BESA Group's Transformative Journey: Empowering Students through International Education
Updated 7/9/2024 8:00:00 AM
Arab Finance: The number of Egyptian students pursuing higher education overseas has significantly surged in recent years. In 2022, around 47,243 Egyptian students were studying abroad, nearly tripling the number from a decade earlier, according to UNESCO statistics on international students.
So, Arab Finance interviewed Mohamed AbdelTawab, Founder and CEO of British Educational Services Group (BESA), to discuss the remarkable growth of BESA, the strategies behind its extensive global network, and the unique value proposition that sets the agency apart in a highly competitive field.
1-Given that BESA was Egypt's first educational agency focusing on studying abroad, what were the biggest challenges faced by BESA at its inception and how were they overcome?
When BESA was founded in 2012, its primary focus was on assisting students studying in the UK. At that time, the concept of an educational agency was relatively new in Egypt, and one of our biggest challenges was gaining the trust of students and their families, as there was significant uncertainty about using an agency for such services.
Additionally, establishing partnerships with UK universities was difficult, as these institutions required previous experience in student recruitment to form alliances.
To overcome these challenges, I sought advice from the British Council on establishing partnerships with UK universities. They recommended that I attend the Education UK Agency training, which was exclusively organized and delivered in the UK.
This certification was instrumental in helping BESA become an approved Education UK agent, enabling us to form partnerships with UK educational institutions and providing us with the credibility to promote our services in the Egyptian market. It also gave us access to the British Council’s network of international schools across Egypt.
By prioritizing transparency and delivering reliable services, we gradually built our reputation. Our dedication to excellence and integrity helped us navigate these initial hurdles and establish a strong foundation.
In 2013, due to Egypt’s economic and political situation, we began to offer our services to other destinations and started to rebrand the company as BESA Group, broadening our reach and impact.
2-BESA's mission is to provide students with access to top international educational institutions. Can you share some specific examples of how BESA accomplished this mission and the impact it had on the students you worked with?
Since its inception, BESA Group has helped thousands of students achieve their dreams of studying abroad, facilitating placements in prestigious universities across the UK, USA, Canada, Germany, Netherlands, Spain, and various other countries.
The organization's comprehensive support system, from initial application assistance to visa processing, ensures a smooth transition and a successful academic journey for students.
Two remarkable success stories exemplify BESA Group's impact:
- AbdelRazik Elfar: BESA Group assisted Dr. Elfar in transferring from Suez Canal University to London South Bank University and securing a partial scholarship for a master's degree at the University of Aberdeen. He is now pursuing a PhD at the University of Manchester, one of the top 30 universities in the world, and is a graduate teaching assistant there.
- Dana Mansour: BESA Group helped Dana Mansour, an Egyptian student living in Kuwait, join the foundation program at the University of Sheffield. With further support, she completed her bachelor's and master's degrees at Sheffield, one of the top 100 universities globally, and now works as a sustainable engineer at a well-known UK company.
These success stories showcase the profound impact of BESA Group's support on students' academic and professional development, transforming their lives and serving as inspirations for others in their communities. They highlight the organization's unwavering commitment to providing students with the opportunities and support needed to succeed internationally, reinforcing its mission to transform lives through education.
3-The BESA website mentions the group’s partnerships with over 800 universities globally. How has BESA been able to develop and maintain such an extensive network of international educational institutions?
Building and maintaining a global network of over 800 university partners has been a result of consistent efforts and strategic partnerships. Our certification as a British Council/Education UK agent played a crucial role in establishing initial credibility.
In early 2013, I also became a certified International Consultant for Education and Fairs (ICEF) agent, which allowed me to attend numerous networking events and establish partnerships with universities and educational institutions from over 25 countries.
Being one of the pioneering agencies in Egypt, BESA Group quickly became a focal point for universities seeking to recruit students from Egypt and the MENA region.
Many embassies approached BESA to facilitate connections between their universities and students from Egypt. Participating in international networking events and maintaining a high standard of service has helped us forge strong relationships with these institutions.
We focus on regular communication and collaboration with our partner institutions to ensure mutual goals are met, which is key to maintaining these partnerships.
Additionally, we have approached embassies and cultural centers to promote our services and foster cooperation. For example, BESA has collaborated with the British Council in Egypt and Sudan to organize events, workshops, and seminars to promote education in the UK.
We also organized a couple of events at the American Embassy in Cairo to promote education in the USA. These activities have significantly expanded our network and solidified our partnerships with many educational institutions.
Our dedication to building strong, lasting relationships and a proactive approach to networking have been instrumental in developing and maintaining BESA Group’s extensive global network of university partners.
4-In the highly competitive landscape of educational agencies, what do you see as BESA's unique value proposition that sets it apart from other providers?
BESA Group's unique value proposition lies in its holistic approach and commitment to delivering comprehensive, personalized services for students studying abroad.
With a presence in over 10 countries, BESA offers end-to-end support, covering every aspect of the study abroad process, from university placement to visa assistance and accommodation arrangements. This one-stop-shop solution ensures consistent, high-quality guidance throughout the student journey.
