Shaping global influence through Nepali students

Celebrating our 28th anniversary, we acknowledge not only our rich history but also the new direction we have taken to enhance our global impact. This year has been pivotal in redefining ECAN’s role in shaping international education and promoting Nepali students as global citizens.

Upon assuming the presidency, it was clear that ECAN needed to adapt to the changing educational landscape to remain effective. With the invaluable support of my Executive team and the insightful guidance of Immediate Past President Prakash Pandey, we embarked on a strategic overhaul. We focused on aligning our practices with contemporary needs and expectations, ensuring that ECAN continues to lead with innovation and relevance in a rapidly evolving field.

Our foremost goal was to empower our educational counselors, who play a critical role in guiding students toward their academic and professional goals. Recognizing their central importance, we launched a comprehensive suite of initiatives designed to enhance their skills and expertise. This included organizing training workshops, informational sessions, and specialized knowledge-sharing events. These programs were meticulously developed with the active involvement of the ECAN team and our members, ensuring they addressed the specific needs and challenges faced by our counselors. By investing in their professional development, we aimed to uphold the highest standards of integrity and professionalism within our network.

A significant priority was transforming the public perception of the education consultancy profession. We successfully completed the second series of ECAN EDUclave, a platform that brought together policymakers, educators and key stakeholders to discuss and elevate the role of educational consultancy. Additionally, our “Faces of ECAN” campaign, featuring impactful videos and social media content, highlighted the achievements of our members. A key component of this campaign was our collaboration with Rajesh Hamal for a TV commercial, which played a crucial role in reshaping public perceptions. Our active participation in national and international forums, such as the FIRST BIMSTEC Business Summit in New Delhi and various media engagements, further reinforced the value and positive impact of educational consultancy.

Another major focus was on improving our interaction with policy frameworks and streamlining administrative processes. Historically, policies regarding educational consultancies have been challenging. To address this, we engaged actively with the Education Ministry and worked to influence policy development. Our advocacy efforts resulted in more supportive and efficient policies that better serve both students and consultancies. By simplifying procedures and reducing bureaucratic hurdles, we aimed to create a more favorable environment for international education, reinforcing ECAN’s role as a key player in policy discussions and administrative reforms. Building and maintaining robust relationships with international stakeholders was essential to our mission. We focused on enhancing our engagement with embassies, high commissions and strategic agencies such as ICEF, the British Council and PTE. Our interactions with the Foreign Ministry of Nepal were crucial in ensuring smooth processes for students seeking education abroad. The ECAN team organized well-received welcome and farewell events for ambassadors and consular officials, which facilitated open dialogue and strengthened our connections. These diplomatic engagements helped address challenges in visa applications and improved the overall efficiency of our consultancy services.

ECAN has been at the forefront of advocating for Nepal as a prominent educational hub through the “Study in Nepal” initiative. As the first consultancy association to champion this vision, we have worked diligently to position Nepal as an attractive destination for international students. Our efforts included supporting and influencing policy changes to facilitate student visas and creating a welcoming environment for foreign students. We have established strategic agreements with various academic institutions across Nepal to enhance the quality of educational offerings and ensure that they meet global standards. Through these collaborations, we aim to provide a diverse range of programs and opportunities, solidifying Nepal’s place in the global education landscape.

Looking forward

Over the past one year, our initiatives to empower counselors, reshape public perception and engage in policy development and international relationships have laid a strong foundation for ECAN’s future. As we celebrate 28 years of excellence, we are poised for continued growth and leadership in educational consultancy. The strides we have made this year have not only reinforced our commitment to our values but also positioned us for further success. Moving forward, I am confident that with the support of our dedicated team and members, ECAN will continue to achieve new heights and drive positive change in the field of educational consultancy. Thank you for your unwavering support as we advance together.