2024 East Asia, Southeast Asia, and Oceania Regional Institute Downloads
2024 Final East Asia, Southeast Asia, and Oceania Regional Institute Attendee List
Per data privacy laws, please utilize the Member Directory (found in the Info Hub) to access contact information.
This list is not to be used for marketing purposes.
Session Downloads: Day Two
Session 1
9:00 - 10:15 AM
East Asia, Southeast Asia, and Oceania encompass a diverse range of countries, offering students numerous educational opportunities. While many countries within these regions boast exceptional higher education systems, not all students choose to remain within the region for their studies. In this session, we will examine the high school curricula from various countries within these regions. This exploration aims to provide higher education institutions outside the region with a clearer understanding of the academic backgrounds of potential recruits, helping them make informed decisions about attracting students from these areas.
- Bruce Hammond, Tsinglan School
- James Russell, NIST International School
- Tannaz Daver, Saint Joseph's Institution International
- Angeline Ang, Sekolah Pelita Harapan Lippo Village
- Beth Contreras, Hong Kong International School
Session 2
10:45 - 11:45 AM
Despite everyone’s best efforts rankings are here to stay. In some cultures, university rankings play a particularly large role through the admission process. This can present a whole new slew of challenges for families: how are rankings calculated and how do you compare different lists? In this session, university admission officers will share different strategies and techniques they use to cope with and manage the constant rankings push including other data points about student experiences and outcomes.
- Paul Kim, Loyola Marymount University
- Sanchit Mittal, Ontario Tech University
- Anna-Theresa Wise, Hamilton College
- Adam Wu, Concourse Global Enrollment, Inc.
- Péter Árvai, University of Pécs
EVERY DAY, I’M HUSTLING, HUSTLING: OTHER TOOLS TO EXPAND YOUR ADMISSION FUNNEL
The market for international students is growing more competitive each year. More countries are making concerted efforts to attract these students to their campuses. What is an admission officer to do? Learn about some of the different tools admission officers are using to recruit and enroll students from around the globe and how these tools are perceived from the other side of the desk. Counselors will also gain insight in to how students can stand out among the crowd to different universities.
- Jennifer Brook, Foothill and De Anza Colleges
- Michelle Chow-Liu, Western Academy of Beijing
- Sarah Gardner, Quinnipiac University
- Kim Nhan Ha, Southern Alberta Institute of Technology
Session 3
11:50 AM - 12:50 PM
DELIVERING TEACHER RECOMMENDATIONS
This session provides practical strategies for guiding teachers in crafting impactful letters of recommendation for both U.S. college applications and UCAS references. We will explore the distinct expectations of each system, highlighting what admissions offices are looking for in content, structure, and tone. The session will also address how to navigate challenging situations, such as weak letters and uncooperative teachers. Counselors will learn proactive approaches to ensure students are represented in the best possible light, even when issues arise. A key focus will be on leading effective writing workshops for teachers, covering the logistics of the process, as well as specific tips on what makes a strong recommendation. Participants will leave equipped with tools to improve the quality of teacher recommendations in their schools, ultimately enhancing students’ success in the application process.
- Nancy Weis-Sanfo, Korea International School, Jeju
- Dan Kopperud, Rochester Institute of Technology
ENGAGING STUDENTS AND PARENTS IN THE REGION - SOCIAL MEDIA, COMMUNICATION, LOCAL COUNSELOR NETWORKS
Explore strategies to actively engage students and parents through social media, effective communication, and local counselor networks. This presentation will cover approaches fostering collaboration, building stronger relationships, and the importance of understanding cultures to connect with students and parents in the region.
- Alisha Koumphol, Brock University
- Jake Ganymede, Imperial College London
- Tie Sun, Rhodes College
Session 4
2:00 - 3:00 PM
FURTHER STUDY OPPORTUNITIES IN OUR REGION (JAPAN, KOREA, SINGAPORE, HONG KONG, CHINA, AUSTRALIA)
Join us for a dive into study opportunities in our region. We will explore student motivation when applying to these countries, as well as application processes, deadlines, and popular universities in these regions.
- Paul Sweet, Dulwich College Seoul
- Ruru Huang, Dulwich College Shanghai Pudong
- Michelle Chow-Liu, Western Academy of Beijing
- Marie Kobayashi, MaiaLearning
- David Antoniewicz, Branksome Hall Asia
- Hani Rahman, Dover Court International School
ADVOCACY AND OUTREACH IN INTERNATIONAL EDUCATION
International Education exists in a complex global environment. During a global time in which political rhetoric and polarization seem to be everywhere, international education is increasingly caught up in the cross-hairs of policy and debate. Too often, our industry prioritizes politics occurring in Western governments: The EU, the UK and the US. But what arguments are being made closer to home that impact our students? More importantly, what arguments and strategies can be utilized to support international education and reinforce its importance, whether talking with your colleagues, your constituents, your local government or other sources. This session will begin with a panel that will set the stage for active discussion. Participants will be invited to contribute their own perspective on the current relationship between international education and rhetoric from their home regions, and we will explore strategies of response and understanding.
