The importance of Education Agents providing Extra Services to International Students
Why is it important for Education Agents to provide extra services to international students as part of their business plan? Because it’s a win-win for the Education agent and international students. Some of the most prominent Australian education agents provide extra services, such as Go Study Australia (5 Australian offices), Expert Education and Visa Services (5 Australian offices), KOKOS International (6 Australian offices), Hello Australia (4 Australian offices), and SOL Education and Migration (one of the largest Brisbane Education Agents). They are dedicated to providing high-quality extra services to international students to support and assist them during their time in Australia.
What are ‘extra’ services that some education agents provide?
Some extra services provided by education agents include the extra services that a new arrival to Australia needs in order to live effectively. For example, help with opening a bank account, obtaining a local SIM card, getting a Tax File Number (TFN) so you can work legally in Australia or writing a resume so students can find employment. These extra services are sometimes referred to as settlement services. Most education agents who offer these extra settlement services do so for free. What great service!
Some cost but most are FREE
Other extra services like assistance finding accommodation, organising airport pickup from the airport and guidance on finding employment usually are not free (although there are some agencies do offer these services at no extra cost).
Education agencies with experienced and knowledgeable staff are well-equipped to guide students through the process, ensuring that they have everything they need to settle into Australian life.
Do international students want education agents to provide extra settlement services?
To better understand this question, I conducted a survey of international students to find out if they wanted these extra services. I surveyed 148 international students studying at a large language school in Australia.
They were asked several questions around extra settlement services and if they were offered in one location, either by an education agent directly or a third party service would they use them.
For this survey the students were asked about 5 specific, and very necessary services that most students require to live in Australia. They were: assistance with opening a bank account, obtaining a Tax File Number (TFN), writing a resume, getting a SIM card, and providing a go Card for public transport.
Here are the international students’ demographics and some of the results from the survey:
| Cohort Description | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Students who would: | use this service themselves | Students who would: | recommend this service to a friend | Students who would: | pay for this service | ||
| Gender | Participants | Number | Percentage | Number | Percentage | Number | Percentage |
| Male | 48 | 44 | 92 | 44 | 92 | 16 | 33 |
| Female | 100 | 96 | 96 | 94 | 94 | 32 | 32 |
| Total | 148 | 140 | 95 | 138 | 93 | 48 | 32 |
| English level of participants | |||||||
| Students who would use this service themselves | Students who would recommend this service to a friend | Students who would pay for this service | |||||
| Level | Participants | Number | Percentage | Number | Percentage | Number | Percentage |
| Elementary | 32 | 30 | 94 | 28 | 88 | 14 | 44 |
| Pre-Intermediate | 42 | 42 | 100 | 42 | 100 | 8 | 19 |
| Intermediate | 46 | 44 | 96 | 44 | 96 | 16 | 35 |
| Upp-Intermediate | 22 | 20 | 91 | 20 | 91 | 10 | 45 |
| Advanced | 6 | 4 | 67 | 4 | 67 | 0 | 0 |
| Total | 148 | 140 | 95 | 138 | 93 | 48 | 32 |
| Country of Origin | |||||||
| Students who would use this service themselves | Students who would recommend this service to a friend | Students who would pay for this service | |||||
| Country | Particpants | Number | Percentage | Number | Percentage | Number | Percentage |
| Chile | 4 | 4 | 100 | 4 | 100 | 2 | 50 |
| Colombian | 44 | 44 | 100 | 44 | 100 | 16 | 36 |
| Brazil | 22 | 22 | 100 | 22 | 100 | 14 | 64 |
| Korean | 20 | 20 | 100 | 20 | 100 | 4 | 20 |
| Thailand | 8 | 6 | 75 | 6 | 75 | 2 | 25 |
| Taiwan | 20 | 20 | 100 | 20 | 100 | 6 | 30 |
| Peru | 2 | 2 | 100 | 2 | 100 | 2 | 100 |
| Japan | 18 | 14 | 78 | 14 | 78 | 2 | 11 |
| Mongolia | 10 | 8 | 80 | 6 | 60 | 0 | 0 |
| Total | 148 | 140 | 95 | 138 | 93 | 48 | 32 |
| Continent of Origin | |||||||
| Students who would use this service themselves | Students who would recommend this service to a friend | Students who would pay for this service | |||||
| Continent | Participants | Number | Percentage | Number | Percentage | Number | Percentage |
| South America | 72 | 72 | 100 | 72 | 100 | 34 | 47 |
| Asia | 76 | 68 | 89 | 66 | 87 | 14 | 18 |
| Total | 148 | 140 | 95 | 138 | 93 | 48 | 32 |
95% would have utilized these extra services
There were 100 female and 48 male participants, coming from various countries across South America (72 participants) and Asia (76 participants). The results of the survey were illuminating. Out of the 148 participants, a significant majority – 140 students (95%) – expressed that they would have utilized these extra services if they were available in one location during their first week in Australia. That’s remarkable! Additionally, 138 students (93%) stated that they would recommend these services to friends who are considering coming to Australia, underlining the potential value of such assistance.
Looking deeper into the demographics of the survey participants was interesting as there was a fairly even spread of students with different English language ability. It wasn’t just those who had a low level of English but even those at intermediate and upper intermediate level, who are more than capable of speaking English, also would have like these services.
32% would have paid for these extra services
But what really surprised me was when asked if they would be willing to pay for access to these extra services for the sake of convenience, 48 students (32% of total participants) responded affirmatively. These services are free, but purely for the convenience of someone helping them to access these services and the convenience they would be willing to pay someone!!! Wow! When asked to select an amount they would pay for the convenience 42 students (28% of total participants) said they would happily pay $49; 4 said they would pay $79; and 2 indicated they would pay up to $99 for the convenience. These extra settlement services are valued!
