It was a time in the late 80s before the liberalization of the Indian economy when a young graduate, Sushil Sukhwani, dreamed and desired with all his might to study abroad. At first, he wished for his dream destination— America.
However, Sushil soon finds out the first biggest challenge. He couldn’t study in the land of his dreams. Yet, he did not lose hope. In his words, “When institutions in the USA told me I couldn’t study there because I had a three-year bachelor’s degree, I turned to the Australian Consulate General in Mumbai for guidance about the possibility of studying in Australia.”
To Sushil’s surprise, they were unaware of his options and only provided a phone number for the High Commission in Delhi. Undeterred, he took a 16-hour train ride to visit them in person. They, too, didn’t have information.
Sushil then travelled to Sydney, Australia. He had to go the extra mile to find his perfect university fit. “I visited an education fair and then toured 15 campuses across Australia before making my final decision,” he says, reflecting on his journey.
After completing his MBA, Sushil realized that his saga had just begun with a blend of personal passion and a keen awareness of the challenges students face in pursuing an education abroad. He adds, “My arduous path to earning an MBA abroad, which I eventually completed at Bond University in Australia, fueled my desire to simplify this process for others.”
This experience highlighted the need for genuine support for the aspirants, as Sushil had to go through such a challenging journey before being able to study at an international institution. Recognizing this gap in the market for guidance and support motivated him to set up Edwise International in 1991.
“The potential to transform lives through education became my driving force,” says Sushil, who imagined a consultancy that not only assists students but also empowers them to realize their dreams. This initial spark of inspiration ignited his commitment to facilitate global education opportunities for anyone wanting to study abroad, “And I am proud to have built Edwise on this foundation. Today, we have expanded to 24 branches across India, making it easier for students nationwide to access the guidance and resources they need to pursue their dreams of studying abroad.”
In the last 33 years, Edwise became a pioneering platform that provides comprehensive guidance and support. As the Founder and CEO of Edwise International and a member of the American International Recruitment Council (AIRC), Sushil is committed to ethical recruitment practices and ensuring the best interests of students. Edwise’s core mission is to empower students and help them achieve their academic and career aspirations.
Through personalized counselling, expert guidance, and a strong network of international institutions, Edwise has helped countless students secure admissions to top universities worldwide. Sushil’s hands-on approach and dedication to excellence have made Edwise a trusted name in the field of international education.
Fostering an Aspirant Community
The guiding philosophy of Edwise International is rooted in trust and excellence, says Sushil. “We believe that every student has unique aspirations and needs.” So, they focus on understanding individual goals and providing tailored support to help them achieve them. This student-centric philosophy has propelled their success, ensuring that they remain not just a consultancy but a trusted partner in their students’ educational journeys.
To date, Sushil and his company have successfully sent over 2,00,000 students to study abroad, a testament to their commitment and effectiveness in guiding them toward their academic goals. By cultivating strong relationships with educational institutions worldwide, which today amount to more than 950 institutions, they empower students by giving them the chance to make informed choices. “Our mission extends beyond just placements; it’s about fostering a community where aspirations are nurtured, and students are given the space to flourish into high agency individuals ready to thrive in a global landscape,” he states.
In today’s evolving educational landscape, Edwise stands out through a few key USPs:
- Free personalized counseling since 1991,
- Global partnerships with 950+ universities, and
- A visa success rate of 99% – which is the highest in the industry.
Sushil adds, “We pride ourselves on offering tailored guidance that aligns with each student’s individual aspirations, connecting them to top universities in over 16 countries, such as the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, and many others.”
Additionally, Sushil and his expert team offer coaching for all major tests like TOEFL, PTE, IELTS, GMAT, GRE, ACT, SAT, etc. They also assist with career counselling, admissions assistance, scholarship assistance, acquiring education loans, booking flight tickets and accommodation assistance to support their students throughout their journey. “Our commitment to student success and satisfaction remains unwavering, making us a trusted choice for aspiring international students,” he insists.
A Mountain of Motivation
Sushil’s dynamic leadership style is often recognized as a driving force behind Edwise International’s achievements. According to him, his approach to leadership is founded on collaboration and empowerment. “I believe that a strong, motivated team is essential for success,” he says, fostering an open environment where ideas are encouraged and everyone’s voice matters. “Regular team-building activities and training sessions are also integral to our culture, helping us grow collectively and individually,” he adds. By investing in his team’s development, Sushil ensures they are equipped to provide the best guidance to our students. Celebrating achievements, both big and small, reinforces their shared commitment to excellence. This dynamic leadership style has cultivated a passionate, dedicated team that is genuinely invested in its mission, which drives the company forward.
