Why should you join BMI in London - 28th April to 4th May 2024
The Global International Schools Forum & Workshop will take place in London from Sunday, April 28th until Saturday, May 4th. It is limited to a maximum of 100 high school counsellors from across the world, and there are no participation fees for invited and approved counsellors. From Sunday April 28th to Wednesday May 1st 2024 the event will follow a similar format to other regional BMI International High Schools Forum & Workshops. The event will immediately be followed by a three-day program of THE CAP sessions, counsellor networking, hosted dinners and visits to universities from Wednesday May 1st to Saturday May 4th 2023. |
On the first evening, there will be a Welcome Dinner for all counsellors, a chance to meet old friends and networking with colleagues. The following two days will be made up of personal development seminars, a Networking Cocktail & Gala Dinner where the winners of the Global Counsellor Awards will be announced, and a Hosted Dinner, as well as pre-scheduled private one-to-one meetings with admission directors & senior staff from up to 60 international universities & colleges from across the world.
A crucial element of The Global International Schools Forum & Workshop is the opportunity to participate in expert-level sessions that form part of the Times Higher Education Counsellor Accreditation Programme (THE CAP) Level 2. These sessions have been created "by counsellors, for counsellors" and they will help you gain new insights in international education, enhance your knowledge when supporting students applying overseas and discuss key issues facing today's international college counsellors.
During your one-on-one appointments with participating universities and colleges, you will receive updates on the latest application procedures and documentation required for students who plan to enter a university or college abroad, as well as ask any questions you may have about the institutions, face-to-face.
Then during the second half of the week you will visit some of the best universities in the UK.
A crucial element of The Global International Schools Forum & Workshop is the opportunity to participate in expert-level sessions that form part of the Times Higher Education Counsellor Accreditation Programme (THE CAP) Level 2. These sessions have been created "by counsellors, for counsellors" and they will help you gain new insights in international education, enhance your knowledge when supporting students applying overseas and discuss key issues facing today's international college counsellors.
During your one-on-one appointments with participating universities and colleges, you will receive updates on the latest application procedures and documentation required for students who plan to enter a university or college abroad, as well as ask any questions you may have about the institutions, face-to-face.
Then during the second half of the week you will visit some of the best universities in the UK.
Benefits for Participants
The event is by invite only and specifically for high school counsellors who can apply via an application form sent in early November 2023. All approved participants will have the following benefits:
This 2024 event will be limited to 100 counsellors from across the world and we therefore recommend you apply as soon as possible. Once the deadline has passed, other counsellors will be invited.
Please note that this event is by invite only. If you have not been invited to apply to participate and wish to be considered, please send us an email using this contact form below. Please include your full contact details, name of your school (including city and country), information on the curriculum and the number of students who study overseas per year.
Please note you will not be confirmed or considered for this event unless you have completed THE CAP Accreditation. Full details about the program can be found on this page.
- Free return air ticket to/from London via your closest major international airport.
- Free Deluxe hotel on a non-shared basis at the Hilton Heathrow from April 28 to May 1, 2024.
- Free Deluxe hotel on a twin shared-basis from May 1 to May 4, 2024.
- Welcome Dinner, and Networking Cocktail & Gala Dinner as part of the Global Counsellor Awards ceremony.
- Buffet breakfast, coffee breaks and Gourmet Lunch on Monday, April 29th and Tuesday, April 30th.
- Hosted counsellor-only dinners on all other nights.
- Various other meals and breakfast on each day.
- Participation in expert-level THE CAP Level 2 personal development sessions.
- 26 pre-scheduled individual meetings with international education institutions.
- Full-colour profile of your school in the Official Event Handbook given to all international universities.
- Option to arrive one day early with free accommodation – subject to availability.
- Official BMI & THE Participation Certificate.
This 2024 event will be limited to 100 counsellors from across the world and we therefore recommend you apply as soon as possible. Once the deadline has passed, other counsellors will be invited.
Please note that this event is by invite only. If you have not been invited to apply to participate and wish to be considered, please send us an email using this contact form below. Please include your full contact details, name of your school (including city and country), information on the curriculum and the number of students who study overseas per year.
