2025 Middle East & North Africa Regional Institute Downloads
2025 Final Middle East & North Africa Regional Institute Attendee List
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Session 1
9:00 - 10:00 AM
WELCOME TO INTERNATIONAL ACAC REGIONAL INSTITUTE OMAN & MEMBERSHIP SESSION
- Daniel Marschner, Loyola Marymount University
Session 2
10:00 - 11:00 AM
US UNIVERSITY ENGLISH PROFICIENCY REQUIREMENTS
Meeting English proficiency requirements is a critical step toward admission to U.S. universities, but the process is often more nuanced than just sending a test score. How is this viewed from both sides of the table? Universities must establish policies to ensure academic success of our students and fulfill F-1 visa regulations, but do we inadvertently cause barriers to students in forming our policies? What should universities consider when forming their English proficiency requirements? This interactive session will demystify how U.S. universities evaluate English language and will explore the variety of pathways to demonstrate proficiency: exam scores, prior schooling in English, AP/IB/A-Level English results, conditional admission, and intensive English programs.
- Tina MacDonald, College of Charleston
- Polina Schroeder, University of Dayton
- Nancy Al Hamad, Nord Anglia International School Dubai
Hong Kong as a study destination: Higher Education Landscape, Admissions 101, Scholarship opportunities, Career support and prospects etc.
- Marie Mourasheh, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
Session 3
11:15 AM - 12:30 PM
SMART START, STRONG FINISH: RETHINKING THE COMMUNITY COLLEGE PATHWAY FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
This interactive session challenges outdated assumptions about the community college pathway and equips counselors with a more expansive, empowering framework for advising international students. Presenters from both the secondary and higher ed sides will explore how starting at a community college can lead students, regardless of academic profile or financial background, to successful transfer outcomes, including admission to top-ranked universities across North America.
Participants will gain insights into the academic, personal, and financial advantages of this often-overlooked route, and leave with practical strategies for reframing it as a strategic choice rather than a backup plan. The session will also offer tools for effectively communicating this pathway to students and families, highlighting not only the flexibility and affordability it offers, but the pride, prestige, and long-term success it can deliver. Whether students are laser-focused on brand-name universities or still exploring their options, this session will help you support them in achieving their goals and their bragging rights.
- Mitsuko Leonard, University of California, Davis
- Dalia Wardany, Foothill and De Anza Colleges
- Jinane Traboulsi Helou, ABA Oman International School
Indian expatriate families in the Middle East represent a motivated, academically strong, and culturally distinct student group. A better understanding of this subset will help admission officers with a stronger context in recruiting them, and reading their applications. This session will present fresh survey data from admission officers and counselors in the region, offering a clear picture of who these students are, the majors they seek, the destinations they prefer, and the decision factors that drive them. We’ll highlight cultural nuances, parental influence, and communication patterns that can make or break recruitment success.
- Anshu Kumar, The Altius Advantage
- Neeraj Mandhana, The Next Genius Foundation
BETTER TOGETHER: BUILDING SUPPORTIVE COUNSELOR NETWORKS
In today’s rapidly changing admissions landscape, high school counselors play a vital role in guiding students and strengthening the profession through collaboration. This session will explore how intentional networking can enhance both your practice and your impact. Participants will discover strategies for building supportive connections with fellow counselors and college representatives, exchange effective approaches for creating and sustaining partnerships, and gain practical tools, resources, and real-world examples that can be applied immediately within their own school contexts.
- Melissa Deschamps, EducationUSA REAC: Middle East & North Africa
Session 4
1:30 - 2:30 PM
THE PARENT FACTOR: UNLOCKING THE MOST INFLUENTIAL VOICE IN THE MIDDLE EAST
Participants will leave with actionable strategies, practical tips, and a handout summarizing key findings to immediately apply in their recruitment outreach.
- Sunera Ali, York University
- Daniel Severino, Ontario Tech University
- Nema Reshamvala, York University
THE IMPOSTER SYNDROME; WHEN TO STOP?
How many certificates do counselors really need to stay at the top of their game? Learning to lead your department with confidence and assurance.
- Kevin Dupont, Deira International School
- Buket Ayaz, Nord Anglia International School Dubai
- Nancy Al Hamad, Nord Anglia International School Dubai
- Carmen Page, Raha International School
HIGHER EDUCATION IN THE LOWLANDS: ESSENTIALS ABOUT STUDYING IN THE NETHERLANDS
The Netherlands is a popular destination for students from the MENA region, but do you know the nuances of the higher education system that could help you counsel your students more efficiently? Are you wondering what options there are and what types of students from this region are the best fit? Have you kept an eye on the news and want an update? This session will go into detail about fit, the options for students of different interests and talents, not-so-common information, common pitfalls, and a general update. Join us to hone your Dutch uni skills.
