The scheme will replace the existing IALC Partner Agent scheme as of January 2019, and will reward quality, loyalty and trust, according to the association.

“It is our belief this new scheme will dramatically increase the level of effective branding for the Association amongst influential international study travel agencies”

“Our new agency initiative acknowledges the work of all study abroad agencies around the world that partner with IALC schools,” IALC president Giorgia Biccelli said.

Agencies will have the right to use the IALC Approved Agency logo for a year on their websites and marketing materials, as well as being listed on IALC’s website, which the organisation says will refer students and IALC members to agencies directly.

“It is our belief this new scheme will dramatically increase the level of effective branding for the association among influential international study travel agencies and will be of immediate benefit to small, medium and large agencies, as well as the association as a whole,” Biccelli noted.

To be eligible to become an IALC Approved Agency, an agency must be able to prove they have developed “successful partnerships” with at least three of IALC’s 153 member schools in the 12 months before their application.

Vice president for marketing at IALC Robin Adams added that it is important that IALC has a means of recognising agent loyalty.

“We hope that through this scheme, we will not only be able to reward established agents for choosing to send students to our schools, but we also want to encourage new entrepreneurs to give their clients valuable experiences, at the start of their careers,” Adams said.

“It is our aim to foster true partnerships through this new initiative.”

Agents that are already a partner agent will need to reapply to become an IALC Approved Agency.