Europe

France

Understanding Recognition Practices for Business School Qualifications in France

Reprinted with permission from the December 2010 issue of NAFSA’s wRAP-Up newsletter. Copyright 2010, NAFSA: Association of international Educators. All rights reserved.

Authors:
Traci Wells, Manager of Evaluations
Marie-Catherine Glaser, Educational Affairs Programs Officer, French Embassy in Washington

In recent years, admissions offices and evaluation services have begun receiving more diplomas from business schools in France. Yet, when compared to university diplomas, which are fairly straightforward due to their national recognition, there are few English-language resources that aid in the understanding of professional qualifications earned at non-university institutions. This article aims to provide evaluation strategies and information on qualifications earned at business and management schools in France. Click here to view.

Bac to the Future: Higher Education in France

Presented at the 2019 AACRAO (American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers) Annual Meeting

Authors:
Mar Roig Ripoll, Higher Education Officer, Consulate General of France in San Francisco
Olivier Ngo, Higher Education and French Language Attaché, Consulate General of France in Los Angeles 
Christin Neary, Senior Evaluator, International Education Research Foundation

This session followed the path of French students from admission into higher education to the doctorat, with stops at state universities, prestigious grandes écoles, and other institutions. Topics covered include official records and changing academic qualifications for nurses and teachers, all since the implementation of the Bologna Process to today. Click here to view. 

Germany and Austria

Sprechen Sie Deutsch? How Not to Be Overwhelmed by Credentials in German

Presented at the 2012 NAFSA (Association of International Educators) Region XII Conference in San Jose, CA.

Presenters:
Andrej Molchan, Senior Evaluator
Emily Tse, Director of Evaluations

This session covered the rich educational systems of Germany and Austria, including the complex vocational and technical offerings which they offer. The presentation also addressed recent reforms and common areas of confusion, by breaking down their educational pathways and terminology. Click here to view.

German Credentials Detectives: Unraveling the Latest in the German Educational System

Presented at the 2019 AACRAO Conference in Los Angeles, CA

Presenters:
Emily Tse, Director of Evaluations
Hanni Geist, Senior Manager, University Relations, German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD)

This session explored the complexities of the German educational system, including the nuances of the 12 and 13-year systems of elementary and secondary education that co-exist among the various states. The presentation also addressed recent reforms since the introduction of the Bologna Process, with particular emphasis on training for such professions as teaching, medicine and law. Click here to view.

United Kingdom

A Comprehensive Guide to A Level and GCSE Changes in the UK and Globally

Presented at the 2016 TAICEP (The Association for International Credential Evaluation Professionals) Conference in Chicago, IL.

Presenters:
Laurent Lemaitre, Head of Progression and Recognition, Pearson
Vera Bagnyuk, Recognitions Manager, North America, Cambridge International Examinations
Emily Tse, Director of Evaluations, International Education Research Foundation

This session provided an overview of the educational reforms taking place in the UK as well as their impact on British qualifications being studied by international learners. Click here to access the handout compiled by IERF Director of Evaluations Emily Tse, which also includes the results of an online admissions survey in relation to a number of UK qualifications.

United Kingdom

The ABCs of UK Qualifications: What You Need to Know about Recruiting and Admitting UK Students

Presented at the 2014 OACAC (Overseas Association for College Admission Counseling) Conference in Tampa, FL.

Presenters:
Vivian Chen, Advising and Events Coordinator, US-UK Fulbright Commission – EducationUSA
Val Sismey, Head of Recognitions, Cambridge International Examinations
Andrej Molchan, Senior Evaluator, International Education Research Foundation
Hannah Lowenthal, Associate Director International Credential Evaluation, University of South Florida

This session provided an overview of the different types of credentials found in the UK for entry into university, along with an update on a number of reforms taking place. General trends in the recruitment of British students as well as practical applications in the admission process were also discussed. Click here to view the presentation slides. Click here to access the handout compiled by IERF Senior Evaluator, Andrej Molchan, which summarizes the most common university entry credentials in a reader-friendly format.