PA/12/12 27 April 2012
Indian students better supported through landmark ‘International Code of Ethics’ for Education Agents
Australia’s Acting High Commissioner to India, Dr Lachlan Strahan, today applauded the new ‘International Code of Ethics’ for Education Agents. The Code aims to ensure all international students, including Indian students, receive professional and ethical service when they use agents to help them apply to Australian institutions.
A group of countries that are some of the most popular destinations for international students are acting to improve the integrity of education recruitment agents.
Education officials from Australia, the United Kingdom, Ireland and New Zealand have issued a joint statement of principles for ethical international student recruitment, following talks in London in March 2012 hosted by the British Council. The countries first met for talks in 2010, when Australia proposed developing a joint international code of ethics.
The use of recruitment agents is almost universal in the education systems some countries. A small number of agents and consultants have been accused of unethical or even illegal conduct, causing problems both for students and institutions and damaging the reputation of their profession.
The London Statement sets out seven principles that agents will be urged to adhere to, in an effort to ensure they practise responsible business ethics, providing current, accurate and honest information to prospective students so they can make informed choices. These principles are:
• Agents and consultants should practice responsible business ethics.
• Agents and consultants should provide current, accurate and honest information in an ethical manner.
• Agents and consultants should develop transparent business relationships with students and providers through the use of written agreements.
• Agents and consultants should protect the interests of minors.
• Agents and consultants should provide current and up-to-date information that enables international students to make informed choices when selecting which agent or consultant to employ.
• Agents and consultants should act professionally.
• Agents and consultants should work with destination countries and providers to raise ethical standards and best practice.
Underpinning these principles is an ethical framework that lays great stress on professionalism, integrity, objectivity, transparency and confidentiality.
Acting High Commissioner Dr Lachlan Strahan said “The London Statement of principles promotes and encourages good practices that we expect to see from the education agent community. We will work with agents to implement these principles.’
Colin Walters, Chief Executive Officer, Australian Education International, said “it is important that the reputation and integrity of international education continues to be held in high regard. We must ensure that international students receive advice which will enable them to have high quality educational experiences”.
For further information, visit the Australian Education International website at:
www.aei.gov.au
For media enquiries: Mr. Shekhar Nambiar 41399900 ext. 251