Using independent evidence to strengthen international student experience, assurance, and trust
Canadian international education is operating under greater scrutiny than at any time in the past decade. Expectations around quality, student support, and accountability have shifted, placing increased emphasis on credible evidence around the value of the international student experience.
The International Student Barometer (ISB) has become a key source of that evidence globally, helping institutions understand what international students experience, where improvements are needed, and how progress can be demonstrated over time.
Listening to the international student voice at scale
One of the defining features of the ISB is its singular focus on the international student experience across the entire student lifecycle. Institutions that participate consistently highlight the value of hearing directly from students in a structured and comparable way.
As Angélique Holtkamp, Coordinator of Student Affairs and Services at the University of Twente (the Netherlands), explains:
“We think having a survey among international students is so important. It’s something we just now do as an organisation. The ISB allows us to confirm what we’re doing well and identify areas where we can do better. It’s a critical tool for making data‑informed decisions that benefit our students and staff alike.” (Read more)
For institutions facing increasing policy and public expectations around student support, this ability to evidence listening is fundamental.
From operational insight to senior‑level assurance
ISB data is increasingly used not only within international offices and student services, but also at senior leadership and governance level. Institutions highlight the value of having one trusted evidence source that can support multiple conversations.
This ability to support institution-wide understanding is especially relevant in an environment where boards and executive teams are seeking greater re-assurance, especially in a complex, highly politized environment.
Using benchmarking to move beyond anecdote
A defining characteristic of the ISB is its benchmarking capability. Institutions are able to contextualise their performance against national, regional, and global comparators, strengthening confidence in the conclusions drawn from the data.
Britt Hippert, Data Analyst at the University of Twente (the Netherlands), highlights the importance of longitudinal and comparative insight:
“It’s so valuable to see results in perspective. If we see trends or drops, having data from different years tells us much more. Without the ISB we simply wouldn’t have the ability to monitor and act upon those insights.” (Read more)
For Canadian institutions responding to evolving policy pressures, this shift from anecdote to evidence is critical.
Turning insight into action
ISB Impact Stories consistently show how institutions use survey findings to drive tangible change—particularly in high‑risk areas such as arrival, orientation, and transition.
Chris McCafferty, International Planning Manager at De Montfort University (UK), describes how ISB insight informed changes to arrival activity:
“We’ve already addressed that in the sense that we’re going to make it more accessible for the coming year simply by changing the date, something that was highlighted by students’ ISB feedback.” (Read more)
This focus on action aligns closely with contemporary expectations that institutions demonstrate responsiveness, not simply data collection.
Embedding ISB into institutional strategy
Many institutions featured in ISB Impact Stories emphasise the importance of integrating ISB findings into strategic planning rather than treating them as standalone survey outputs.
Alan Tobi, International Student Experience Manager at the University of Huddersfield (UK), explains:
“Embedding the ISB into our institutional strategy has given us a clear, comparable picture of the international student experience and how it links to our wider strategic goals.” (Read more)
This strategic use of insight is increasingly important as institutions navigate policy change while seeking to protect experience and reputation.
Supporting better decision‑making
Across Etio’s published ISB materials, institutions consistently describe the Barometer as a tool for clearer, more confident decision‑making.
As Chad Hoseth, Assistant Vice Provost of International Affairs at Colorado State University, said:
“It moves us away from the anecdotal to having a clear, accurate understanding, so we can make better strategic decisions.”
Although the above quotes are drawn from outside Canada, this perspective reflects challenges and considerations shared by the Canadian institutions we are working with over time.
Why ISB, why now?
Canadian institutions are being asked to show:
The International Student Barometer provides an established, independent framework for doing exactly that—grounded in the authentic voice of international students and supported by global benchmarking.
In a more accountable, more scrutinised policy environment, that capability has never been more relevant.
“Our institution has been so impressed by the quality of the ISB data and the fact that it's benchmarked, which gives the results that all-important context, something not necessarily available from other surveys of this kind. This, and the ability to slice and dice the data to interrogate it across many different contexts, is why myself and the senior leadership at the college choose to focus our time and resources on the ISB survey over the alternatives out there.”
- Katie Orr, International Director, Nova Scotia Community College
Informing resourcing decisions with the ISB at Nova Scotia Community College
Etio is expanding the Canadian ISB benchmarking group and seeking expressions of interest ahead of the 2026 survey.
CBIE/BCCIE has arranged for all members to receive a 10% discount on the published price of running the ISB in 2026, with an additional 5% discount for those signing up before 31st May this year.