BESA's deep understanding of Egypt and the MENA region allows for culturally relevant and personalized counselling, setting it apart from other providers.
The company's investment in cutting-edge technology, such as its AI-powered matching and streamlined application processes, enhances service delivery and provides students with easy access to tailored educational opportunities.
As the first Egyptian agency with branches outside of Egypt, including Sudan, the UAE, and Saudi Arabia, in addition to the only one with an office in the UK, BESA Group's international presence expands its reach and ability to serve students globally.
The organization of unique events, such as the British Trophy football tournament, helps build strong relationships with students and international schools in Egypt, promotes UK university partners, and provides additional engagement opportunities.
BESA's services for helping students in the UK are free of charge, demonstrating its commitment to accessibility and support. For school counsellors and coordinators, the platform offers unrestricted access to partner institutions and advanced digital tools for monitoring student progress.
For educational partners, BESA provides global reach, diversity and inclusion efforts, timely matching with student requirements, a focus on quality, and unparalleled service standards.
5-How does BESA address the financial barriers to studying abroad for some students?
At BESA Group, we understand that financial barriers can be a significant hurdle for many students aspiring to study abroad. To address this issue, we offer comprehensive guidance on scholarship options available through our partner institutions.
We work closely with universities to provide them with insights into the financial challenges faced by students, enabling us to secure offers and partial scholarships tailored to students' needs.
Additionally, we provide students with detailed information on affordable study destinations and programs.
Our counseling sessions include financial planning advice to help students and their families manage costs effectively, ensuring that financial constraints do not impede their educational aspirations.
By combining scholarship opportunities, market insights, and personalized financial planning, BESA Group is committed to making international education accessible to a broader range of students, empowering them to achieve their academic and professional goals.
6-Since BESA's founding in 2012, how has the profile of the typical BESA student changed? Are there any new trends you have observed in terms of student goals, preferred destinations, or areas of study?
Since BESA's founding in 2012, we have observed significant shifts in the profile of the typical BESA student. Initially, most students aimed to study in traditional destinations like the USA, UK, and Canada.
However, due to economic and political changes in Egypt, interest in more affordable destinations, such as Russia, Hungary, Malaysia, Germany, Turkey, and Italy, has grown. These countries offer quality education at a lower cost, making them attractive alternatives for students and their families.
Additionally, we have noticed changes in students' fields of interest. While traditional fields like engineering and business remain popular, there is a marked increase in interest in areas such as computer science, cybersecurity, clinical pharmacy, and other emerging disciplines. These fields are seen as providing strong career prospects, aligning with global job market trends.
Another trend we have observed is the growing interest among students in work placements as part of their study programs. This is driven by the need to enhance employability and gain practical experience.
Many students are also exploring opportunities for immigration, seeing their education as a pathway to long-term career opportunities abroad.
These evolving trends reflect the changing priorities and aspirations of students in the region, and BESA Group remains committed to adapting our services to meet these needs, ensuring that we provide relevant and valuable support to our students.
7-With the rise of online education, how does BESA differentiate itself and convince students of the value of a traditional on-campus international education experience?
While online education offers flexibility, we firmly believe that the value of a traditional on-campus international education experience is unparalleled. It allows students to immerse themselves in a new culture, build a global network, and develop essential personal and professional skills.
In the Arab world, online education degrees, particularly for undergraduate studies and practical fields such as engineering, pharmacy, medicine, etc., are often not recognized or approved by local governments. This makes traditional on-campus education not only preferable but necessary for many students seeking internationally recognized qualifications.
BESA Group differentiates itself by highlighting these unique benefits and our deep understanding of governmental requirements. We leverage testimonials from alumni who have thrived through on-campus experiences, conduct detailed information sessions, and offer virtual tours of our partner universities to showcase campus life and facilities.
We emphasize the long-term career advantages that come with studying on-campus, such as enhanced employability, practical experience, and the opportunity to participate in internships and work placements.
To further support our mission, we organize educational fairs that allow students to have direct interactions with international university representatives. These events provide invaluable insights and first-hand information, helping students make well-informed decisions about their education.
By providing clear, compelling reasons for the value of traditional on-campus education and leveraging our extensive network and expertise, BESA Group effectively guides students towards making informed decisions about their educational journeys.
8-How does BESA see itself contributing to the evolving educational scene in Egypt? Does BESA collaborate with local educational institutions in any way?
BESA Group is committed to contributing to the evolving educational landscape in Egypt by enhancing access to international education opportunities.
We actively collaborate with local educational institutions by organizing workshops, seminars, and information sessions that provide students with valuable insights into studying abroad.
Moreover, we partner with schools to offer career counselling and guidance on international education pathways.
Our goal is to inspire and empower students to pursue their academic aspirations beyond borders, thereby contributing to the overall development of the educational sector in Egypt.
Furthermore, we promote our services to new private universities in Egypt, facilitating the creation of partnerships between these institutions and international universities, particularly those from the UK. These collaborations aim to improve the quality of education and attract international students to Egypt, fostering a more globally integrated educational environment.
Through these initiatives, BESA Group seeks to play a pivotal role in elevating the standards of education in Egypt and supporting students in achieving their academic and professional goals on a global scale.
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