iSchoolConnect: Revolutionizing International Education with AI and Personalization

CXOToday has engaged in an exclusive interview with Vaibhav Gupta, Chief Marketing Officer, iSchoolConnect Technologies Pvt Ltd.

1. Kindly brief us about the company, its specialization, and the services that your company offers.

Answer: iSchoolConnect is an AI-enabled platform that simplifies the international university application process for aspirants. Established in 2017, our vision has been to democratize the global admissions market for graduate and undergraduate programs. Our partnership with Google Cloud and our AI-enabled platform makes us a one-stop shop for anyone and everyone. We also provide personalized guidance and support throughout the application process, helping students save time and money and reciprocally increasing their chances of admission!

We offer a variety of B2C services, including:

• Personalized university recommendations
• AI-based writing mentor tool
• Unified applications
• AI-based video interview analyzer
• iSchoolPrep – Your one-stop shop for acing standardized tests!

Our B2B services are designed for universities and educational institutions, offered through specially crafted iSchool360:

• Enrollment Success
• Graduation Success
• Employment Success

Our services prioritize maximizing the relationship between students and their prospects. Our personalized support through 360-degree interactions aims to increase engagement and get you to your dream destination!

2. The Edtech industry has experienced significant growth and evolution in recent years. What do you see as the most important trends and innovations in the field, and how is your company positioned to capitalize on them?

Answer: Absolutely, the EdTech industry has been a hotbed of innovation over the past few years, especially propelled by the pandemic which has accelerated the adoption of digital education platforms. There are a few trends that I think are particularly impactful:

Personalization: With the advent of AI and data analytics, we can now offer personalized learning experiences to students. This isn’t just limited to course materials but extends to advising students on what schools and courses to apply to, which is exactly what iSchoolConnect aims to deliver.

Community Building: Learning is not just about one-on-one interaction with a teacher; it’s a community experience. Online platforms are creating ways for peer-to-peer learning and networking, which adds significant value to the educational journey.

Financial Accessibility: The ability to offer varied financial options from scholarships to loans, makes studying abroad more accessible to a larger group of students.

At iSchoolConnect, we are uniquely positioned to capitalize on these trends. Our AI-driven platform offers a personalized experience to every student, guiding them through the complex maze of choosing the right course, university, and even career paths.

3. Building trust and credibility is essential in the education sector. How does your company ensure the quality and integrity of its educational content and services to students and educators?

Answer: You’ve hit the nail on the head. Trust and credibility are the cornerstones of any educational platform, and at iSchoolConnect, we take this very seriously.

First and foremost, the quality of our content and services is vetted by a team of experts who have collectively amassed over 50 years of experience in the educational consulting sector. We constantly update our information to reflect the most current educational trends, course information, and visa requirements.

We’ve also sent students to top-tier Global universities , which we believe is a strong testament to the quality and integrity of our services. Moreover, transparency is key for us. Our platform openly shares student testimonials and success stories to offer real-world evidence of our efficacy. We maintain open channels of communication with our user community, ensuring that their feedback is not only heard but acted upon.

Our AI technology undergoes rigorous testing to ensure its recommendations are accurate and valuable to our users. It’s not just about speeding up the application process; it’s about making sure each student applies to an institution that truly aligns with their career aspirations and academic potential.

To further our commitment to quality, we offer the first study abroad counseling session for free. This provides students an opportunity to experience the caliber of our counseling services without any financial obligation. This transparency helps build trust with our students, and word of mouth, in this case, is invaluable.

Building trust isn’t a one-off effort; it’s an ongoing process. We are continually striving to innovate and improve our offerings while maintaining the high level of quality that our students and their parents have come to expect from iSchoolConnect.

4. Please share the top 3 industry trends you foresee in the future as we talk about the adoption of emerging technologies such as AI.

Answer: Staying ahead of industry trends is crucial to providing cutting-edge solutions that meet the evolving needs of students and educators. Here are the top three industry trends we foresee in the future, particularly in the context of the adoption of emerging technologies such as AI:

With the growing use of AI in education, there will be a heightened focus on ethical AI practices and data privacy. Students and educators alike are becoming more aware of the importance of protecting sensitive information and ensuring fairness in AI algorithms. As an Edtech founder, we will prioritize ethical AI development by being transparent about data usage, ensuring algorithmic fairness, and adhering to stringent data privacy regulations. Building trust in the responsible use of AI will be essential for the long-term success of Edtech companies.

