Hi everyone, and welcome back to another Schools & Agents Bulletin highlights. In this week’s edition we’re focusing on a vital aspect of international education — nurturing genuine, lasting relationships with agents and service providers. Schools often ask how to do this, so here is our top tip. 

Go beyond transactional interactions

International schools often wonder how to maintain strong, consistent relationships with agents and service providers throughout the year, not just during peak student recruitment seasons. The answer lies in a simple but powerful approach — treating connections as human relationships, not just business transactions.

The personal touch matters

Our top recommendation is to go beyond professional courtesy and genuinely engage with the individuals behind the agencies and services. This means taking time to:

• Interact with them on social media
• Learn about their personal and professional interests
• Send birthday, Christmas and New Year wishes
• Make occasional check-in calls or video chats

Why personal connections work

When you show genuine interest in the person behind the professional role, you create trust, loyalty, and a deeper understanding that goes beyond typical business interactions. These meaningful connections can lead to more robust, long-lasting partnerships that benefit both parties.

Remember, at the heart of international education are people – educators, agents, service providers, and students. By approaching relationships with empathy and genuine interest, you create more supportive and collaborative industry partnerships.

That’s all for today, but stay tuned for more useful tips and insights for international education coming soon!

Written by Stephanie Clark