aeft at ieft
5 - 16 APRIL 2009

Recruit the Best Students, Experience the Most Exposure, Benefit from Optimal Results

“AEFT at IEFT” - The Ultimate Student Recruitment Fair for American Schools.

It is well known that Turkish students flocked by the thousands to The United States for the diverse and first-rate educational opportunities offered through American universities, colleges and language schools.  The US has long recognized the great importance of international education.  The Fulbright Program is a testimony to the vision and leadership of the American education system and Turkish students recognize the diverse programs and global skills offered through the American education system.

                                                                                                                                                                 For a long time the US has played a pivotal role in educating Turkish students.  According to IIE’s Open Doors Report 2007, Turkey placed eighth in the world for countries sending students for higher education opportunities in the US and it appears this trend is continuing.  In the 2006/07 school year over 11, 500 Turkish students studied in American tertiary institutions, 10,000 in language schools and another 10,000 students took part in Work and Travel programs.   

However, the early 2000’s saw a significant decline in Turkish students studying in The United States.  Since 2001, the US government and its educational leaders have been actively working to ensure that backlash to the September 11th attacks is minimal and that US security is maintained without compromising international education partnerships and deterring future students. 

                                                                                                                                                                  Recognizing the wealth of student potential, emerging language destinations are aggressively marketing within Turkey and the US is beginning to lose some of its market share.  “AEFT at IEFT” will give US institutions a focused area to showcase the myriad of educational options offered in the US and strengthen the American consciousness that already exists in Turkey.  

“AEFT at IEFT” provides optimal conditions for student recruitment opportunities and fostering relations between partner agents.  The varied program includes:  recruitment, individual student counselling sessions, networking events, open public seminars and a rich social program.

                                                                                                                                                                 As the largest education exhibition in Turkey and in Eastern Europe, IEFT welcomes over 150 institutions to our spring and fall events and the number is growing each year.  The number of American schools showcasing at IEFT is higher than ever with over 40% of our participating schools from the US. 

With the debut of EEFT at IEFT (European Higher Education Fairs of Turkey) and the overwhelming response from our European partners to this unique idea, IEFT has decided to extend this exposure to our American counterparts and create “AEFT at IEFT” American Education Fairs of Turkey.  An American village within the IEFT will optimize country exposure while maintaining individual school identity.  This will result in a strong impact on potential students.

                                                                                                                                                                 “AEFT at IEFT” is showcased in an exhibition hall devoted completely to American educational opportunities and will maximize exposure for the US education system.  “AEFT at IEFT” will be held at the traditional IEFT exhibition venues but a separate exhibition room will be used exclusively for this concept - creating an exciting education destination.  The room itself will house education providers from all levels of the American education sector.  Each school within the village will have individual exposure with their school name and state prominently displayed above their booth.  American flags, banners and symbols will create a unique American atmosphere within the village.  Special access to American focused seminar rooms will further emphasize the US’s unique presence.

                                                                                                                                                                 “AEFT at IEFT” promotion is two-fold:  schools benefit from the peripheral exposure of IEFT and the extensive professional promotion for which IEFT is already known as well as the separate target promotion program within Turkey with our American partner educational bodies.  Different media outlets will be used not only to highlight the event but also to promote scholarships, bursaries and special endorsements that will be offered at the exhibitions by our support partners. 

                                                                                                                                                                 As with all IEFT events, “AEFT at IEFT” will be visited by thousands of high school and university students and their families as well as university graduates, company executives looking for business English, Turkish university staff and decision makers, Fulbright Officers, members of TEAG (Turkish Education Agents Group) and other agents, Turkish high school teachers and management.

 Join IEFT’s newest venture and exhibit at “AEFT at IEFT” for the Ultimate in Student Recruitment Opportunities!