Between 25 November 25 and 29 November, high school counselors visited university campuses in Barcelona and Madrid during a week-long fly-in event hosted by independent university fair organizer SRT Fairs.
Representatives from 17 universities, such as ESADE Business and Law School, IE University, CEU Universities, Ramon Llull University (La Salle, IQS, Blanquerna), LCI Education, and IED Istituto Europeo di Design, hosted a series of campus tours, one-on-one meetings, and masterclasses for counselors. These activities provided comprehensive insights into Spain’s higher education system and the opportunities available for international students.
Student ambassadors shared their academic journeys and explained why they chose Spain over other popular study destinations, offering valuable perspectives for counselors advising prospective students.
“The fly-in program gave me a clearer understanding of how Spanish universities support international students and the requirements they need to apply,” said Stephanie Leroux, a university counselor for the International School of Bergamo, Italy. “The combination of campus visits, workshops, and the chance to meet directly with university representatives has been invaluable for my work as a counselor.”
The event coincided with ongoing discussions around Spanish regulatory changes for non-EU undergraduate applicants. Set to take effect in 2026, the new rules will require non-EU students or those from countries without reciprocity agreements to pass an entrance exam for foreigners, known as the PAU (Prueba de Acceso a la Universidad). Programs like the SRT Fly-in help counselors navigate the changing landscape of admission processes and entry requirements.
“Staying informed about evolving admission processes is crucial,” said Sandra Zea, college placement advisor at Colegio Buckingham, Colombia. “Having accurate information delivered firsthand regarding admissions changes ensures we can provide the best guidance to our students, helping them make well-informed decisions about their future.”
For universities, the SRT Fly-in offered a unique opportunity to discuss student concerns and priorities in person with counselors while broadening their global outreach.
“The fly-in was an invaluable chance to connect with counselors, understand the challenges their students face, and explore how we can better support their guidance efforts,” said Andrés Giraldo, field marketing manager from IED Madrid. “Putting faces to names and allowing counselors to experience universities in a more humanized, immersive way helped build stronger relationships and enhance mutual understanding and collaboration.
As its network of counselors and universities expands, SRT remains dedicated to advancing international education through transformative events that connect students, schools, and universities globally
These direct interactions are vital as universities compete in an increasingly globalized education market.
“Fly-ins offer counselors a unique opportunity to immerse in the university environment firsthand,” said Alfonso Peña, university partnerships regional manager for SRT. “Engaging directly with faculty and admissions teams enables counselors to guide their students with accurate and informed advice.”
The SRT Fly-in is part of the organization’s broader mission to connect schools, counselors and universities worldwide through dynamic events that bridge education systems and global study opportunities. With over 15 years of experience, SRT has evolved to meet the changing needs of international education, offering a mix of in-person fairs, counselor fly-ins, and online e-conferences that connect counselors and universities to support students in exploring worldwide higher education study opportunities.
As its network of counselors and universities expands, SRT remains dedicated to advancing international education through transformative events that connect students, schools, and universities globally.
Do you want to learn more about how SRT Fairs connects the global education community through impactful events? Get in touch! info@srtfairs.com.
Photo caption: SRT Fly-in Spain participants and Alfonso Peña.
Originally published in The PIE News.
