolment growth
- Canada and India deepen educational ties; India repositions as an equal player in international education
Main topic:
Are you using the right digital channels to reach international students?
This episode is sponsored by: ICEF USA
with
Jennifer Parsons
Exec Director of Partnerships
UniQuest
Nicolas Chu
CEO & Founder
Sinorbis
Craig Riggs
Editor in Chief
ICEF Monitor
Martijn van de Veen (host)
CBDO
ICEF
Students are switching to AI for search. Are you ready?
February 19, 202653 minEpisode 80
News & developments:- Canada’s foreign enrolment has fallen by nearly 300,000 students over the last two years - Inside Spain’s growing appeal for international students Main topic: Students are switching to AI …
Show notes
News & developments:
- Canada’s foreign enrolment has fallen by nearly 300,000 students over the last two years
- Inside Spain’s growing appeal for international students
Main topic:
Students are switching to AI for search. Are you ready?
with
Tim O'Brien
SVP - New Partner Development
INTO University Partnerships
Guus Goorts
Education Marketing Coach & Author
Guus Goorts Online Marketing Training for HE
Craig Riggs
Editor in Chief
ICEF Monitor
Martijn van de Veen (host)
CBDO
ICEF
Stop losing applicants: How qualification recognition drives seamless international enrolment
January 21, 202649 minEpisode 79
News & developments:- Global agent survey highlights the most important factors influencing study abroad decisions- The ChatGPT Generation: How AI Is quietly rewriting the global student search experienceMain …
Show notes
News & developments:
- Global agent survey highlights the most important factors influencing study abroad decisions
- The ChatGPT Generation: How AI Is quietly rewriting the global student search experience
Main topic:
Stop losing applicants: How qualification recognition drives seamless international enrolment
with
Noah W. Sobe
Chief of Section, Higher Education
UNESCO
Esther T. Benjamin
CEO and Executive Director
World Education Services (WES)
Craig Riggs
Editor in Chief
ICEF Monitor
Martijn van de Veen (host)
CBDO
ICEF
Engine of growth: The true value and impact of the international education sector
December 12, 202550 minEpisode 78
News & developments:- There are now more than 400,000 international students in Germany- New Zealand’s international student numbers climbing amid strong public supportMain topic:Engine of growth: The true …
Show notes
News & developments:
- There are now more than 400,000 international students in Germany
- New Zealand’s international student numbers climbing amid strong public support
Main topic:
Engine of growth: The true value and impact of the international education sector
with
Jeremy Neufeld
Director of Immigration Policy
IFP
Natalie Lulia
Regional Director Americas, Europe & Gulf Cooperation Council, Councellor – Education
Education New Zealand | Manapou ki te Ao
Cindy McIntyre
Senior Advisor and Chief of Staff
Canadian Bureau for International Education - CBIE
Craig Riggs
Editor in Chief
ICEF Monitor
Martijn van de Veen (host)
CBDO
ICEF
Live from ICEF Berlin 2025: Current trends in international student recruitment
November 18, 202553 minEpisode 77
News & developments:- Kazakhstan sets its sights on being a regional hub for international students- US: Study estimates that changes to international student policies could reduce GDP by up to US$481 billion …
Show notes
News & developments:
- Kazakhstan sets its sights on being a regional hub for international students
- US: Study estimates that changes to international student policies could reduce GDP by up to US$481 billion per year
Main topic:
Live from ICEF Berlin 2025: Current trends in international student recruitment
with
Novie Tajuddin
CEO
Education Malaysia
Shawn Silverstone
Director of international marketing and recruitment
Coquitlam School District
Philippe Taza
CEO
Higher Education Marketing
Andrew Mangion
Executive Chairman and CEO
EC English Language Centres
Craig Riggs
Editor in Chief
ICEF Monitor
Martijn van de Veen (host)
CBDO
ICEF
Beyond the offer letter: The services that drive international student success
October 16, 202549 minEpisode 76
News & developments:- Mystery shopping study finds broad improvement in student enquiry handling this year- South Korea hits its 300,000 student target two years ahead of scheduleMain topic:Beyond the offer …
Show notes
News & developments:
- Mystery shopping study finds broad improvement in student enquiry handling this year
- South Korea hits its 300,000 student target two years ahead of schedule
Main topic:
Beyond the offer letter: The services that drive international student success
Sarah Todd
Principal Consultant
QS
Gordon Scott
Managing Director
Successful Graduate
Craig Riggs
Editor in Chief
ICEF Monitor
Martijn van de Veen (host)
CBDO
ICEF
From 'policy focused' to 'student centred': A new era in international education?
September 19, 202543 minEpisode 75
• Main topic: From 'policy focused' to 'student centred': A new era in international education? withCraig Riggs Editor in Chief ICEF MonitorMartijn van de Veen (host)CBDOICEF
From ‘Big Four’ to ‘Big Fourteen’: Redrawing the map of global student flows
August 19, 202542 minEpisode 74
• News & developments - Search data highlights surge in student interest in Asian and Middle Eastern destinations at mid-year- Australia raises enrolment limits for 2025/26 but are they reachable?• Main topic …
Show notes
• News & developments
- Search data highlights surge in student interest in Asian and Middle Eastern destinations at mid-year
- Australia raises enrolment limits for 2025/26 but are they reachable?
• Main topic: From ‘Big Four’ to ‘Big Fourteen’: Redrawing the map of global student flows
with

