On May 16th, Study in Greece (SiG) hosted the 7th installment of its ‘From Insight to Impact’ webinar series, in collaboration with ICEF and EduWorld. The session explored the evolving landscape of international student mobility, offering actionable insights for universities aiming to attract and support global talent. Allison Doorbar, Managing Partner of EduWorld, and Nick Stevenson, Vice President of EMEAA, ICEF, shared data-driven trends, challenges, and opportunities shaping higher education worldwide.
The discussion highlighted key shifts in student preferences, including the rising demand for STEM disciplines, particularly in the U.S., where one in four international students now pursue math or computer science. Meanwhile, Greece’s diversified academic profile and growing appeal as a study-abroad destination were noted, with U.S. student enrollments rebounding by 34% following the pandemic. The webinar also examined transnational education (TNE) growth, emphasizing Greece’s potential as a hub for offshore campuses and partnerships, such as those with UK institutions.
A focal point was the importance of aligning recruitment strategies with student priorities: visa accessibility, affordability, post-study work options, and safety. Presenters underscored the risks of over-reliance on single markets or financial motives, citing lessons from Canada and the UK, where policy changes have disrupted enrollment stability. Instead, they advocated for diversified recruitment, robust student support systems, and cultural integration initiatives to ensure long-term success.
The webinar concluded with an engaging Q&A, addressing topics such as Greece’s nascent internationalization strategy, the role of education agents in student recruitment, and the need for clearer pathways to employment for non-EU graduates. Attendees left with practical takeaways, including the value of leveraging alumni networks and regional collaborations to enhance Greece’s global education footprint. Study in Greece extends its gratitude to ICEF, EDUWORLD, and all participants for their contributions to this critical dialogue.
Live Event on Youtube – Presentations
Speakers:
Nick Stevenson
Vice President, EMEAA, ICEF
Nick Stevenson oversees ICEF’s operations across Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and Asia. With over a decade at ICEF, he has been central to expanding the organization’s reach and fostering partnerships between education institutions and trusted recruitment agents worldwide. He holds a Joint Honours degree in Spanish and Management and an MBA from the University of Salford, with a research focus on the future of education agents.
Allison Doorbar
Managing Partner, EduWorld
With nearly 30 years in the field, Allison is a leading consultant in international education market research. At EduWorld, she supports universities and government agencies worldwide with strategic insights and actionable planning. She also serves as an Independent Director at Janison Education Group and holds a degree in Business Studies from the University of Sheffield.
