insights
Welcome to the Insights section, where I provide links to resources and thought leadership on international education strategies. Here, you will find a collection of self-assessment tools, key publications, and media engagements, all reflecting my work and expertise in higher education consultancy. Whether you're looking to evaluate your institution's recruitment practices, explore thought-provoking research, or see recent contributions to media discussions, these insights are designed to support and inform your strategies.
scorecards
Student Recruitment Success Factors
The article outlines key strategies for successful international student recruitment in the UK amidst shifting political and financial challenges and highlights critical success factors. The accompanying self-assessment questionnaire enables universities to evaluate their performance in these areas and refine their international recruitment strategies for long-term success.
Transnational Education Success Scorecard
The article introduces the Transnational Education (TNE) Success Scorecard, a strategic tool designed to help universities assess and enhance their TNE initiatives and align their TNE programmes with broader internationalisation goals. The scorecard aids in identifying both opportunities and risks, helping institutions make informed decisions and ensuring long-term success in global engagement.
Agent Quality Framework Compliance
The article emphasises the importance of universities complying with the Agent Quality Framework (AQF) to improve transparency and integrity in international student recruitment. It introduces a compliance checklist for universities to assess their current agent management practices, ensuring ethical standards and accountability.
publications
Welcome to the Publications section, where you will find a curated selection of my work focused on key themes in international education. Over the years, I have explored topics such as international student recruitment strategies, the evolving role of recruitment agents, governance practices in transnational education, and the broader impacts of global engagement in higher education. My research and commentary span multiple perspectives, with a particular emphasis on ensuring ethical standards and best practices in the sector. I invite you to explore these insights, which aim to contribute to the ongoing dialogue in shaping the future of international education.
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Raimo, V. & Ilieva, J. (2024, October 31). Building Sustainable Futures: Rethinking International Student Recruitment in the UK. Higher Education Policy Institute.
Raimo, V. (2024, September 23). Assessing Opportunities and Mitigating Risks in Transnational Education: Introducing the TNE Success Scorecard. Higher Education Policy Institute.
Raimo, V. (2024, May 28). If you’ve signed up to the agent quality framework, now is the time to comply. WonkHE.
Raimo, V. (2024, May 21). Beyond the Balance Sheet: Tracing the Evolution of UK Universities’ Internationalisation Over 40 Years. Higher Education Policy Institute.​
Raimo, V. (2024, April 10). Navigating the Waves: Key Strategies for International Student Recruitment Success. Higher Education Policy Institute.
Raimo, V. (2024, February 11). Overseas detox. Research Professional News.​
Nikula, P.-T., Raimo, V. & West, E. (2023, September 30). Do recruitment agents offer universities value for money?University World News.
Raimo, V., Nikula, P.-T., & West, E. (2023, July 11). Clamping down on unscrupulous student recruitment agents. WonkHE.
Nikula, P.-T., Raimo, V., & West, E. (eds) (2023). Student Recruitment Agents in International Higher Education: A Multi-Stakeholders Perspective on Challenges and Best Practices. Routledge.
Raimo, V., & Ilieva, J. (2022, April 23). International students: There will be winners and losers. University World News.
Huang, I.Y., Williamson, D., Lynch-Wood, G., Raimo, V., Rayner, C., Addington, L., & West, E. (2022). Governance of agents in the recruitment of international students: A typology of contractual management approaches in higher education. Studies in Higher Education.
West, E., Raimo, V., Nikula, P., & Huang, I.Y. (2021, May 29). International recruitment agents can build back better. University World News.
Raimo, V., Huang, I.Y., & West, E. (2021, Spring Issue). Education Agents and their Work with Universities. International Higher Education.
Raimo, V. & Huang, I. (2020, November 17). Why do many UK universities keep their work with international student recruitment agents secret? Higher Education Policy Institute
Raimo, V. & Ilieva, J. (2020, October 6). Can we measure global engagement in higher education? The PIE News.
Ilieva, J. & Raimo, V. (2020, March 28). Challenges of student recruitment in the age of COVID-19. University World News.
Raimo, V. & Ilieva J. (2020, March 18). International recruitment staff know about the challenges of student recruitment during difficult times. Higher Education Policy Institute.
Raimo, V. (2020, February 26). Can universities learn anything from the start-up sector? Higher Education Policy Institute.
Raimo, V. (2020, January 8). Students’ accommodation experiences are far from uniform. Higher Education Policy Institute
Raimo, V. (2019, October 14). Future of Global Engagement Strategies. Higher Education Policy Institute.
Raimo, V. (2019, July 5). Yes, branch campuses are still worth it. The Times Higher Education.​
Huang, I. Y., Raimo, V., & Humfrey, C. (2016). Power and control: managing agents for international student recruitment in higher education. Studies in Higher Education
Raimo, V. (2015, November 25). Internationalisation is not a one-way street. Times Higher Education​
Raimo, V. (2015, July 2015). Making it more difficult for foreign students to study in the UK will be financially and culturally damaging for the country. The Guardian
Raimo, V. (2014, December 9). Universities rely on agents to recruit international students – they shouldn’t try and hide it. The Conversation
Raimo, V., Humfrey, C. & Huang, I.Y. (2014). Managing International Student Recruitment Agents: Approaches, Benefits and Challenges. The British Council
Raimo, V. (2013, August 27). Going global: UK universities must do more than talk the international talk. The Guardian​.
media mentions
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​University chiefs partly to blame for funding woes – Experts University World News November 1, 2024
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Review finds no systemic issues in UK’s pathway programmes University World News July 17, 2024
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Chinese pay lion’s share of master’s fees at top UK universities Times Higher Education May 8, 2024
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UK universities’ Chinese student recruitment ‘getting harder’ Times Higher Education February 19, 2024​
Uproar over foreign students admitted with lower grades University World News February 09, 2024
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‘Black Friday’ pressure-sales tactics in the sector The PIE December 1 2023
ApplyBoard publishes rogue agent blocklist The PIE September 28 2023
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Inside the murkey and ‘unchecked’ £500m industry changing the shape of UK universities Big Issue September 20, 2023
Universities and students recalibrate after A-level results University World News August 19, 2023
International students ‘less satisfied’ in branch campuses University World News October 19, 2022
Shady agents, forged documents and disappearing acts: The business of serving Indian students bound for Europe NZZ June 14, 2022
Inside the university recruitment machine Financial Times March 11, 2021
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UK universities ‘increasingly reliant’ on agents for EU enrolment Times Higher Education March 4, 2021
Will international recruitment survive Covid19? Times Higher Education March 4, 2021
Flexible admissions could mitigate Covid-19 impact Times Higher Education March 18, 2020