- Anna-Theresa Wise, Hamilton College
- Melanie Brennand Hamre, Taipei American School
- Ning Deng, Beijing International Bilingual Academy
- James Russell, NIST International School
Session 5
4:45 - 5:45 PM
This session will unpack issues around standardized testing. We will look at these from the students' perspectives, examining the pressures on students, where students get their information as well as the role testing plays in the global admissions landscape.
- Luke Devlin, Dulwich College Shanghai Pudong
- Katie Korhonen, New York University
- Luis Perez, University of Cambridge
- Seray Teleke, University of California, Los Angeles
- Michele Werlin, British School Manila
Session Downloads: Day Three
Session 6
9:00 - 10:15 AM
OPPORTUNITIES, TRENDS, AND POWER OF NETWORKS IN OUR REGION (UNIVERSITY PERSPECTIVE)
Join us for an engaging panel discussion exploring regional trends, effective outreach strategies and highlight opportunities aligned with your institutional/school goals. This interactive session encourages collaboration, inspiring innovative approaches to maximize impact and exposure for your school (both university and high school).
- San Lee, University of California, Davis
- Candice Chan, The University of Tampa
- Rachel Scholten, Loyola University Maryland
Session 7
10:15 - 10:45 AM
INTERNATIONAL ACAC MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS
- Luke Devlin, Dulwich College Shanghai Pudong
Session 7.5
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
This session offers a comprehensive overview for college counsellors on effectively guiding students and parents through the Korean university application process from Y11 (G10) to Y13 (G12). Key topics include essential tasks organized by months, such as advising on course options, managing standardized tests, and preparing necessary documents. Participants will learn how to support students in building a competitive application while navigating the complexities of the Korean higher education system.
- Hyuk Sang Son, Dulwich College Suzhou
Session 8
2:00 - 3:00 PM
CAREER PROSPECTS AND OPPORTUNITIES FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
This session will give an overview of the different experiential learning opportunities for international students and will explain how students can take advantage of them when they are at universities in the US and Canada, as well as how these opportunities help international students secure long-term employment in both countries after graduation.
- Dan Kopperud, Rochester Institute of Technology
- Ray Wu, Huron at Western University
- Peter May, Savannah College of Art and Design
- Ning Deng, Beijing International Bilingual Academy
- Sanchit Mittal, Ontario Tech University
In this interactive workshop, participants will take on the role of an admissions officer, reviewing mock applications for undergraduate admissions. You'll evaluate student profiles, considering key factors such as academic performance, extracurricular involvement, personal statements, and letters of recommendation. Together, we’ll discuss what makes an applicant stand out and the holistic review process that many institutions use. Special attention will be given to how schools balance academic excellence with diversity, leadership potential, and a student’s fit within the institution's values. By the end, you'll gain a deeper understanding of how admissions decisions are made and what universities prioritize in applicants.
- Anne Corriveau, Boston University
- Soeyeon Shin, Michigan State University
- Kim Zwitserloot, University College Utrecht
- Lena Adely, Sarah Lawrence College
UNIVERSITY CHAT: BEST PRACTICE - RECRUITING IN THE REGION
In this interactive session, university representatives will work in small groups to discuss three key topics: Recruitment, Counsellor Tours , and College Fairs and School Visits. Attendees will share insights, best practices, and challenges, helping to refine recruitment efforts and foster stronger connections with students and counselors.
- San Lee, University of California, Davis
Session 9
3:15 - 4:15 PM
Join us for an insightful panel discussion on "Life in Canada," where we explore the key aspects of living in one of the world’s most diverse and safe countries. Our panelists will share their experiences and insights on Canadian post-secondary education and why it can be a great choice for many students. We'll also delve into the various immigration processes, offering valuable guidance on navigating the system and integrating into Canadian life. If you would like to learn more about studying in Canada, this discussion will provide essential perspectives and advice.
- Graham Barnes, University of Waterloo
- SungJin Park, University of Victoria
- Jenny Zhanyi Chen, McGill University
WHY ARE STUDENTS LOOKING FOR OPPORTUNITIES BEYOND THE "BIG 3" - US, UK, CANADA?
This panel will explore the growing trend of students looking beyond traditional study destinations like the US, UK, and Canada. Our expert panelists will discuss the factors driving this shift, including rising education costs, visa restrictions, and increasing competition. We’ll also examine the appeal of emerging study destinations that offer quality education, diverse cultural experiences, and affordable tuition. Join us to gain insights into how global higher education dynamics are evolving and why students are expanding their horizons beyond the "Big 3."
- Péter Árvai, University of Pécs
- Carolyn Barr, Leiden University
- Jeffrey Ang Lim, Singapore Management University
- Marie Mourasheh, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
- Andrea Pagani, IE University