The international education marketplace is dynamically evolving, becoming more complex. The range of student programmes has expanded gradually and now includes online and hybrid modalities. A greater number of study destinations open up in front of students. Now the course content is not the only factor pleasing students, but also scholarships, post-study work, internships, and permanent residency opportunities.
Both students and educators are increasingly looking to agents for relevant support. Students rely on agents to help them plan for their studies abroad, enlist convenient options, and provide end-to-end support till they reach university. Educators are benefited by the local expertise of the recruiting agents, the connections they hold, which assist in diversifying their markets. Moreover, the diversified student market will spread their cultures, languages, and religions across the campus.
The greater need and use of recruitment partners highlights the need for improved quality standards for institution-agency collaborations. To further assist, several guidelines now exist, some of which are developed by governments and peak bodies, while others are created by other stakeholders.
The ethical framework for international student recruitment outlined in the London Statement encompasses:
- Integrity: A recruiting agent should be straightforward and honest in all professional and business dealings that will be taking place.
- Objectivity: It’s essential for agents to maintain impartiality and avoid biases, ensuring their decisions are based on professional judgement rather than personal interests.
- Transparency: Ethical conduct involves full disclosure of any conflicts of interest, particularly regarding service fees charged to both education providers and students. Transparency builds credibility and promotes trust.
- Confidentiality: It is important to preserve and safeguard the confidential information acquired by institutions and students. Moreover, without proper authority, a recruiting agent is not allowed to disclose such information to third parties.
- Professional competence and due care: A recruiting agent should maintain professional knowledge and service while they act diligently.
- Professional Behaviour: Professional behaviour in the international student recruitment marketplace stands for acting in accordance with relevant laws and regulations. Moreover, they should act diligently, competently, and fairly with clients.
- Professionalism and purpose: An individual should act in a manner that will serve the interests of clients and wider society, even at the expense of self-interest.
Some Additional Codes of Conduct for the Ethical Recruitment of International Students:
- Agents must ensure fair treatment and act in the best interests of both students and educators, fostering a balanced and equitable relationship.
- Agents are obliged to comply with all applicable laws and regulations, both in their home country and the host country of the students, to uphold ethical standards and legal requirements.
- Marketing and advertising materials should be truthful, accurate, and free from misrepresentation, adhering to local advertising standards and partner institution brand guidelines.
- Prioritise the use of signed agreements or contracts between the institution, students, and agents, ensuring transparency and accountability in all transactions.
- Establish clear processes for handling complaints and resolving disputes promptly and fairly, demonstrating a commitment to resolving issues in a professional manner.
- Maintain all necessary business licences or registrations to operate legally and ethically, upholding professional standards and regulatory requirements.