Kym Nguyen
Vice President, Student Recruitment
QS
Andrew Ness
Senior Vice-President, Analytics and Consulting, North America
Studyportals
Craig Riggs
Editor in Chief
ICEF Monitor
Martijn van de Veen (host)
CBDO
ICEF
Bridging borders: Why cultural intelligence is essential now
July 29, 20251 hEpisode 73
• News & developments - Dutch government walks back controversial measures to constrain English-taught degrees - New Zealand announces strong foreign enrolment growth along with a new international education …
Show notes
• News & developments
- Dutch government walks back controversial measures to constrain English-taught degrees
- New Zealand announces strong foreign enrolment growth along with a new international education strategy
• Main topic: Bridging borders: Why cultural intelligence is essential now
• Keys to the market: Uzbekistan
with

Leanne Linacre
Co-Founder
Lead5050
Sagar Bahadur
Executive Director - India, South Asia & South East Asia
Acumen
Susan Fang
Co-founder & CEO
OxBridge Consulting, Inc.
Craig Riggs
Editor in Chief
ICEF Monitor
Martijn van de Veen (host)
CBDO
ICEF
Together for transparency: Building global standards for ethical international student recruitment
June 23, 202543 minEpisode 72
Episode Notes• News & developments - Irish ELT sector sounds note of “cautious stability” for 2024- US ELT numbers moving toward pre-pandemic norms• Main topic: Together for transparency: Building global …
Show notes
Episode Notes
• News & developments
- Irish ELT sector sounds note of “cautious stability” for 2024
- US ELT numbers moving toward pre-pandemic norms
• Main topic: Together for transparency: Building global standards for ethical international student recruitment
• Keys to the market: Egypt
with

Gordon Lunan
VP, Commercial Operations
INTO University Partnerships
Ghadah Khojah
Founder
Cayenne Education, UK
Flavio Crusoé
CEO
BEX - Brazilian Exchange
Craig Riggs
Editor in Chief
ICEF Monitor
Martijn van de Veen (host)
CBDO
ICEF
Study destination USA in times of political turmoil - live from NAFSA 2025
June 2, 202560 minEpisode 71
• News & developments - Sector and students shocked as US State Department says it will “aggressively revoke visas for Chinese students”- Trump administration orders a pause on new student visa interviews• Main …
Show notes
• News & developments
- Sector and students shocked as US State Department says it will “aggressively revoke visas for Chinese students”
- Trump administration orders a pause on new student visa interviews
• Main topic: Study destination USA in times of political turmoil - live from NAFSA 2025
• Keys to the market: Bangladesh
with

Vern Granger
Director of Undergraduate Admissions
University of Connecticut
Daryl Bish
President
EnglishUSA
Jill Welch
Co-Founder and Senior Consultant
U.S. for Success Coalition
Rachel Fletcher
Managing Director, Enrolment Services
Keystone Enrolment Services
Craig Riggs
Editor in Chief
ICEF Monitor
Martijn van de Veen (host)
CBDO
ICEF
Domestic enrolment cliff: A global phenomenon?
April 25, 202555 minEpisode 70
• News & developments - International student policy in the spotlight during Australian election - Ireland: Non-EU international students will be most affected by a new, increased threshold for available funds• …
Show notes
• News & developments
- International student policy in the spotlight during Australian election
- Ireland: Non-EU international students will be most affected by a new, increased threshold for available funds
• Main topic: Domestic enrolment cliff: A global phenomenon?
• Keys to the market: Thailand
with

Angel Ahmed
Founder and CEO
GNET-Global Network
Kirsten L. Feddersen
VP of Partnerships, USA
IDP
Craig Riggs
Editor in Chief
ICEF Monitor
Martijn van de Veen (host)
CBDO
ICEF
How are schools and agents adapting to rising visa rejection rates?
March 27, 202548 minEpisode 69
• News & developments - Global survey highlights new phase of internationalisation: From a “market era” to a “managed era” - Report projects need for greater diversification in international student …
Show notes
• News & developments
- Global survey highlights new phase of internationalisation: From a “market era” to a “managed era”
- Report projects need for greater diversification in international student recruitment this year
• Main topic: How are schools and agents adapting to rising visa rejection rates?
• Keys to the market: East Africa
with