5. What inspired you to start or lead this Edtech company, and what do you personally hope to achieve through its success?

Answer: My journey began with a deep passion for education and a strong belief in the transformative power of technology. I was inspired to start this Edtech company by a combination of personal experiences and a vision for a brighter future in education. My own educational journey was filled with challenges, including navigating complex application processes, understanding visa requirements, and finding the right educational institution abroad

These experiences made me acutely aware of the hurdles that students face when pursuing higher education opportunities, particularly when it involves international study. I saw an opportunity to leverage technology to simplify and streamline this process, making it more accessible to students worldwide. This was the initial spark that led to the creation of iSchoolConnect. I envisioned a platform that would serve as a one-stop solution for students seeking to study abroad, connecting them with universities, providing guidance on the application process, and even assisting with visa and immigration-related matters.

Through the success of iSchoolConnect, my personal hope is to democratize access to education. I want to break down the barriers that often hinder students from pursuing their dreams of studying abroad. By making the process more transparent, efficient, and cost-effective, we can empower students from diverse backgrounds to access high-quality education opportunities worldwide. Additionally, I aspire to foster a global community of learners who can collaborate, share experiences, and contribute to a more inclusive and interconnected world. Education is a powerful catalyst for positive change, and I believe that iSchoolConnect can play a significant role in shaping the future of education.

My inspiration for founding and leading iSchoolConnect stems from a genuine passion for education, a desire to simplify the complex journey of studying abroad, and a vision of creating a more inclusive world through accessible education. Through the success of iSchoolConnect, I aim to realize these aspirations and make a meaningful impact on the lives of countless students around the globe.

6. How does your company differentiate itself from competitors in the Edtech space, and what unique value do you bring to students, educators, and institutions?

Answer: As the Founder and CEO of iSchoolConnect, I am proud of the unique value proposition that sets our company apart in the competitive Edtech space. Here are some key differentiators and the unique value we bring to students, educators, and institutions:

Personalization and AI-Powered Matching: iSchoolConnect leverages cutting-edge artificial intelligence and machine learning algorithms to match students with universities and programs that align with their individual goals, preferences, and qualifications. Our platform understands the unique needs of each student, ensuring they find the best-fit educational opportunities.

Comprehensive Ecosystem: We offer a comprehensive ecosystem that covers the entire student journey, from exploring study options and preparing applications to visa guidance and post-arrival support. This end-to-end approach simplifies the complex process of studying abroad, making it more accessible and less daunting.

Global Network of Universities: We have established strong partnerships with a wide network of universities and institutions worldwide. This not only provides students with a diverse array of choices but also ensures that they have access to high-quality, accredited programs and institutions.

Transparency and Information: We believe in providing transparent and up-to-date information to students, helping them make informed decisions. Our platform offers insights into admission requirements, tuition costs, scholarship opportunities, and more, empowering students to plan their education effectively.

Accessibility and Inclusivity: We are committed to making international education accessible to students from diverse backgrounds. Our platform offers support for students with disabilities, provides multilingual assistance, and ensures that financial considerations are taken into account when recommending study options.

Continuous Innovation: We invest in research and development to stay at the forefront of Edtech innovation. This commitment to continuous improvement allows us to adapt to evolving educational trends and student needs.

Visa Process: Obtaining a student visa is a critical but often challenging step. iSchoolConnect aims to demystify this by offering guidance on visa procedures for different countries. With our easy-to-follow checklists and timely reminders, we ensure you don’t miss out on important deadlines. Additionally, our expert advisors are available for one-on-one consultations to answer any questions and help resolve issues, making your visa acquisition process as smooth as possible.

Here’s a glimpse of what iSchoolConnect brings to the table:

• Expert Counseling
• Scholarship Insights
• Test Prep Support
• Visa Assistance
• A website with detailed information to answer all your study abroad-related questions.
• AI-Powered Interview Analysis
• A tech-savvy Writing Mentor Tool for checking plagiarism and grammatical errors, and quick content suggestions to improve your SOP.
• Accommodation Solutions

iSchoolConnect is not just an online platform; it’s your personal guide, mentor, and ally on your educational journey!

