Standards and Resources

Since 2008, AIRC has been recognized by the U.S. Department of Justice and Federal Trade Commission as the Standards Development Organization (SDO) for the international student enrollment and recruitment field. In fulfillment of this role, AIRC has developed both Educational Agency standards and Higher Education Institutional Standards for International Enrollment Management (IEM). Together, these Standards help to safeguard the interests of international students, their families, enrolling institutions, recruitment agencies, and all entities involved in the recruitment and enrollment of international students.    

 AIRC is obligated to follow five principles in the development and dissemination of standards:

1. Transparency;

2. Openness;

3. Balance;

4. Consensus; and

5. Due Process and Appeals. 

Anyone who is impacted by AIRC’s Standards is welcome to contribute to the development and revision of these Standards.

Standards Development

As the primary membership association in the U.S. for the international recruitment and enrollment field, AIRC monitors changes in the field’s professional practices. This allows AIRC to revise and update its Standards so that they continue to provide relevant, authoritative guidance. 

AIRC’s Standards are publicly available for anyone to access, and they can be used as a tool to:

• guide effective and successful operations;

• evaluate quality by identifying strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats;

• advocate for resources and support;

• train and develop staff;

• educate stakeholders;

• establish and maintain respectful, sustainable partnerships.

AIRC Resources to Help Organizations Meet Standards

AIRC members enjoy additional resources, programs and support related to the Standards. These include workshops and training in how to apply the Standards; access to a toolbox of best practices in implementing the Standards; and moderated discussions focusing on the different areas of the Standards.

Edition Revised and Updated in 2023

 The Educational Agency Certification Standards are monitored by the AIRC Certification Commission and reviewed on a periodic basis as determined by the AIRC Board of Directors. The Certification Standards are stated declaratively and are without instruction on how the educational agency is to respond. The Standards are applied through AIRC’s Educational Agency Certification Process, which outlines how educational agencies demonstrate compliance with each of the standards.

These Standards provide guidance to U.S. higher education institutions to serve the best interests of international students, the institution, and its recruitment partners and stakeholders. An institution’s voluntary adherence to AIRC’s Institutional Enrollment Management Standards signifies its commitment to ethical and transparent IEM policies and practices at the highest levels of professionalism. The Standards present a benchmarking tool for institutions of all types and sizes to understand IEM best practices and how to meet the requirements set out by the standards. The Standards can be used as part of a formal review process such as an external or reaccreditation review. They may also be used internally for staff training, professional development and continuous improvement of international enrollment management operations.

 Currently in development for AIRC members:

A toolbox of best practice resources related to each IEM Standards question is in development. These will be examples of institutional practices and programs that address the question topics. This part of the Standards will be populated on an ongoing basis as AIRC identifies best practice examples in IEM implementation

International Enrollment Management Glossary

AIRC has published on its website the first edition of its International Enrollment Management Glossary which includes terms that are used in the field of international enrollment management (IEM). The Glossary provides an important reference tool and promotes the use of a common terminology. This project was spearheaded by a dedicated Working Group of colleagues with feedback and comments provided by IEM professionals. The Glossary is available for anyone to access and to use in accordance with AIRC’s mission to improve and advance the field. Go to the Glossary.

Data Collection and Research Reports

AIRC conducts surveys and engages in research on relevant topics and issues to benefit its members and the field. Some survey results and reports are publicly available while others are restricted to AIRC members. Every two years AIRC conducts a State of the IEM Field Survey that tracks important trends and issues and benchmarks field-wide data. AIRC’s data collection and research efforts often involve collaborations with other organizations. Past collaborations have been with NACAC, AIEA, and BONARD.    

Publicly Available Reports:

Advocacy Information

AIRC advocates for its members and for the IEM field through a variety of activities. These include communicating with government and legislative leaders, speaking out on issues through the media, and issuing Advocacy Action Alerts to inform and urge members to act. AIRC’s advocacy efforts have benefitted the IEM field and served AIRC members. For example, in 2021 AIRC played a leading role in modifying the harmful impacts of the THRIVE Act. In 2022, AIRC is expected to issue its recommendations for improving international student educational avenues in the United States.  Please read more below to learn more about this initiative.

AIRC Member Resource Area

AIRC Members have access to the full range of information and resources to support their operations and help them achieve their goals. These include the latest IEM best practices, data and research, webinars, trainings, and advocacy tools. For information on AIRC Membership, visit: About AIRC Membership — AIRC (airc-education.org)