Education agents assist prospective international students with experience-based services. They serve as principal instruments in the student recruitment of many institutions in different countries. But their exceptional value was only recognized by the U.S. government quite recently.
EducationUSA is a U.S. Department of State network of international student advising centers. In the past, EducationUSA counseling centers were not allowed to work with agents. In 2018, the State Department welcomed education agents to EducationUSA.
Key Takeaways:
- In 2018, the U.S. Department of State welcomed education agents into its EducationUSA network. One-third of U.S. colleges work with education agents as per the National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC).
- An education agent must possess the skills, training, and experience to give specialized advice to prospective international students. They must also reflect the values of the institutions they represent with integrity, honesty, and transparency.
- Requirements to become an education agent vary depending on the network or agency they apply in. In general, they must present the right qualifications, training, or certifications.
- Education agents in the United States earn high commissions and receive global network opportunities throughout their practice.
While this acknowledgement from the U.S. government is fairly recent, agents had long been valuable assets to U.S. higher education institutions. As per the National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC), one-third of U.S. colleges work with agents for international student recruitment.
With all these facts in mind, education agents are in the perfect position to represent institutions in the United States today. Read the guide below to know how to become a U.S. education agent.
The Characteristics of an Education Agent in the US
To become an education agent in the United States, you must first have a set of qualities that would make you suitable for the job. Education agents must reflect the values of the institutions they represent. Moreover, they must have skills and experience to help students make the right choice.
As an education agent, you assume the role of an assistant and a counselor. You must be able to aid students in completing certain application processes to study in the United States. You’ll also give them accurate and relevant information to help them with their options.
In general, an education agent in the United States must have the following characteristics:
- Knowledgeable about the U.S. education system and student visa requirements
- Imbued with integrity, honesty, and transparency
- Resourceful and able to work with a multitude of tools
- Possess skills, training, and experience to guide international students
- Able to keep abreast of international student recruitment trends in the United States
What Are the Requirements To Become an Education Agent?
The fastest and easiest way to become an education agent in the United States is to join an established network. For instance, you can apply to agencies or agent networks that have partnerships with U.S. colleges and universities.
Note that requirements will vary depending on where you choose to apply. For example, if you want to work with the International Consultants for Education and Fairs (ICEF), you must complete its U.S. agent training course first. For the most part, education agents undergo certain training courses and certifications to be eligible for membership to agent networks.
Here are the common requirements to become an education agent:
- Completed application form
- Proof of agent training, qualification, or certification
- Proof of academic qualifications
- Proof of professional qualifications
- Contact details of character references
Advantages of Being an Education Agent in the US
Being an education agent unlocks a vault of many advantages. For starters, you can get high commissions for every student you successfully admit. Here are more advantages of being a university agent in the United States:
- Limitless earnings through commission-based services
- Countless opportunities for network expansion
- Exposure to many students and U.S. institutions
- Opportunities to receive specialized training to hone your skills
- Get a global advantage in the international student recruitment field
An education agent in the United States is an indispensable asset to the international student recruitment of the country. If you possess the passion, drive, and thrust to lead international students to success, sign-up as an Abcodo agent today so you can enjoy great commissions and benefits!
