This Learning Lab will consist of seven modules, each focusing on a critical aspect of international admissions. Each session will combine expert insights, real-world case studies, interactive discussions, and practical application exercises.
Dates: Each Thursday beginning September 11 - October 23, 2025
Time: 11:00 AM ET - 12:15 PM ET
CEC's: 7
Session(s):
Module 1: Understanding the Global Landscape of International Admissions (9/11)
• Overview of International Schools as Independent Schools
◦ Defining international schools within the independent school framework
◦ The diverse structures of international schools (non-profit, for-profit, embassy-affiliated, etc.)
◦ Key global trends in international education
• How International Admissions Differs from U.S. Domestic Admissions
◦ Enrollment patterns and mobility trends
◦ Regional variations in admissions expectations and decision-making processes
◦ The role of accrediting bodies (e.g., CIS, NEASC, WASC) in admissions policies
• Diversity in International Schools
◦ The reality that international schools can only be as diverse as their host country
◦ How schools can proactively cultivate diversity (diplomatic populations, global organizations,
multinational corporations)
◦ Expanding the definition of diversity beyond visible characteristics (economic status,
neurodiversity, language, cultural background)
• Case Study: Market shifts in international school enrollment and their impact on admissions offices
Module 2: Regional Nuances, Family Decision-Making, & Educational
Continuity (9/18)
• Admissions Cycles and Trends by Region
◦ Asia-Pacific (Japan, China, Southeast Asia)
◦ Europe (EU vs. Non-EU markets)
◦ Middle East & Africa (expatriate-heavy markets and local enrollment trends)
◦ Latin America (growing international school market)
• Family Expectations and Decision-Making
◦ The influence of employer-sponsored education and expatriate packages
▪ (Note: Make mention of the shift in expat package sizes and the trend towards copaid
tuition comprised of Employee contribution + company)
◦ Local vs. expatriate parent mindsets
◦ How different cultures approach education and school selection
• Educational Continuity for Expat Families
◦ How frequent relocations impact academic planning and student well-being
◦ The role of flexible curricula (IB, AP, British) in ensuring smooth transitions across schools
◦ The importance of academic counseling and long-term education planning
• The Role of Language in Shaping School Culture
◦ How linguistic diversity influences school identity
◦ Ensuring support for multilingual learners in the admissions process
◦ The balance between language policies and cultural identity in admissions decisions
• Interactive Activity: Participants map key admissions challenges by region
Module 3: Aligning Admissions with Marketing & Communications (9/25)
• Understanding the Relationship Between Marketing and Admissions
◦ Defining distinct yet collaborative roles
◦ Managing expectations between departments
• Crafting a Compelling School Narrative
◦ Telling a school’s story effectively across different markets
◦ Personalizing communication while maintaining consistency
• The Role of Digital Engagement and Virtual Admissions
◦ Leveraging digital platforms for global reach (social media, virtual tours, AI chatbots)
◦ Best practices for virtual admissions interviews and open houses
• Workshop: Creating a regionalized admissions communication plan
Module 4: Ethical Considerations in International Admissions (10/2)
• Applying AISAP’s Ethical Standards in a Global Context
◦ Managing integrity across diverse regulatory and cultural landscapes
◦ Navigating tuition assistance policies ethically
• The Role of External Agencies & Consultants
◦ Understanding the use of third-party consultants (education, relocation agents, personal
assistants, etc.)
◦ Ethical dilemmas in agency relationships and best practices
• Roundtable Discussion: Real-world ethical challenges and solutions in international admissions
Module 5: Data-Driven Decision-Making in International Admissions (10/9)
• Leveraging Enrollment Data for Strategic Planning
◦ Analyzing application and enrollment trends by demographic
◦ Predictive analytics for admissions forecasting
• Assessing the Effectiveness of Admissions Strategies
◦ Measuring the impact of outreach efforts and events
◦ Adapting strategy based on data insights
• Re-Enrollment & Attrition in International Schools
◦ Understanding Annual Attrition in International Schools
◦ How Attrition Affects School Culture & Community
◦ Re-Enrollment Strategies & Financial Implications
• Admissions and the Impact of Geopolitical and Economic Trends
◦ How global events (political instability, corporate relocations) affect enrollment
◦ Strategies for maintaining enrollment stability in volatile regions
Module 6: Leadership & Strategy in International Admissions (10/16)
• Positioning the Admissions Office as a Strategic Partner
◦ Admissions as part of institutional planning and sustainability
◦ Working effectively with school leadership and boards
• The Crossroads of Admissions & Advancement: A Strategic Partnership for School Sustainability
◦ Shared Goals Between Admissions & Advancement
◦ Navigating the Intersection of Admissions & Fundraising
◦ Best Practices for Cross-Departmental Collaboration
• Legacy Admissions: Pros and Cons
◦ The benefits of legacy admissions for advancement and institutional history
◦ The potential obstacles to innovation and change
• The Influence of Admissions Policies on School Culture
◦ The difference between curriculum-based schools and culture-based schools
◦ The role of parental expectations in shaping school identity
• The Importance of Parental Partnerships
◦ How a family's engagement and interactions impact admissions decisions
◦ Evaluating parental fit beyond student qualifications
• Responding to Global Disruptions
◦ Admissions strategy during global events (pandemics, economic downturns, geopolitical
shifts)
◦ Flexibility and contingency planning
• Capstone Project: Each participant develops an action plan for enhancing their school’s
international admissions strategy
Module 7: Admissions, Equity & Inclusion (10/23)
• Equity in Access to International Schools
◦ Addressing socio-economic barriers to admission
◦ Financial aid strategies for ensuring diverse enrollment
• Navigating Cultural Stereotypes in International Education
◦ Addressing biases in admissions decision-making
◦ Ensuring a safe and inclusive environment for all students
• Balancing Tradition and Innovation in International Schools
◦ How admissions offices balance long-standing school traditions with the need for innovation
• Cultural Adjustment Support for Expat Students
◦ Programs that help students adjust to a new school and country
◦ Creating a welcoming environment for transient students
Presenter:
Carl Murray, Former Director of Admissions, The American School, Japan; International Admissions Leader, Strategic Consultant, and Educator
Thank you to VenturEd Solutions for their support of AISAP Learning Labs.
