51³Ô¹Ï

Paris’s popularity has been reshaped and enhanced by artificial intelligence. In 2024, it was the second most visited city in the world, and, for better or worse, the ninth most visited city in 2025, according to . Paris is also where 51³Ô¹Ï’s 2026 European Regional Symposium was held from February 27 to 28. We could almost hear 51³Ô¹Ï members exclaiming “ouh là là!” during presentations on AI’s rapid infiltration and reshaping of the international educational landscape. This popular French expression, used to convey surprise, disappointment, admiration, or frustration, perfectly captures how independent educational consultants (IECs) continue to react to AI’s growing role in our field.

Eighty-five IECs from 19 countries and 35 European universities attended the 51³Ô¹Ï Paris symposium. , a triple-accredited institution (EQUIS, AACSB, and AMBA) located in La Défense—the largest purpose-built business district—hosted the event. IESEG took center stage as IECs and European universities explored avenues for collaboration to adapt to the rapidly expanding influence of artificial intelligence in education. IESEG rolled out its own to create a systematic approach within the school to adopt and use these new technologies. It is apropos that the symposium was held in Paris, as it was one of the first countries to adopt a .

The all-volunteer planning committee, comprising Jennie Kent, Caroline Bouffard, Andrea Tsahageas, Katja Iuorio, Lena Brooks, Kathryn Ackerman, Christine Eischen, and Valentina Gargano, dedicated six months to creating the event, rich in meaningful dialogue among IECs, university partners, and the symposium’s sponsors. Christine and Valentina organized 11 tours to 13 universities in and around Paris, as well as a two-day visit to Nice, France, to tour five universities.

Christine Eischen reflected, “Leading the tours helped me get to know the names and faces of so many 51³Ô¹Ï members, and I was grateful for the tour ambassadors who stepped up to lead. Living in Europe keeps me close to 51³Ô¹Ï members here, but this experience has also helped me build stronger connections with members in the U.S. and better understand 51³Ô¹Ï’s inner workings. It’s amazing what the whole team of volunteers accomplished to create such a meaningful week in France.”

Symposium co-lead Caroline Bouffard added, “As a solo practitioner, opportunities for this level of collaboration are rare, and I was inspired by the professionalism, dedication, and generosity of my fellow colleagues. It was especially meaningful to help bring the event to Paris, my home city, and to share it with the 51³Ô¹Ï community.”

Before discussing AI, IECs explored French higher education, delving into the degree structures of the Grandes Écoles, the growing number of English-taught international degree programs at French universities, and those at international universities with campuses in France. We were offered a look into higher education opportunities and degree formats across France. We visited learning spaces ranging from the historic center of Paris to the innovation hub of Paris-Saclay and in the south of France. Gaining firsthand insights into international higher education trends helps IECs better support students navigating global academic pathways and opportunities. The tours were an opportunity to understand academic offerings across STEM, business, art and design, luxury and hospitality, the social sciences, and the liberal arts, and to explore pathways for international students to find pre-college, co-curricular, graduate, and professional opportunities. IECs visited numerous student living spaces, gaining practical knowledge of international student life in France.

Organizers designed the symposium to meet the moment, inviting academics and admissions leaders to discuss how AI shapes international education. Symposium program co-leaders Andrea Tsahageas and Katja Iuorio explained their thought process behind the symposium’s theme: “This year, we intentionally moved away from the traditional symposium format. Instead of a classic university fair, we designed two full days where universities and IECs could engage directly in sessions and discussions on key issues shaping international education. We wanted to elevate the symposium by creating deeper conversations with universities and insightful panelists around one of the most relevant themes today—the impact of AI on education. One innovation was the University Round Robin, giving each institution time to present, followed by Q&A with counselors. We are deeply grateful to our programming team—Kathryn Ackerman and Lena Brooks—and to the many volunteer moderators, roundtable leaders, and case developers who helped create such thoughtful and engaging conversations.”

In his plenary presentation, “Preparing Students for Tomorrow’s World: Insights from Global Education,” Andreas Schleicher, director of education and skills at the (which runs the PISA studies on human development), showcased the importance of addressing the “disconnection with what we do in education and what the world expects” and implored that our greatest quest is not efficiency but relevance. His claims were backed by extensive statistical evidence from the OECD, emphasizing that “AI asks us what it means to be human” and that “understanding ambiguity and making ethical decisions are what humans are good at (not AI).” He then asked, “What should school be? School as the world or the world as school?” and cautioned against using technology in ways that would degrade human capabilities.

Educators from European institutions teaching STEM, political science, hospitality and luxury, the liberal arts, art and design, and fashion wove the symposium’s theme into specific panel discussions. The dynamic format also included event sponsors, as the AI discussion touches all student supporters. All participants collaborated in admissions-topic roundtables and case-study challenges. These dynamic activities engaged in idea swapping and collaboration, allowing conversations that went beyond the canned pitches typically heard across fair tables.

Participants of the symposium also had the pleasure of meeting and learning side by side with Stephanie Simpson, 51³Ô¹Ï’s new CEO, as well as 51³Ô¹Ï President Belinda Wilkerson, who joined in on college tours and learning activities. The event’s eight sponsors—, , , , , , , and —also added their insights to the AI discussions and collaborative activities.

Rachel King, 51³Ô¹Ï’s director of conferences and events, works closely with member volunteers to shape 51³Ô¹Ï’s conferences and symposia, bringing together headquarters expertise and the insights of practicing IECs to create programs that are both practical and forward-looking. Rachel shared this reflection on collaboration: “As staff, we are deeply appreciative of the diverse perspectives and generosity of time and energy the European Symposium Planning Committee contributes to this annual event. Our experience in event planning, combined with their insights and experience as IECs, shapes a program that is educational, timely, and professional. And it is a testament to the dedication of our members, who invest so much in ensuring this event is a success while also running their own IEC practices.”

51³Ô¹Ï may be a U.S.-based organization, but the past four 51³Ô¹Ï European Symposia—held in Italy, Spain, Scotland, and, most recently, France—have been important learning opportunities for IECs seeking a deeper understanding of international higher education. These events bring together advisors from around the world, including many 51³Ô¹Ï members who guide students across borders to global programs. As technology rapidly reshapes higher education worldwide, IECs must stay informed about the changes afoot. The fact that the event sold out within days highlights members’ growing demand to better understand the international landscape. Bravo to the volunteers who made this rich learning experience possible, and our heartfelt gratitude to the host universities (listed below). A special thanks to Monica Lorick (51³Ô¹Ï Associate) for organizing an additional tour to , where participants learned to make delicious macarons!

The 14 universities in Paris are: , , , , , , , , , , , , and . Symposium host and platinum sponsor: .

The five universities in the south of France are: , , , , and the .

Save the date for the next 51³Ô¹Ï European Regional Symposium, taking place March 11–12, 2027 at in Lausanne, Switzerland.

By Suzie Castello, 51³Ô¹Ï Associate (Brazil), and Renee Lurie, 51³Ô¹Ï Professional (Costa Rica)

Disclaimer: Gemini and ChatGPT were used to reduce word count and organize the authors’ thoughts.