New international code of ethics to ensure best interests of students

A new international code of ethics to ensure that education agents act in best interests of students, declare conflict of interest and be open about all fees and commissions, has been unveiled recently in London. The new code has been agreed upon by Australia, the UK, Ireland and New Zealand with education officials from these countries issuing a joint statement of principles for ethical international student recruitment, following talks in London in March hosted by the British Council. The countries first met for talks in 2010, when Australia proposed developing a joint international code of ethics.

While the policy statement lays down that agents should work in the best interest of clients and should give correct information to students, it has to now be adopted in countries such as India and China, which are the biggest source countries for international students.

The code of ethics has also issued a warning against fraudulent visa applications and is very relevant in India, where such frauds are very common.

Australia's acting high commissioner to India, Dr Lachlan Strahan, applauded the new 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, he 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," Dr Strahan added.

The use of recruitment agents is almost universal in the education systems in many 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.

Colin Walters, CEO, 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".

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