158
Certified counsellors
Introduction :
The Irish Education Agent Course (IEAC), created and developed by ICEF, is the first of its kind and supports professional development for agents specialising in Ireland as a study destination.
To ensure that agents have access to the most accurate and current information possible, this course was developed following extensive consultation with institutions and various stakeholders in Ireland, including organisations, associations, and government entities.
Who is this course for :
New entrants: individuals wishing to enter the international education industry as student counsellors
New student counsellors: the IEAC is an excellent training tool for new staff members at agencies
Practising student counsellors: the IEAC provides up-to-date information about international education principles and processes
About this course
The IEAC syllabus includes:
- The latest and most accurate information about the Irish education system
- Study options and qualifications available in Ireland, at all levels
- Guidance on how to work most effectively with Irish institutions
- Information to help students prepare for living and study in Ireland
- Specialist insights allowing you to guide students to their ideal Irish study experience
Upon successful completion of the final exam you will receive your IEAC qualification badge and certificate, and join the network of approved Irish education agents.
Benefits
Education agents who wish to further their professional development and focus on Ireland as a study destination should take the IEAC.
An official qualification is available to all candidates who complete the course and pass the IEAC exam. While they will not be officially accredited or endorsed by the Irish Government, successful graduates will receive a badge with a unique ID number and a certificate confirming them as an Irish Course Graduate (ICG), with the recognition of being a qualified Ireland consultant for the international education industry.
As well as this, all qualified agents will have their name, badge with unique ID number, photo, company profile and contact details including website featured on the ICG Finder.
Graduates are also entered in the Qualified Education Agents (QEA) smartphone app for iOS and Android produced by ICEF and PIER. This app contains the names and company contact details of more than 10,000 qualified agents worldwide and includes location-based features and search functions – a most valuable resource for educators looking to connect with expert agencies!
Study for the IEAC is free and is delivered in a self-paced modular format.
The charge for the IEAC test is €250. This fee allows for up to three attempts at the final test if required.
Discounts are available for multiple bookings for counsellors within the same agency or to members of educational agency associations that enter into an agreement with IEAC.
Examinations for the IEAC are conducted online, at ICEF events, and at related international education events as advertised. After the test, you will be automatically notified of your result as soon as you have finished. Participants who complete the IEAC assessment successfully will be issued with a certificate, confirming them as a Irish Course Graduate (ICG).
Testing is not mandatory. You can also study the course for your personal enrichment and professional knowledge. There is also no time frame in which you must take the test after completing the online material.
There are no qualifications or specific language requirements for the IEAC. However, English proficiency equivalent to an IELTS score of 5.0 (or TOEFL PBT 500/TOEFL iBT 61) is advisable for candidates with English as a second language.
The designation of Irish Course Graduate (ICG) does not require participation at an ICEF event, nor are the agents vetted or required to provide partner references to complete training and testing.
