Independent Schools & Consultants vs. Agents
International Agents
Many schools work with an international agent who help recruit students from abroad to join a private school. Typically, these agents assist students with their application and throughout their admissions process.
International agents help schools diversify their community and remove any barriers schools have in gaining new students from other countries. For some schools, these international partners are invaluable. International Agents are paid per the number of students they bring into a school. Often, agents receive compensation from BOTH the family and the independent school to place a student.
Independent Educational Consultants (IECs)
Independent Educational Consultants (IECs), like Hall Educational Resources are professional consultants who guide families in finding the best academic fit for their student and family. IECs offer families their unbiased expertise on independent and private schools as well as provide their knowledge on the admission process. IECs are not compensated by any of the schools or institutions for any students they place. Instead, their pay comes from the private services they offer to families. IECs work directly for, and are compensated by, families.
Exploring the Reasons Behind the Compensation Divide
Global Reach vs Local Expertise
International agents recruit students from all over the world, while some IECs may focus on one region or niche of the country. Due to the wider reach international agents have, this could be one reason for their compensation.
The Nuances of International Recruitment
The admission process for international students is far more complex and detailed than placing students from a local area. Agents can assist families with visa applications and provide information on immigration requirements for studying abroad.The work involved in this coordination can also be a contributing factor to international agents' pay.
Varied Focus
IECs work to help families and students’ find their best private school fit. This means, they typically take a more holistic and detail oriented approach to place a student where they will thrive. For example, at Hall Educational Resources we are laser focused on ensuring the right fit (and best fit) school for a student’s particular learning profile and opportunities for social emotional growth. On the other hand, international agents may place a larger focus on meeting specific recruitment numbers to the schools they work with.
Cause for Concern?
Some private schools have worked with international agents for so long that it can be hard to change who they work with and move away from international agents. Part of this may be due to their contract terms or just long-term, established relationships. Agents will often recommend their contracted schools exclusively to the families who have hired them, regardless of “right or best fit” for the student. Given this, some believe that international agents who are receiving commissions are biased, favoring students’ from particular countries and particular schools over ethical business practices.
Changing the Way
Within the independent school community, this topic needs more conversation. For some, this topic raises concern over independent schools and their admission practices. Schools can and should be working to emphasize partnerships that are transparent and have everyones’ best interests at heart.
The conversation surrounding admission practices in independent schools is a crucial one that deserves further attention within our educational community. While it may raise concerns for some, it also presents an opportunity for growth and improvement. Independent schools have the capacity to foster meaningful partnerships that prioritize transparency and the well-being of all stakeholders involved. By engaging in open dialogues and reevaluating admission practices, we can ensure that our schools not only provide an excellent education but also exemplify fairness and integrity, ultimately enriching the educational experience for all. It's time to embrace change and work collaboratively toward a future where every student's journey to success is marked by equitable opportunities and shared values.