Contents
Quick Quiz
Go Digital with AccessWES
Knowledge and Research
See you at NAFSA 2025!
Institutional Partner Highlight
Social Impact Spotlight
WES News
Quick Quiz: WES Credential Evaluation Lingo
Whether you are new to WES credential evaluations or a longtime report recipient, it’s always worth reviewing some of the terminology and evaluation practices you may encounter when working with WES. Take our quick quiz to gauge your knowledge.
CORRECT
ICAP can be added to an order for a Document-by-Document or Course-by-Course evaluation report. In either case, when an applicant orders ICAP with their evaluation, WES stores the applicant’s authenticated transcripts and shares them with report recipients. Most ICAP orders also include the WES Digital Badge which applicants can display on their social media profiles like LinkedIn.
INCORRECT
ICAP can be added to an order for a Document-by-Document or Course-by-Course evaluation report. In either case, when an applicant orders ICAP with their evaluation, WES stores the applicant’s authenticated transcripts and shares them with report recipients. Most ICAP orders also include the WES Digital Badge which applicants can display on their social media profiles like LinkedIn.
A candidate with an equivalency of a “First Professional Degree” is not admissible to graduate study, which requires a bachelor’s degree.
2/3
CORRECT
This equivalency is most often seen for graduates of international medical schools. We cannot provide a “bachelor’s degree” equivalency for a Bachelor of Medicine degree, as this degree is not offered in the U.S. or Canada. While U.S. and Canadian medical schools require applicants to hold a bachelor’s degree, medical schools in most of the rest of the world require a high school diploma. The WES credential analysis includes completion of the degree, the accreditation or recognition status of the issuing institution, the admission requirement, and the length of the program (typically 5-7 years) and provides the necessary information to help you make your admission or hiring decision. Most graduate schools agree that this approach meets the intent of their admission requirement (a first or undergraduate degree).
INCORRECT
This equivalency is most often seen for graduates of international medical schools. We cannot provide a “bachelor’s degree” equivalency for a Bachelor of Medicine degree, as this degree is not offered in the U.S. or Canada. While U.S. and Canadian medical schools require applicants to hold a bachelor’s degree, medical schools in most of the rest of the world require a high school diploma. The WES credential analysis includes completion of the degree, the accreditation or recognition status of the issuing institution, the admission requirement, and the length of the program (typically 5 to 7 years). The analysis provides the information you need you make your admission or hiring decision. Most graduate schools agree that this approach meets the intent of their admission requirement (a first or undergraduate degree).
If WES cancels an application for an evaluation, it always means the applicant submitted documents that were not authentic.
3/3
CORRECT
WES might cancel an application for a number of reasons, including if falsified documents are submitted for an evaluation. WES may also cancel an application if the credential submitted is not subject to evaluation. For example, WES does not evaluate occupational study, trade qualifications, or short-term professional development programs.
INCORRECT
WES might cancel an application for a number of reasons, including if falsified documents are submitted for an evaluation. WES may also cancel an application if the credential submitted is not subject to evaluation. For example, WES does not evaluate occupational study, trade qualifications, or short-term professional development programs.
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evaluations.
If you
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have
a
question
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Knowledge and Research
Navigating Change: Hans de Wit on the Future of International Education
Field Notes: Fostering Relationships in India and the Middle East
Knowledge and Research
Navigating Change: Hans de Wit on the Future of International Education
As the world faces geopolitical tensions, shifting student mobility patterns, the rise of artificial intelligence (AI), and a reassessment of higher education’s purpose, Hans de Wit offers a critical perspective on how institutions can navigate these challenges. His insights into these broad developments—from the rise of nationalism and its impact on academic freedom to the role of new technologies in shaping access to education—provide an astute view of the future of international higher education.
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Knowledge and Research
Field Notes: Fostering Relationships in India and the Middle East
Earlier this year, WES team members traveled to India, United Arab Emirates, and Oman to connect with international students, university partners, education agents, and colleagues. Our team returned with an enriched understanding of our applicants’ and partners’ needs and challenges. These insights are instrumental as our teams work to develop and refine the ways we serve individuals and institutions alike.
See you at NAFSA 2025!
WES is looking forward to a meaningful NAFSA 2025, the annual conference for international education professionals, where members of our team will be on-site to share their expertise in international education.
Flip through the gallery below to find out where and how you can connect with our team.
Catalysts for Change: Global Women Leaders Driving Social Impact
Thursday, May 29 | 9:30 – 10:20 a.m.
Esther T. Benjamin, CEO and Executive Director, WES, will be joining a dynamic panel of global women leaders at the forefront of international education as they share insights, strategies, and bold visions that inspire practitioners worldwide. This session is a call to action for educators and policymakers to reimagine possibilities and embrace transformative leadership.
Africa Forum: Africa NOW: Engaging African Partnerships Towards Advancing the SDGs
Wednesday, May 28 | 9:00 – 11:00 a.m.
Oumar Sanga, Exception Specialist, WES, will be joining a panel discussion and participating in an insightful Q&A at this year’s Africa Forum. This forum provides an opportunity for attendees to deepen their understanding of the contributions African higher education institutions are making toward the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and explore how institutions worldwide are currently supporting these efforts.
