Monday 06 / October / 2025
ABA Oman International School proudly hosted the International Association for College Admission Counseling (IACAC) Regional Institute this weekend, bringing together university and college counsellors, university and college admission representatives, independent educational consultants and educators from across the globe.
The three-day event, inaugurated by Mr. Craig Williamson, Head of School at ABA Oman International School, set the tone for a truly international exchange of ideas and opportunities. In his opening address, Mr. Williamson spoke about the importance of global-minded education, highlighting ABA’s diverse community and the school’s role in preparing young people for success beyond borders.
In his address, Mr. Williamson stated, “All of our graduates receive university acceptances from top institutions around the world and have the opportunity to experience diverse cultures and perspectives. As counselors and university admissions representatives, you play a vital role in this journey. Your guidance helps students navigate choices that shape their futures, empowering them to pursue global opportunities, embrace new experiences, and realize their full potential. Programmes like the Global Citizenship Diploma, which ABA proudly supports, provide students with the tools to grow into ethical, compassionate, and globally engaged individuals, and your work is at the heart of that transformation.”
This Regional Institute is designed to connect secondary school counselors within the Middle East and North Africa region with university admission advising tools and global networks of colleges and universities. It also provides colleges and universities with the opportunity to deepen their understanding of students from the Middle East and North African markets. Through in-depth presentations and focused conversations, participants gain valuable insights into the educational process, admission requirements, fees, scholarships, and the challenges and opportunities students face when applying to colleges and universities outside the region.
The event featured a College and University Fair with more than 100 leading institutions from the United States, Canada, the Middle East, Europe, Asia, and beyond. Secondary school students had the opportunity to meet admission representatives in person and learn about programmes, scholarships, and the undergraduate admission process.
Ms. Jinane Helou, ABA’s University Counsellor, emphasized the value of such networking opportunities for both students and counselors. “Hosting the IACAC Regional Meet at ABA has been an incredible experience,” said Ms. Helou. “Our students benefit from direct engagement with universities from around the world, and as counselors, we gain invaluable insights into new programmes, evolving admission trends, and scholarship pathways. It’s all about building strong relationships, learning from each other and connecting students with opportunities that fit their passions and goals.”
The final day of the event included a Counselor Fair, where visiting universities learned about the diverse academic programmes and college counselling approaches of regional schools, fostering greater understanding and collaboration across educational systems.
Mr. Daniel Marschner, International ACAC President-Elect and Director of International Admission at Loyola Marymount University, expressed his appreciation for ABA’s hospitality and the enriching cultural experiences throughout the weekend. “The warmth of the ABA community and the professionalism of the organizing team made this regional meet a tremendous success,” said Mr. Marschner. “From the productive sessions and school visits to the cultural immersion, especially the authentic Omani dinner at Rozna; it was an unforgettable experience that strengthened our global network of educators and counselors.”
The International ACAC Regional Institute at ABA underscored the school’s ongoing commitment to fostering international collaboration and preparing students to thrive in an interconnected world.
ABA Oman International School is Muscat’s leading International Baccalaureate (IB) School, offering a full IB continuum from Early Childhood to the Diploma Programme. Established in 1987, ABA is renowned for academic excellence, innovation, and a deep commitment to sustainability, service learning, and global citizenship. With a diverse student body representing 70 nationalities, the school fosters an inclusive community rooted in the values of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB), empowering students to thrive in a complex world and make a meaningful difference. To discover The ABA Way, visit www.abaoman.org
