Canada, Germany and Ireland are the three key markets that will see rises in demand in the future, agents reported at the ICEF Berlin conference with friendly policies for international students drawing interest. However, visa approval issues are a concern for many.

Despite economic crisis and political instability in Brazil, the number of Brazilian language students abroad increased 20% in 2018, agencies report.

Jair Bolsonaro's election as Brazil’s president is seen as a boost for the nation's ELT industry, stakeholders told The PIE News. The far-right former military captain is expected to stabilise exchange rates and attract international investment, in turn attracting students. 

ICEF has celebrated its tenth year of agent workshops in Latin America with a two-day event in Brazil attracting agents and institutions.

Chinese students are increasingly taking up Spanish and Portuguese as China strengthens its ties with Latin America and its economy gains attractiveness to Chinese job hunters. 

Study in Brazil, the inbound department of BELTA, met with several government organisations to plan promotion of educational programs for foreign students.

A visa waiver agreement between the United Arab Emirates and Brazil has come into force at the beginning of June, up to 90 days a year of visa-free travel.

Brazilians spent 82% more on education travel in 2016 than the previous year, according to a recent student survey from BELTA.