Even proficient English speakers want these extra services
Interestingly, this willingness to pay did vary across different demographics. For example, while 20% of participants from Korea expressed a readiness to pay for these services, the percentage rose to 64% among those from Brazil.
Another statistic that did surprise me was that there were similar percentages of students at elementary, intermediate and upper intermediate that would use these services. Meaning that convenience is important. It’s not all about English proficiency.
These responses, although only based on one cohort, show that international students value these settlement services. If given an opportunity 95% would use them if they were free and in one location. A whopping 32% would even pay to access these services if they were in one location!
Here is an example of what extra services some education agents provide in Brisbane, Australia
| BRISBANE | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Education Agent | Standard Services | Bank | TFN | SIM | Resume | Cards | Accomm- odation | Airport Pick up | Social | |
| Go Study Australia Brisbane- #Highly Recommended Click to find out why this Agent is Highly Recommended |  | | | | |  R | | | | |
| SOL Education & Migration Click to find out why this agent is Recommended | | | | | | R,W | | | | |
| KOKOS Brisbane Click to find out why this agent is Recommended | | | | | | R | | | |  |
| OZFAIR Education & Migration Click to find out why this agent is Recommended | | | | |  | R, B | | | | |
| JRIS Education | | | | | | | | | | |
| Hello Australia Brisbane | | | | | | R,B | | | | |
| IAE Global - Brisbane | | | | | | | | | | |
| Nova Education & Migration | | | | | | | | | | |
| Mates International - Education & Visa Services | | | | | | | | | | |
| Export Education Brisbane | | | | | | | | | | |
| Success Education and Visa Services | | * | * | * | * | R | | | | |
| A-OES Austral-Oriental Education Services | | | | | | | | | | |
| Global Mate Brisbane | | | | | | | | | | |
Compare what extra services education agents offer in Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney.
7 ways providing extra services benefits the education agent’s business
Offering extra settlement services to meet the needs of international students not only benefits them but also enhances the education agent’s business in various ways. These include:
Benefits:
- Enhanced Reputation: Education agents that offer extra services build a reputation as comprehensive and supportive service providers. Positive feedback and testimonials from satisfied students contribute to the company’s reputation and therefore attract more clients seeking reliable assistance.
- Increased Client Satisfaction: Providing additional support services improves the overall satisfaction of international students with the education agent’s services. Satisfied clients are more likely to recommend the agent to others and return for future assistance, leading to higher client retention rates.
- Competitive Advantage: Offering a wide range of extra services sets the education agent apart from competitors. It positions the company as a one-stop solution for international students’ needs, making it more attractive to prospective clients seeking comprehensive support.
- Long-Term Client Relationships: Providing ongoing support fosters long-term relationships with clients. Education agents who offer extra services often become trusted advisors for international students throughout their academic journey, leading to repeat business and referrals.
- Improved Customer Loyalty: Extra services contribute to building strong customer loyalty among international students. When students receive personalized assistance and support, they are more likely to remain loyal to the company for future educational endeavours.
- Enhanced Market Positioning: Education agents offering comprehensive support services establish themselves as leaders in the market. This leads to gaining a larger share of the international student market.
- Positive Referral Networks: Satisfied students are more likely to refer others to the education agent which contributes to the agent’s organic growth through referrals.
Offering extra settlement services to international students not only benefits them but also enhances the education agent’s company in numerous ways. By providing these services, education agents can build stronger relationships with their students and differentiate themselves in the education market.
Are you searching for an awesome education agent that provides extra services? Then check out and compare these highly recommended education consultants in Brisbane, Melbourne, Sydney, Adelaide, Gold Coast and Perth.
6 ways education agents providing extra services benefits international students
Moving to a new country to study can be both exciting and challenging, especially for international students who are settling into life here for the first time. It’s even more complicated if the student doesn’t speak English. Here are some key reasons why education agents providing extra services is beneficial for international students:
Benefits:
- Smooth Transition: Arriving in a new country can be overwhelming, but with assistance be experienced, knowledgeable agents, it can reduce the stress associated with moving. Students feel far more relaxed when they know someone is going to help them when they arrive.
- Employment Opportunities: Assistance with resume writing and obtaining a TFN, (or Australian Business Number (ABN) if required) increases students’ chances of securing casual or part-time jobs. Living in Australia is expensive! We all need income.
- Social Events: Social activities are an important part in adapting to a new country. Whether that’s with people from student’s own country or Aussies everyone needs friends. Agencies can help build a sense of community among international students while sharing experiences, and exploring Australia.
- Success: When students feel supported, they are more likely to succeed academically and remain focused on their study goals.
- Language Assistance: Most education agents speak an additional language to English. Helping new students who are not yet proficient in English with these services is incredibly reassuring. Speaking with people who speak your own language and understand your culture can be a welcome break!
- Accommodation Guidance: Assistance in finding suitable accommodation options ensures students’ safety and comfort. Providing guidance on rental practices and options like homestay, student accommodation, house sharing and renting helps international students a lot.
Education agents providing extra services to international students is beneficial for both the student and themselves. It’s a win-win and those agencies that offer these services are benefiting from it.
More great sites about education agents providing extra services
Click Here for a very informative post about what makes a successful migration/education agent by ISEAA (the International Student Education Agent Association)
If you would like more information regarding studying in Australia, check out this informative site by the Federal Government’s Education Department.