Please note you will not be confirmed or considered for this event unless you have completed THE CAP Accreditation. Full details about the program can be found on this page.
THE CAP Level 2 Personal Development Sessions
These are one of the most important parts of the event and we have already started to work on the program. The sessions presented in London are intended to be for more experienced counsellors and categorised as Expert-Level. They form part of THE CAP Level 2 accreditation.
Sessions will involve senior members of THE & Common Purpose / Evolve Careers team. Most sessions will also involve or be led by THE International Schools Advisory Board Members. There will also be a number of outstanding individuals brought in to participate or present sessions.
Sessions will involve senior members of THE & Common Purpose / Evolve Careers team. Most sessions will also involve or be led by THE International Schools Advisory Board Members. There will also be a number of outstanding individuals brought in to participate or present sessions.
Free Accomodation during your time in London
Counsellors will receive free deluxe hotel accommodation on the nights of April 28th, 29th and 30th, at the Hilton Heathrow Terminal 5 Hotel.
Check-in: April 28th 2024 Check out: May 1st 2024 Counsellors will have deluxe hotel accommodation from May 1st to May 4th on a shared twin-room basis – with the exception of THE Advisory Board members. Counsellors wishing to have their own rooms will have the option to pay a single supplement which will vary from £80 to £130 pounds per night. |
Many of the approved counsellors have told us they are coming for the first time or have friends and would like to stay a few extra days in London. If you would like to do this, you will be advised of any fare difference for the your alternative days.
These days should not be used for any activity or visits to any universities as your trip is being funded by the THE/BMI and the participating universities and colleges.
Hotels in London are amongst the most expensive in the world and if you choose to arrive one day early and we have a limited number of free rooms available at The Stay Club on the night of 27th April. The Stay Club is considered a five-star student accommodation providers and has won multiple awards. You may see a video of their facilities here. Priority for rooms at The Stay club will be given to counsellors arriving from Asia or Latin America who may require a little longer to recover from jetlag as well as to THE International Schools Advisory Members.
Please note that check in at The Stay Club is strictly 3pm and checkout at 11am and breakfast is not included. You may have an additional guest but rooms are arranged in a bunk bed format.
If you are approved for the event, you will be able to select the additional days you wish to stay in London on the Travel Form that is sent to you with your approval.
These days should not be used for any activity or visits to any universities as your trip is being funded by the THE/BMI and the participating universities and colleges.
Hotels in London are amongst the most expensive in the world and if you choose to arrive one day early and we have a limited number of free rooms available at The Stay Club on the night of 27th April. The Stay Club is considered a five-star student accommodation providers and has won multiple awards. You may see a video of their facilities here. Priority for rooms at The Stay club will be given to counsellors arriving from Asia or Latin America who may require a little longer to recover from jetlag as well as to THE International Schools Advisory Members.
Please note that check in at The Stay Club is strictly 3pm and checkout at 11am and breakfast is not included. You may have an additional guest but rooms are arranged in a bunk bed format.
If you are approved for the event, you will be able to select the additional days you wish to stay in London on the Travel Form that is sent to you with your approval.
Counsellors Expenses
Counsellors are responsible for all expenses not included in the workshop program such as:
Counsellors are also responsible for ensuring they have adequate travel and medical cover for the duration of their trip.
- Transfers to/from Airports in home city and to/from hotels and The Stay Club in London;
- Meals which are not part of the event program;
- Personal or additional expenses that are not part of the workshop program;
- Fees for changing flights or any fare difference from normal flight dates to/from London (if requested);
- Any costs in relation to obtaining a Visa to travel to the United Kingdom.
Counsellors are also responsible for ensuring they have adequate travel and medical cover for the duration of their trip.
Participation Commitment & Cancellation
Counsellors who have been approved to participate in this event have the following obligations:
- Respond to BMI/THE requests in a timely manner.
- Participate in all THE CAP sessions over the 7 days.
- Pre-arrange your schedule of meetings in our online meeting portal prior to arrival in London – BMI/THE reserve the right to schedule meetings for you if this is not completed.
- Pay any charges for fees for services or flight changes in a timely manner. Please note most flights are non-changeable and non-cancellable once booked as tickets are issued under a American Express group policy.