- Carolyn Barr, Leiden University
- Denise Nijhuis, University College Roosevelt
Session 5
2:45 - 3:45 PM
FUTURE-PROOFING CAREERS THROUGH THE LIBERAL ARTS
Advances in technology and artificial intelligence is changing the world around us. The question is, what are the new "safe degrees" that will help students prepare for future-proof careers?
- Anna-Theresa Wise, Hamilton College
- Sujith Sajan, The College of Wooster
- Kate Guy, Gettysburg College
This session presents a comprehensive and structured approach to early career exploration and its connection to student self-awareness, character development, and future planning. At ACS Abu Dhabi, we have designed a developmental program that begins in Grade 10, focusing on helping students identify interests, strengths, and potential career pathways through guided activities, reflective exercises, and strategic use of career and college readiness tools such as Maia Learning.
We will outline how the Grade 10 career exploration curriculum transitions into Grade 11 character development, and how these foundational pieces directly support more thoughtful course selection at the end of Grade 10 and ultimately more confident and informed university applications in Grade 12. By integrating digital platforms throughout this multi-year process, students create a portfolio of insights and goals that they can revisit and revise as they progress through high school.
Attendees will leave with a clear picture of our multi-grade framework, example lesson plans and activities, and tips for tailoring a similar program to fit their own school context. Emphasis will be placed on collaboration between counseling, academic advising, and university guidance, and how early engagement builds student ownership and reduces stress in later years.
- Phil Abraham, American Community School of Abu Dhabi
- Patrick Stenger, American Community School of Abu Dhabi
PREPARING STUDENTS FOR THE TRANSITION TO UNIVERSITY
How can counselors and recruiters work together to ensure students are prepared for the university transition? Take home strategies and a tool kit to implement in your programs.
- Buket Ayaz, Nord Anglia International School Dubai
- Lamya Moghabghab, IE University
- Hanan Abed, NYU Abu Dhabi
- Carmen Page, Raha International School
Session 5
9:00 - 10:00 AM
USING PREDICTIVE ANALYSIS TO GENERATE COLLEGE RECOMMENDATIONS
This session explains how the KAUST Gifted Student Program (KGSP) utilized machine learning tools to calculate a student’s likelihood of admission to select US universities and how those calculations helped KGSP Placement Advisors recommend which universities students should apply to.
- Christina Williams, Institute of International Education
BRIDGING THE GAP BETWEEN SCHOOL COUNSELORS AND INDEPENDENT COLLEGE COUNSELORS
This presentation aims to bridge the gap between school counselors and independent college counselors, emphasizing the importance of collaboration for the holistic development of students. By exploring challenges and proposing effective strategies to work together, we aim to create a more cohesive and supportive environment that maximizes student success in the college planning process. Together, these professionals (school counselors & IECs) can create a stronger foundation for students to succeed academically and emotionally as they transition into higher education.
- Magdalena Kozlowska, UnifyMe Counselling
- Kevin Dupont, Deira International School
TIPS AND TRICKS FOR SUCCESSFUL RECRUITMENT ON THE ROAD
This session will cover actionable advice, tips and strategies for getting the most out of your international recruitment.
- Anna-Theresa Wise, Hamilton College
- Brendan Bond, University of Rochester
- Stav Boutsis, University of Massachusetts Boston
Session 6
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
The numerous challenges international students face on arrival at their overseas destination – including culture shock and new approaches to study – can mean the loss of valuable time developing their employability for a highly competitive job market. This session will show how a range of universities offer more than just credible teaching and learning and how engaging earlier can set international students up with the key to achieving graduate employability. We will also look at methods for achieving this including: webinars and workshops focused on the importance of work experience and early engagement with university careers services, the use of inspirational alumni case studies, resources that help students to start building their professional presence online, opportunities for placements and other work experiences at university and why the UK degree is a powerful tool that can set graduates apart.
- Sarah Tompkins, Keele University
- Hayley Iovannelli, UWE Bristol
FUTURE OF COUNSELING
What competencies do we actually need in the next 5–10 years vs. what’s just trend-driven? How is this applicable to the MENA regions and what do seasoned recruiters, and counseling professionals see as trends?
- Nancy Al Hamad, Nord Anglia International School Dubai
- Caleb Camp, Oklahoma State University
THE MENA ADVANTAGE: A PRACTICAL RECRUITMENT WORKSHOP WITH EDUCATIONUSA
Go beyond the basics and develop a focused recruitment strategy for the dynamic MENA region. In this interactive session, led by the MENA Regional Manager and EducationUSA Oman advisers, you’ll gain current, actionable insights to sharpen your approach. We will explore high-demand fields of study, student mobility trends, and scholarship opportunities that shape student decisions. Drawing on firsthand experience, the presenters will share success stories and lessons learned from Oman and across the MENA region to highlight areas of untapped potential. You will leave with a practical toolkit of strategies to maximize your travel, build meaningful connections, and create a strong pipeline of qualified applicants.
- Melissa Deschamps, EducationUSA REAC: Middle East & North Africa