Michal Sestak
Managing Director and Principal migration agent
AustraliaOnline
Shawn Silverstone
Director, International Marketing and Recruitment
Coquitlam School District
Craig Riggs
Editor in Chief
ICEF Monitor
Martijn van de Veen (host)
CBDO
ICEF
Shifting horizons: Global trends in international secondary education
February 26, 202550 minEpisode 68
• News & developments - The Netherlands: Debate around student recruitment and retention continues amid foreign enrolment decline - Student mobility in MENA boosted by foreign partnerships and branch …
Show notes
• News & developments
- The Netherlands: Debate around student recruitment and retention continues amid foreign enrolment decline
- Student mobility in MENA boosted by foreign partnerships and branch campuses
• Main topic: Shifting horizons: Global trends in international secondary education
• Keys to the market: Mexico
with

Elizabeth Drake
Director of Partnerships, US
Illume Student Advisory Service
Bethan Hudson
Executive Director Specialist Services
The BSA Group
Craig Riggs
Editor in Chief
ICEF Monitor
Martijn van de Veen (host)
CBDO
ICEF
A whole new world: International student recruitment in 2025
January 23, 20251 h 1 minEpisode 67
• News & developments - Irish higher education booked another strong year of foreign enrolment growth in 2024 - Malaysia’s growing appeal as a study destination• Main topic: A whole new world: International …
Show notes
• News & developments
- Irish higher education booked another strong year of foreign enrolment growth in 2024
- Malaysia’s growing appeal as a study destination
• Main topic: A whole new world: International student recruitment in 2025
• Keys to the market: Sri Lanka
with
Roger Brindley
President - North America
Acumen | Sannam S4 Group
Sarah Todd
Vice President (Global)
Griffith University
Harris Rosen
Barrister and Solicitor
Harris Rosen Professional Corporation
Craig Riggs
Editor in Chief
ICEF
Martijn van de Veen (host)
CBDO
ICEF
How new technologies impact international student employability
December 9, 202449 minEpisode 66
• News & developments - Three international education trends for 2025: Revenue optimisation, marketing personalisation, and on-the-ground local intelligence• Main topic: How new technologies impact …
Show notes
• News & developments
- Three international education trends for 2025: Revenue optimisation, marketing personalisation, and on-the-ground local intelligence
• Main topic: How new technologies impact international student employability
• Keys to the market: Japan
with
Puneet Kohli
Chief Executive Officer
Careerflow.ai
Sue Attewell
Head of AI
Jisc
Craig Riggs
Editor in Chief
ICEF
Martijn van de Veen (host)
CBDO
ICEF
Live from Berlin: Current trends in international student recruitment
November 13, 202457 minEpisode 65
• News & developments - The human factor in international student recruitment• Main topic: Live from Berlin: Current trends in international student recruitment• Keys to the market: Germanywith Holly …
Show notes
• News & developments
- The human factor in international student recruitment
• Main topic: Live from Berlin: Current trends in international student recruitment
• Keys to the market: Germany
with
Holly Sanders
Chief Transformation Officer
World Education Services
Matt Hird
Director of Sales
Malvern International
Brett Blacker
Managing Director, Australia and New Zealand
Duolingo
Ilaria Bossi
Head Manager - International Marketing and Recruitment
Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore
Kofi Agyeman-Duah Boachie-Danquah
Global Sales Manager - International Hub
Private University of Applied Sciences, Göttingen
Reka Lenart
Association Manager
ALTO
Hannah Youell
Diversity & Inclusion Advisor
International House World Organisation
Sushil Sukhwani
Director
Edwise International
Craig Riggs
Editor in Chief
ICEF
Martijn van de Veen (host)
CBDO
ICEF
Getting past policy shock: How the sector is responding to new migration settings
October 10, 202440 minEpisode 64
• News & developments - International education has a data problem. It’s time to do something about it - In a time of shifting student demand, a speedy response to enquiries is a must• Main topic: Getting past …
Show notes
• News & developments
- International education has a data problem. It’s time to do something about it
- In a time of shifting student demand, a speedy response to enquiries is a must
• Main topic: Getting past policy shock: How the sector is responding to new migration settings
• Keys to the market: China
With
Rachel MacSween
Director of Partnerships and Stakeholder Engagement
IDP
Marie Braswell
Associate Vice President Global Strategy & Market Development
Centennial College
Andy Howells
Chief Marketing Officer
NCUK
Bobby Mehta
Pro Vice-Chancellor (Global Engagement)
University of Portsmouth
Sara Sandford (moderator)
Consultant
Edified