- If you cancel 45 days before the event – for any reason, after the flight ticket has been issued – you would be responsible for the cost of the flight ticket.
- If you cancel 30 days before the event – for any reason, after the flight ticket has been issued – you would be responsible for the cost of the flight ticket and £500 pounds (to cover 3 nights hotel at the Hilton).
Keynote Speaker - Dr. Fanta Aw, Executive Director & CEO, NAFSA
Dr. Fanta Aw will be travelling to London to give the keynote address of the Global International Schools Forum & Workshop as well as participate in Global Counsellor Awards Networking Cocktail & Gala Dinner.
Fanta Aw, PhD, is an esteemed leader in international and higher education administration, currently serving as Executive Director and CEO of NAFSA, having previously held its presidency from 2013 to 2016. Dr. Aw has devoted her academic and professional life to the American University (AU) in Washington, D.C., where she secured multiple degrees. Her accomplishments include a BS in accounting, an MA in public administration with a specialization in organizational development, and a PhD in sociology, focusing on international education, social stratification, and transnational migration. Throughout her extensive tenure at AU, Dr. Aw has held several leadership positions, most recently serving as the Vice President of Undergraduate Enrollment, Campus Life, and Inclusive Excellence. |
She has been recognized as an award-winning teacher while holding the title of Hurst Senior Professorial Lecturer at AU's School of International Service. In 2023, her significant contributions to AU were honored with the Neil Kerwin Alumni Achievement Award. Dr. Aw also actively participates as a member of the Global Advisory Board of Times Higher Education and has previously chaired the ETS TOEFL board.
Originally from Mali, West Africa, Dr. Aw has lived in both East and West Africa as well as the United States, gaining a broad and diverse cultural perspective. Her passion for global experiences has led her to explore nearly 60 countries. Dr. Aw often serves as a keynote speaker, sharing her expertise on various subjects, including international educational exchanges, diversity and inclusion in higher education, and U.S. immigration.
Her knowledge has been acknowledged by major global media outlets, such as CNN, Agence France Press, USA Today, Washington Post, The Chronicle of Higher Education, National Public Radio, Middle East Broadcast Corporation, Washington Business Journal, WAMU, Washington Diplomat, and China Daily.
Originally from Mali, West Africa, Dr. Aw has lived in both East and West Africa as well as the United States, gaining a broad and diverse cultural perspective. Her passion for global experiences has led her to explore nearly 60 countries. Dr. Aw often serves as a keynote speaker, sharing her expertise on various subjects, including international educational exchanges, diversity and inclusion in higher education, and U.S. immigration.
Her knowledge has been acknowledged by major global media outlets, such as CNN, Agence France Press, USA Today, Washington Post, The Chronicle of Higher Education, National Public Radio, Middle East Broadcast Corporation, Washington Business Journal, WAMU, Washington Diplomat, and China Daily.
Venue
Agenda - Sunday, April 28
TIME |
ACTIVITY |
15:00 |
Arrival to the UK / Check in at the hotel |
17:15 - 18:00 |
Registration (Collect Badges & Event Handbook) for Counsellors |
18:00 - 19:45 |
Welcome & THE CAP Sessions 1 and 2 |
19:45 - 21:30 |
Counsellors Welcome Reception and Dinner |
Agenda - Monday, April 29
TIME |
ACTIVITY |
08:00 - 08:20 |
Welcome / First timers Session |
08:30 - 10:30 |
Private meetings (5 x 20 minutes each) |
10:30 - 10:45 |
Refreshment Break |
10:45 - 12:20 |
Private meetings (4 x 20 minutes each) |
12:20 - 13:35 |
Networking Lunch |
13:35 - 15:10 |
Private meetings (4 x 20 minutes each) |
15:10 - 15:25 |
Refreshment Break |
15:25 - 16:05 |
Times Higher Education Counsellor Accreditation Program (THE CAP) Session 3 Training provided by Common Purpose |
16:15 - 16:55 |
Times Higher Education Counsellor Accreditation Program (THE CAP) Session 4 Training provided by Common Purpose |
18:00 - 22:15 |
Global Counsellors Awards Networking Cocktail Reception & Gala Dinner |
Agenda - Tuesday, April 30
TIME |
ACTIVITY |
09:10 - 09:50 |
Times Higher Education Counsellor Accreditation Program (THE CAP) Session 5 Training provided by Common Purpose |
10:00 - 11:35 |