The essence of future educational revolution lies in innovation, disruptions, and enhancing the learner experience. Striking a balance between teaching efficiency and student satisfaction is vital to their mission at Edwise, says Sushil. He adds, “We implement innovative teaching methodologies that prioritize student engagement and learning outcomes.” Their emphasis on personalized support, combined with comprehensive resources, enhances the overall learner experience. Feedback loops are integral; “We actively seek student input to continuously refine our approach,” Sushil assures. This dual emphasis on efficiency and satisfaction ensures that Edwise students not only gain knowledge but also feel valued and supported throughout their educational journey.
Digitally Equipped Educational Access
Digitalization and technological advancements are crucial aspects of the modern educational ecosystem. Believing in it ardently, Sushil says, Edwise International is the first institute to have a website, a CRM, Chat + Toll-Free and a search engine. Incorporating digitalization and technological advancements is a cornerstone of the company’s strategy.
For example, it was one of the first education consultancies in the space, which introduced the concept of virtual meetings where a student sitting anywhere in the world can directly contact one of its counsellors online and get answers to all their queries. Sushil says they utilize advanced data analytics to understand student needs and preferences better, tailoring their services accordingly. They also invest in training their team to embrace new technologies, fostering a culture of continuous improvement. “Our commitment to integrating technology at every level positions us to effectively meet the evolving demands of the educational landscape,” he adds. It includes communication on Zoom and WhatsApp.
Edwise International achieved remarkable success due to its numerous transformational initiatives. One of the hallmark initiatives that exemplifies its commitment to excellence and innovation is the “World Education Fair.” Pioneered by Edwise, this event is organized in 17 cities throughout India and serves as a comprehensive platform for students aspiring to study abroad. It brings together representatives from top universities worldwide, allowing students to interact directly with them, ask questions, and receive tailored guidance–all under one roof.
What makes the World Education Fair truly special is that it’s completely free of charge for attendees. This commitment to accessibility ensures that students from diverse backgrounds can benefit from high-quality information and resources without financial barriers. “Over the years, we’ve expanded this initiative to host multiple events throughout the year, each attracting thousands of students eager to explore their educational options,” Sushil informs.
A Proficient Team for the Dream-work
As the cornerstone of any successful institution, Sushil says that at Edwise, they view their counsellors and teaching staff as the backbone of their institution. “To foster a culture of growth and empowerment, we prioritize professional development through workshops and training programs, which ensures that they are well prepared to assist the students in any way,” he adds. They encourage their employees to pursue continuous learning, ensuring they stay updated on industry trends and best practices.
Recognizing and rewarding individual contributions is also crucial, adds Sushil. “We celebrate milestones and achievements to motivate our team.” This supportive environment cultivates not only skill development but also a sense of belonging, inspiring the staff to excel in their roles and contribute meaningfully to their students’ success. “We have a blended internet training system with 1:1 training, mock counselling, buddy counselling, training curricula and tests,” he reveals.
Outwitting Obstacles
As a leader in India’s educational sector, Sushil and Edwise’s journey hasn’t been without challenges. One particular instance that tested their resilience was during the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. “As international travel restrictions emerged, we had to pivot rapidly to online counselling and support services,” recalls Sushil, adding, “The ingenuity of our team shone through as we developed virtual workshops, webinars, and one-on-one virtual consultations to ensure students remained informed and connected.”
This proactive approach not only helped them maintain their service quality but also strengthened their relationships with students and institutions. “We also assisted students in navigating the complex visa processes that arose due to the pandemic. The collective determination and adaptability of our team turned a crisis into an opportunity for growth and innovation,” he says with pride.
Furthermore, in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, they’ve implemented robust contingency plans to prepare for future uncertainties. This includes enhancing their digital infrastructure to facilitate seamless online operations and ensure continuity of services regardless of external circumstances. “We’ve established flexible communication channels to keep our students informed and supported, no matter the situation.” By fostering a culture of agility and adaptability, Sushil says they are well-equipped to navigate future disruptions, ensuring that their mission to support students remains unwavering.
A Value-Adding Advice
Education is a way for the Indian economy to pace up its knowledge potential and capacity. To budding entrepreneurs venturing into the educational space, Sushil advises them to prioritize understanding the needs of their students before developing their offerings. “The education sector is diverse, and identifying gaps where you can add value is crucial.” Ensure that lasting relationships are built with educational institutions and stakeholders to create a supportive network. Don’t forget to embrace technology and innovation, as they are key drivers in today’s landscape.
Most importantly, remain adaptable; the educational landscape is ever-evolving. “Stay committed to your vision while being open to feedback and change. Your passion for overseas education and counselling will ultimately pave the way for your venture’s success.”
At The Forefront of Transforming International Education
Looking ahead to 2025, Sushil’s vision for Edwise International is to expand its reach and open even more branches across India while keeping the success of its students as its top priority. “Collaborating with more global institutions will also be a top priority as that allows us to offer even broader opportunities to our students,” he adds.
Their focus will remain on fostering a supportive community that prioritizes individual aspirations. “By continuously innovating and adapting to the educational landscape, we aim to be at the forefront of transforming international education, making a lasting impact on students’ lives in India and beyond,” he concludes.
