At the College Board International Counselor Workshops 2026 held at The Delhi Public School Society, Greater Noida over two-days recently, a first time in India, participation of educators from multiple countries reflected the program’s expanding global footprint. Building on this momentum, the College Board says it remains committed to further growing the cohort and broadening participation in future editions.
The workshops addressed a fast-evolving need for professional guidance systems in schools. Sessions focused on ethical counselling, admissions planning, affordability, student-fit models, AI in admissions, and multidisciplinary pathways aligned with the National Education Policy 2020. The programme also highlighted College Board initiatives, including SAT and AP pathways, official readiness resources, and AP Career Kickstart, which connects rigorous academic choices with emerging career opportunities.
Speaking about the workshop, Mr James Zika, Senior Director, International Planning, Operations & Events at College Board, said, “Students today are exploring higher education opportunities across a wider range of countries, institutions, and academic pathways than ever before. As these choices expand, the role of counsellors becomes increasingly important in helping students and families navigate admissions systems, timelines, affordability, and long-term fit. At College Board, we see strong value in investing in counsellor development through practical training, global perspectives, and peer learning. The response to this workshop reflects growing demand in India for credible, structured guidance as access to international opportunities continues to broaden.”
Featuring experienced education leaders Wendy Chang and Christopher Moses, the workshops combined global admissions expertise with practical training relevant to Indian counsellors. Sessions covered school profiles, recommendation letters, college list strategy, counselling curriculum design, and helping students evaluate institutions based on academic alignment, affordability, and long-term outcomes.
Commenting on the initiative, Ms. Meenakshi Kachroo Chatta, Senior Director and Regional Head, South and Central Asia at College Board, said, “India’s counselling ecosystem is at an important inflection point. CBSE’s recent decision to mandate socio-emotional and career counsellors across affiliated schools signals growing recognition that student success depends on informed guidance alongside academic achievement. Students today are navigating wider career choices, multidisciplinary pathways, and increasing domestic and global higher education options. Through the International Counsellor Workshops, we aim to equip educators with practical tools and relevant frameworks that help schools strengthen counselling systems and support better student outcomes across India.”
A key highlight of the programme was its experiential format, including mock admissions simulations and the Fit + Feasibility Framework, helping counsellors guide students on academic fit, affordability, visa considerations, and logistics. The workshop concluded with a forward-looking session on upcoming College Board initiatives and optional campus immersion visits that enabled peer learning and exposure to varied academic environments.