Private meetings (4 x 20 minutes each) |
11:35 - 11:50 |
Refreshment Break |
11:50 - 13:00 |
Private meetings (3 x 20 minutes each) |
13:00 - 14:15 |
Networking Lunch |
14:15 - 15:50 |
Private meetings (4 x 20 minutes each) |
15:50 - 16:05 |
Refreshment Break |
16:05 - 16:50 |
Private meetings (2 x 20 minutes each) |
17:00 - 17:40 |
Times Higher Education Counsellor Accreditation Program (THE CAP) Session 6 Training provided by Common Purpose |
17:50 - 18:30 |
Times Higher Education Counsellor Accreditation Program (THE CAP) Session 7 Training provided by Common Purpose |
19:30 - 21:30 |
Hosted counsellors only dinner |
Agenda - Wednesday, May 1st
TIME |
ACTIVITY |
09:00 - 21:00 |
Full day of THE CAP Sessions |
Agenda - Thursday, May 2nd
TIME |
ACTIVITY |
Morning |
Travel to Oxford Morning free to explore Oxford |
Afternoon |
Visit to three Oxford Colleges Gourmet Afternoon Tea Hosted Sponsor session |
Evening |
Dinner in Oxford Transfer to London Evening at hotel or at Stay Club |
Agenda - Friday, May 3rd
TIME |
ACTIVITY |
Morning |
Visit to University College London (UCL) |
Afternoon |
Gourmet lunch hosted by King's College London Visit to King's College London including sample lecture |
Evening |
Transfer to Stay Club Farewell Party at Stay Club Transfer to Stay Club or hotel |
Agenda - Saturday, May 4th
TIME |
ACTIVITY |
Check out at 11:00 |
Departure from the UK |
Global Partner
The event is sponsored by Guard Me, which is one of the world’s leading student insurance providers and who have been recognised as the best international insurance provider in the world by various international associations and companies. Guard Me will also be at the workshop to discuss the best plans and options for your students.
Guard.me is Travel Healthcare Insurance Solutions Inc.’s flagship line of comprehensive health insurance products. These products are designed for international students who are studying in Canada, Canadians studying and working abroad, as well as teachers and participants in the exchange, co-op programs and internship programs. The new GlobalGuard International program covers students and teachers from any country to any country. Since 1994, Guard.me have continually worked to exceed the expectations of its clients by offering superior service, comprehensive policy benefits, and fast efficient claims processing that continue to surpass industry standards. www.guard.me |
Gold Sponsor
SCL International College offers an all-inclusive educational experience in one of the world’s greatest cities. We create learning opportunities that develop students’ language and cultural knowledge to advance their personal, academic and professional growth.
By providing both classroom space and accommodation under the same roof, we can accelerate language acquisition within a supportive and safe environment. www.staycampuslondon.com |
Academic Sponsor
Unifrog is a whole-school careers and destinations platform used by 2,500+ schools across the globe. The platform brings together English-taught undergraduate programmes in the UK, Europe, Asia, Australasia and the Middle East as well as faculties in Canada, and every college in the US. It also allows students to compare apprenticeships, School Leaver Programmes, and Further Education courses in the UK, as well as MOOCs worldwide.
Once they've decided on a pathway, Unifrog makes it easy for students to record their activities and competencies and create and send applications.For teachers and counselors, Unifrog streamlines the entire progression process, allowing them to track and manage students' progress all in one place. The process of writing references and letters of recommendation is simplified with oversight of all students' application lists with a breakdown of requirements and a live status of where each application is at every step of the way. www.unifrog.org |
Education in Ireland is the Irish government agency responsible for the promotion of Irish Higher Education Institutions in overseas markets.
Ireland offers a wealth of higher education options and life-enriching opportunities to international students at its higher education institutions. www.educationinireland.com |
If you have been invited to apply to participate in the BMI Global International Schools Forum & Workshop 2024, please click on the button below, which will take you to the application form.
The workshop is limited to a maximum of 120 counsellors form across the world.
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Contact Information |
Organisers