EnglishUSA

Please recap on the last 12 months of association activity.

The number of member programs has remained steady with a few programs closing or suspending operations but new ones joining—we predict about 225 members at the end of the membership renewal period. Our sponsorship levels for our Associate service providers have become more established with expanded benefits for interaction and promotion to our English language program members. We also have 12 partner agencies in our directory.

EnglishUSA attends many conferences within the broader international education space, including this past year AIEA, the UCIEP Annual Directors Conference, TESOL, NAFSA, EducationUSA Forum. We have also worked with The PIE on an afternoon workshop specifically targeted toward English language programs. We’re looking ahead to presenting at the AIRC Conference in Washington in December and planning a recruitment event in Mexico in April 2025.

EnglishUSA’s Certified Trade Mission with the Department of Commerce, U.S. Commercial Service to Mexico and Colombia was a key initiative aimed at strengthening relationships with educational institutions, government agencies, and student recruitment partners in two of the largest Latin American markets for international students. This mission was part of our broader strategy and initiatives from the Market Development Cooperator Program project (2022-2025) to enhance collaboration with key international markets and boost awareness of US English language programs as premier destinations for students seeking to improve their language skills.

To address emerging needs in the sector, EnglishUSA has expanded its webinar series. These webinars cover a range of topics, from visa policy updates and student recruitment strategies to best practices for online and hybrid program delivery. Member engagement in these sessions has been high, reflecting the strong demand for timely, relevant professional development resources.

Cheryl Delk Le Good, Executive Director of EnglishUSA

EnglishUSA released its second annual report on the English language sector, complementing the IEP survey carried out by IIE/Open Doors. Were there any surprise findings? What did this research paper include that the Open Doors survey did not?

The EnglishUSA Annual Report offers comprehensive insights into student enrollment across various provider types, including universities, colleges, community colleges, and private institutions. This Annual Report not only provides a detailed distribution of students into source countries but also top source countries by providers, which helps the sector understand the students’ preferences across the world regions when choosing an ELT provider.

A few components that are an added value to the sector (not included the Open Doors reports) that will be used by programs and EnglishUSA in the future include (1) nationality breakdown into course types; (2) students are also categorized by age groups, which allows providers to understand the potential of recruiting age groups they had not targeted before. A preference for US states is further indicated in both junior and adult students; (3) the report also unveils the most popular recruitment channels enabling institutions to strategically recruit students via their preferred channels; (4) the survey expanded the spectrum of visa types through which students come to the US. It also includes students who do not require a visa, which can streamline the recruitment process; (5) Lastly, the survey estimates the economic contributions of students, alongside information on tuition fees and spending patterns, providing a comprehensive perspective for ELT providers and policymakers.

We are confident that we had more respondents this year given that the sector saw the value last year in the additional data provided. We also very much appreciate the efforts from Bonard in their outreach to both members and non-members.

The US is edging ever closer to introducing an international education strategy, with associations and industry organizations banding together to coordinate lobbying efforts. Is EnglishUSA involved? What would the association and its members like to see included in the strategy?

EnglishUSA has been actively involved in advocating for policies that support the growth and sustainability of US English language programs under the umbrella of international education with a focus not only on growth but on the support that our sector provides students in their academic, professional and personal pursuits.

We collaborate with key stakeholders in the international education sector, including larger associations such as NAFSA, TESOL, and the U.S. for Success Coalition, to ensure that the needs of our members are represented in these important policy discussions. We strongly support the development of a national international education strategy, as it offers the potential to reinforce the US as the premier destination for students worldwide, including those seeking English language education.

EnglishUSA predicts about 225 members at the end of the membership renewal period.

EnglishUSA published its revised recommendations to specific federal agencies [which happened at end of September]. What we would like to see included:

Reminder of the role of ELPs:

Post-secondary, accredited U.S. intensive and pathway English Language Programs (ELPs) play an important role in the U.S. commitment to international education. ELPs serve as an access point into the U.S. higher education system providing English language training or pathway programs that prepare students for degree-program study at U.S. higher education institutions. They also offer short-term opportunities for English language training to visitors and students looking to improve their English for personal and professional reasons. Stronger English language skills empower not only careers, but also brings confidence in all areas of life.

Priority Recommendation is to the Department of State-Bureau of Consular Affairs:

Issue consular officer guidance that attendance at English language programs is not in itself a reason for refusing a student visa application: Address visa denials. English language program administrators continue to hear reports from students that have been denied an F-1 visa specifically because they are planning to attend an English language program. Questions of academic choice, and qualifications and admission criteria are decided between the student and the SEVP-certified institutions/programs for which they are applying; the consular officials should focus instead on evaluating whether the applicant meets the requirements of a bona fide student. Furthermore, denial of a visa should not be based on English-language competency, as it is the purview of the institutions to evaluate language proficiency and to provide English-language training programs (either in-house or outsourced), if necessary, to help students succeed.

Tell us about your Annual Conference.

Our 2024 EnglishUSA Annual Conference (formerly known as the Stakeholders Conference) held in September offered a dynamic platform for English language program professionals to engage, learn, and collaborate on key industry topics. The event features a wide range of educational sessions and workshops led by experts in the field, covering areas such as curriculum design, student recruitment, program management, assessment, and accreditation.

A key component of the conference was to provide industry updates and policy discussions, particularly regarding US visa policies, government regulations, and global trends affecting English language programs. These sessions featured government representatives, offering attendees direct access to policy information and guidance.

The conference is also a major hub for networking opportunities, enabling professionals to connect through roundtable discussions, peer-led sessions, and social events. These connections foster collaboration and the exchange of ideas among colleagues from across the US and abroad.

US presidential elections are due to take place November 5. How supportive of the sector has the current government been? Are you anticipating any major changes in the international education landscape should there be a change in political party?

The current administration has shown more support for the broader international education sector with efforts to rebuild the US’s global image as a premier destination for study. However, the impact of immigration policies and visa delays/denials has sometimes created challenges for some programs, slowing the ability of programs and institutions to welcome international students.

Any change in administration could potentially alter the current landscape. A shift in political party might lead to changes in immigration policies or attitudes toward international education, either enhancing or restricting the flow of students into US English language programs. Historically, administrations have varied in their prioritization of international education, with some administrations emphasizing stricter visa policies and others expanding opportunities for global student engagement. Should there be a change, it’s likely that visa and immigration policy will remain key areas of focus, and any shifts in these areas could either benefit or challenge English language programs depending on the approach of the incoming administration.

What does the association have planned for the rest of the year and beyond?

April 2025 trade mission to Merida, Mexico and possible collaboration with Languages Canada on a joint fam tour.