7. Education technology is known for its rapid innovation. Can you share some recent developments or product launches that highlight your commitment to staying at the forefront of this industry?

Ans – We are constantly innovating and developing new products and features to improve the learning experience for our users. We also use a university recommendation and application tool to match each student’s preferences instantly. Our writing mentor tool is meant to refine your SOP and tailor it to your resume. Lastly, our dynamic online forum helps students connect with professionals to clarify any queries. These tools help iSchoolConnect stand out among all other education consultancies abroad.

A consistent effort to stay at the forefront of the industry is our flagship event – the Study Abroad Fest! After covering numerous other states, our most recent edition was held in Ahmedabad and Vadodara, Gujarat. We offered an array of services, including a glimpse into renowned universities and study destinations, one-on-one counseling, opportunities for instant scholarships and on-the-spot fee waivers, test-prep assistance, loan and visa application assistance, and a chance to discover new avenues!

Students received recommendations from over 300,000+ courses abroad and secured on-spot admission offers with scholarships worth up to 30 lakhs. Additionally, they benefited from free profile evaluations, university fee waivers, education loan aid, and assistance for standardized tests and visa applications.

8. Could you provide some examples of success stories or case studies where your Edtech solutions have made a significant impact on student learning outcomes or educational institutions?

Ans – Certainly, I’d be happy to share some examples of success stories and case studies that highlight the significant impact of iSchoolConnect’s Edtech solutions on student learning outcomes and educational institutions:

1. Empowering Students in the Application Process:

• Case Study: A student from India aspired to pursue a Master’s degree in Computer Science in the United States but was overwhelmed by the complex application process. They turned to iSchoolConnect for guidance.
• Impact: Our platform provided step-by-step assistance, helping the student shortlist universities, understand admission requirements, and prepare a compelling application. The student secured admission to a top-ranked U.S. university and received a 100% scholarship, significantly reducing their financial burden.

2. Enhancing Institutional Efficiency:

• Case Study: A university in USA sought to attract more international students but faced challenges in effectively marketing its programs and simplifying the admission process.
• Impact: iSchoolConnect partnered with the university to create a tailored portal within our platform. This portal showcased the institution’s offerings, provided a streamlined application process, and offered real-time support. As a result, the university saw a notable increase in international student applications and enrollments.

3. Bridging Cultural Gaps:

• Case Study: A student from India was admitted to a university in the United Kingdom but struggled with cultural adaptation, accomodation and academic challenges.
• Impact: iSchoolConnect’s platform connected the student with mentors and support groups specifically designed to address cultural transition and academic difficulties. The student not only improved their academic performance but also became a cultural ambassador, helping other international students navigate similar challenges.

These success stories and case studies illustrate how iSchoolConnect’s Edtech solutions have positively impacted students’ academic journeys and helped educational institutions achieve their goals. Our commitment to personalized support, technology-driven solutions, and global connectivity continues to make a meaningful difference in the world of education.

9. What is your vision for the future of education technology, and how do you see your company contributing to the evolution of the Edtech landscape?

Ans – The next 3 year business vision is to become a DIY self-serving platform for Study Abroad Aspirants. This would require a revamping user experience and gamifying the entire process. iSchoolConnect also wants to explore other geographies across the globe such as Middle-East Asia, Africa and South America. This will allow iSC to service a broader range of audience through its product and services. Furthermore, iSchoolConnect intends to become a household name in the study abroad community.

iSchoolConnect has made various contributions to how the Edtech landscape has changed. First and foremost, we are dedicated to utilizing the most recent developments in data analytics and artificial intelligence to offer specialized learning opportunities. Since each learner is different, we aim to provide individualized content and support, considering each student’s strengths and weaknesses. By doing this, we want to improve educational outcomes, motivation, and engagement.

Our tools and resources enable teamwork, mentoring, and building a global community of students. In addition to these fundamental ideas, we know how the job market is changing. An inclusive and globally linked educational environment is what we envision for the future of education technology. We see our business as a change agent, promoting innovation and expanding the realm of Edtech’s potential.