Symposium on Leadership: Today’s Refugees, Tomorrow’s Students and Changemakers
Tuesday, May 27 | 1:00 – 3:00 p.m.
This session invites attendees to examine how international education is part of the solution for those who have been displaced, what resources exist, what the entry point is for assistance, how institutions can engage in their communities and collaborate with local partners, and how international educators can demonstrate leadership for the benefit of all. WES is sponsoring this session.
United for Success: Advocating for International Students
Wednesday, May 28 | 4:30 – 5:20 p.m.
Welcoming international students to our campuses and communities has always been a critical way in which our educational institutions can deliver the best education possible to students. The session will include a strategic call to action for national-level advocacy and campus-level commitments.
Presented by Fatima Sanz, Senior U.S. Policy Manager, WES, and Jill Welch, Co-Founder and Senior Consultant, U.S. For Success,
Using Data for Advocacy in International Education
Thursday, May 29 | 1:00 - 1:50 p.m.
In an era of increased scrutiny and evolving policy landscapes, effective advocacy in international education requires more than compelling narratives—it demands data-driven strategies. This session will explore how institutions, organizations, and individuals can use data in a way that resonates with policymakers, stakeholders, and the public.
Presented by Fatima Sanz, Senior U.S. Policy Manager, WES; David Pilsbury, Chief Development Officer, Oxford International Education Group; Edwin van Rest, CEO and Co-Founder, Studyportals
International Law Students: Career Outcomes and Best Practices
Wednesday, May 28 | 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
This poster examines trends and outcomes related to international students studying law in the U.S. and their career trajectories. It begins with an overview of data about such students. It then focuses on career pathways, known career outcomes based on research, and good practices for supporting students pursuing varied careers.
by Bryce Loo, Associate Director, Higher Education Research and Shanza Qureshi, Associate Director of Graduate Careers, Georgetown University Law School
Career Pathways for Students of Offshore Medical Schools
Thursday, May 29 | 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
This poster presents an overview of offshore medical schools, their accreditation statuses and the equivalencies of their credentials in the U.S. It also examines outcomes of graduated students applying for licensure in the U.S. and career pathways for nongraduated students through a review of data held by WES.
by Lily Jandreska, Quality Analyst
Policy Impacts on International Student Mobility: Lessons from Three Countries
Thursday, May 29 | 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
This poster compares recent policy changes affecting international student enrollment in top receiving countries: Australia, Canada, and the U.K. It provides insights for a robust international education sector through analysis of impacts on higher education systems, with potential implications for the U.S. if similar policies are implemented.
by Anukriti Randev, Program Coordinator and Sarah Klein, Global Policy & Strategy Analyst
African Higher Education Qualifications: Global Mobility, Trends, Opportunities, and Outcomes
Thursday, May 29 | 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
This poster explains the evaluation and recognition of African educational qualifications within the North America context. It shares insights into the outcomes for African graduates who leverage their qualifications to pursue education in the U.S. and Canada, based on WES data.
by Oumar Sanga, Exception Specialist
Sudan’s Refugee Crisis: Education Challenges, International Response, and WES experience
Thursday, May 29 | 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Since April 2023 the ongoing situation in Sudan caused internal displacement and refugees to flee the country, mostly to neighboring nations like Egypt, Chad, South Africa, and Ethiopia. This poster examines practices and challenges in obtaining and evaluating academic documents from Sudan, particularly from the experience of WES.
by Sulaf Al-Shaikhly, Quality Analyst
Understanding Latin American Credentials and Qualifications: Current Insights
Thursday, May 29 | 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
This poster examines trends in educational advancements in Latin America and data on the qualifications of students from specific Latin American countries, highlighting significant developments and their broader implications for North America and beyond.
by Carlos Monroy, Production Analyst
Tuesday, May 27 – Saturday, May 31
Visit the WES team in the Expo Hall at booth #2427 and learn how we can be your trusted resource and partner for international credential evaluations.
If we don’t see you at NAFSA, we hope to see you this summer at one of these events:
Our Client Success team is planning their fall travel schedule, including client visits. Are you interested in having our team visit your office?
Institutional Partner Highlight
Hear why Dale Moore and his colleagues at University of South Carolina – The Graduate School selected WES to assist with the institution’s admissions process for international applicants.
“We want to be consistent and one way to ensure that consistency is to deal with a partner like WES.” — Dale Moore, Assistant Dean, University of South Carolina – The Graduate School
Social Impact Spotlight: Welcoming Economy
WES is a founder and strategic coordinator of Welcoming Economy, a coalition of 80+ settlement organizations, employment agencies, employers, and municipalities, working together to connect refugees with job opportunities across Canada. Together, this group plans and implements employment-focused initiatives such as the Refugee Hiring Event, a unique hiring model that matches pre-screened applicants with Canadian employers that have open positions to fill. Learn more and find further resources on the Welcoming Economy website.
WES News
New Cohort of Strengthening Immigrant Inclusion Program
Earlier this spring, WES announced the newest cohort of its Strengthening Immigrant Inclusion Program (SIIP)—an initiative dedicated to helping communities expand economic opportunity and access to good work for immigrants and refugees. With the addition of the 2025 SIIP cohort, the SIIP Network now spans more than 45 communities across the country, all working to strengthen America’s workforce and reinforce the vital role of immigrants in economic growth.
