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SLU-Madrid Welcomes Education Consultants from Across the Globe

by Isaiah Voss

Saint Louis University's Madrid Campus sponsored and hosted IECA's European Regional Symposium on Feb. 22-23.

SLU-Madrid opened its doors to more than 100 members of the Independent Educational Consultants Association (IECA). The symposium featured discussions, student panels and a fair with representatives from 25 global universities and programs.

Attendees represented Belgium, Canada, Colombia, Costa Rica, England, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Lebanon, Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, Switzerland, Turkey and the United States.

SLU-Madrid participated in and co-sponsored the first IECA regional symposium last year in Milan when it was decided that SLU-Madrid would host the second annual event.

"We're a world-class university and we were thrilled to sponsor and host the IECA symposium. After all, our values align with theirs in helping students find the best-fit university," said Heidi Buffington, SLU-Madrid director of admissions. "We want to be involved with IECA because more and more students are looking for an alternative to studying at a college in the U.S. and SLU-Madrid is a great option."

She added that short-term study abroad is important, but pursuing college degrees at an international campus is in demand more than ever.

Attendees pose in the Padre Rubio Hall patio

Attendees pose in the Padre Rubio Hall patio. Photo by Ángel García.

Buffington also said that IECA members help high school students and their families find the right university. SLU-Madrid is home to students who have moved around internationally, making SLU-Madrid a "great fit for students that the IECA counselors are working with."

"Each year, IECA members work with nearly 100,000 students, making this group larger by far than any school district's graduating class," IECA's CEO Mark Sklarow said. He later mentioned that high school seniors are four times more likely to study in another state or country when working with an IECA member.

SLU-Madrid's admissions staff gave presentations and campus tours throughout the two-day event. They also organized student and faculty panels to familiarize attendees with the Madrid campus’ culture and community.