Q&A Let’s get to know the new FELCA members: ANEX Colombia
At the end of 2025, Felca welcomed ANEX, the Colombian Association of Agents. The following is a Q&A session to learn more about ANEX.
ANEX is the National Association of Study Abroad Agencies in Colombia, since 2001. Its primary mission is to unite and represent the leading educational agencies in Colombia, ensuring the highest standards of quality and ethical practices in the services provided to students seeking international education opportunities.
ANEX’s FELCA membership ā says ANEXās executive director, Alejandra Crespo – significantly enhances our global credibility and influence within the international education sector, providing structured channels for best practice exchange with leading associations worldwide, ensuring our members operate under internationally audited quality standards.
Currently, ANEX brings together 36 affiliated agencies with offices in various cities across Colombia, some of which also have a presence in Mexico, Chile, Australia, Bolivia, Ecuador, Canada, and the United States. Additionally, we have the support of 22 partners, including educational institutions and education service providers, as well as 12 honorary allies, including the British Council, ICEF, English USA, English UK, Education NZ, Austrade, among others.
Who are ANEX Board members?
Adriana PeƱuela from Pacific International Studies is the chairperson, and the members of the board of directors are: Felipe GƔrces (Extudia), Alejandro Restrepo (Estudiar), Sergio Alfonso Gallego (Kiosk), SebastiƔn Barrientos (Grasshopper), Carlos Angel from (Blue Studies), Jorge Otero (Study Union), Rodrigo Bastidas (Infinity Education)
The new board of directors will be appointed at the General Assembly in March, and it will vote for the presidency for the 2026-2027 term.
What are your plans for 2026?
ANEX plans to expand and systematise a series of micro-sessions and themed roundtables that provide direct feedback and insight for sector stakeholders, strengthen relationships with emerging destinations, and continue investing significantly in the training and professional development of agency staff. We will deepen our commitment to global quality standards by increasing certifications among members, leveraging our FELCA membership as a key market differentiator, and implementing enhanced student protection protocols. Our strategic vision extends to integrating and implementing data-driven decision-making with transparent industry benchmarks and annual reporting, and modernizing service delivery through technology while maintaining the human-centered guidance that students need for life-changing decisions.
What trends do you see – now and in the future – in the Colombian market?
In Latin America Colombia has emerged as one of the leading and fastest-growing source markets for international students. A combination of powerful socio-economic factors make studying abroad a necessary investment for young Colombians. Young Colombians view overseas education as a vital tool to gain a competitive advantage and stand out in a saturated domestic job market.
What could it be, in your opionion, a target for Felca in the next future?
A key priority for FELCA should be to achieve closer and more effective coordination between countries and their associations, so that we truly feel supported and represented as a sector. We believe FELCA can play a crucial role in bringing us together, sharing best practices, and helping us build a stronger regional voice with international partners and other key stakeholders in the education ecosystem.Ā Furthermore Felca could support us by acting as an intermediary with institutions, especially in areas that are difficult to address at a local level due to scale or reach: access to strategic information about other markets, the development of regional and international partnerships, and guidance in negotiations or framework agreements that benefit all members, such as B2C initiatives and good practices. It could also help coordinate good practices, selfāregulation, and the strategic positioning of member agencies, following models used in other associations. In addition, it could foster member participation in dialogues with migration and education authorities; support and influence public policies related to study visas, accreditation, and quality standards; and facilitate communication between member associations and government entities to promote closer relationships and stronger support for members.