Craig Riggs
Editor in Chief
ICEF Monitor

Martijn van de Veen
CBDO
ICEF
The future of ELT: A call to action
September 12, 202455 minEpisode 63
• News & developments - Australia announces cap on student commencements for 2025 - What is the cost of policy intended to reduce international student flows?• Main topic: The future of ELT: A call to action• …
Show notes
• News & developments
- Australia announces cap on student commencements for 2025
- What is the cost of policy intended to reduce international student flows?
• Main topic: The future of ELT: A call to action
• Keys to the market: Colombia
With
Ian Aird
CEO
English Australia
Jodie Gray
Chief Executive
English UK
Craig Riggs
Editor in Chief
ICEF
Martijn van de Veen (host)
CBDO
ICEF
Is Artificial Intelligence the biggest threat for digital agent recruitment platforms?
August 27, 202444 minEpisode 62
• News & developments - Quarterly survey finds rents for student housing in Europe increasing ahead of new academic year - UK reports record foreign enrolment for 2022/23• Main topic: Is Artificial Intelligence …
Show notes
• News & developments
- Quarterly survey finds rents for student housing in Europe increasing ahead of new academic year
- UK reports record foreign enrolment for 2022/23
• Main topic: Is Artificial Intelligence the biggest threat for digital agent recruitment platforms?
• Keys to the market: China
With
Louise Nicol
Founder & CEO
Asia Careers Group SDN BHD
Craig Riggs
Editor in Chief
ICEF
Martijn van de Veen (host)
CBDO
ICEF
The complexities of international student accommodation
August 2, 202438 minEpisode 61
This special episode of ICEF Podcast is produced in collaboration with Housed - The shared living Podcast and our sponsor is VITA STUDENT.WithSarah CanningCo-FounderThe Property Marketing StrategistsDeenie …
Show notes
This special episode of ICEF Podcast is produced in collaboration with Housed - The shared living Podcast and our sponsor is VITA STUDENT.
With
Sarah Canning
Co-Founder
The Property Marketing Strategists
Deenie Lee
Co-Founder
The Property Marketing Strategists
Daniel Smith
Managing Director
Student Housing Consultancy
Martijn van de Veen
CBDO
ICEF
Europe's unique and diverse array of attractive study destinations
July 25, 202453 minEpisode 60
• Useful links - The global student experience by Etio - European Commission - Study in Europe• News & developments - UK ELT providers report restricting enrolment because of bed shortages - Would a second …
Show notes
• Useful links
- The global student experience by Etio
- European Commission - Study in Europe
• News & developments
- UK ELT providers report restricting enrolment because of bed shortages
- Would a second Trump presidency make the US more or less attractive to foreign students?
• Main topic: Europe's unique and diverse array of attractive study destinations
• Keys to the market: Brazil
With
Jasper Witteveen
Project Officer (Erasmus Mundus)
European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA)
Nannette Ripmeester
Director - Performance Benchmarking Europe and North America
Etio

Craig Riggs
Editor in Chief
ICEF Monitor

Martijn van de Veen (host)
CBDO
ICEF
The outlook for international education in the USA - live from NAFSA
June 12, 202455 minEpisode 59
• News & developments - Agent survey finds growing interest in alternative destinations; many students “hedging” plans with multiple applications - UK confirms Graduate Route will remain in place; plans …
Show notes
• News & developments
- Agent survey finds growing interest in alternative destinations; many students “hedging” plans with multiple applications
- UK confirms Graduate Route will remain in place; plans “crackdown” on student visas and “rogue agents”
• Main topic: The outlook for international education in the USA - live from NAFSA
• Keys to the market: Mexico
With
Jessica Sandberg
Dean of International Enrollment
Duke Kunshan University
Amber McKenzie
Assistant Dean of Global Education and Strategic Partnerships
Community Colleges of Spokane
Mirka Martel
Head of Research, Evaluation and Learning
Institute of International Education
Craig Riggs
Editor in Chief
ICEF
Martijn van de Veen (host)
CBDO
ICEF
How policy interventions are impacting student planning for study abroad [Recorded live at ICEF North America]
May 9, 202447 minEpisode 58
• News & developments - Foreign exchange: What could a stronger pound and dollar mean for international students this year? - The art of the short: Viral video for international student recruitment• Main topic …
Show notes
• News & developments
- Foreign exchange: What could a stronger pound and dollar mean for international students this year?
- The art of the short: Viral video for international student recruitment
• Main topic: How policy interventions are impacting student planning for study abroad
• Keys to the market: the Philippines
With
Victoria Martin
Chief Commercial and Compliance Officer
GUS Canada
Robin Garcha
Partnerships Director, Solutions Lead
IDP Education
Craig Riggs
Editor in Chief
ICEF
Martijn van de Veen (host)
CBDO
ICEF

These are the latest 40 of 88 episodes. You’ll find older episodes in the podcast’s feed.

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