A snapshot from the US: in conversation with Amerigo’s John Cedergårdh

1. For those not familiar with Amerigo, what does the company do – and why is its expertise needed now more than ever?
   
   Amerigo partners with leading US high schools to help international students succeed academically, socially, and emotionally – and ultimately gain admission to top universities. We offer on-campus programs, residential support, university counselling, and guaranteed outcomes through our new Top 100 Guarantee.
   
   With rising global competition for university places, families need trusted partners who understand both the US system and the needs of international students. That’s where our expertise lies.
   
   
2. From your perspective, what are the biggest challenges currently facing US universities, particularly around international student recruitment?
   
   The main challenge is trust and predictability. Families are more cautious than before about sending their children abroad given political uncertainty, high tuition costs, and visa delays.
   
   At the same time, US universities are under pressure to diversify their enrolments and fill shrinking domestic pipelines. The institutions that succeed are the ones that make the path clearer and more outcome-driven for international students.
   
   
3. How have international student numbers evolved over the past few years, and what do you see as the key drivers?
   
   After a sharp pandemic-era drop, we’ve seen a strong rebound – especially from Asia, the Middle East, and Latin America. Students are again seeking the prestige and career outcomes that US education offers, but they’re also more discerning.
   
   They compare ROI, safety, and post-graduation opportunities more than ever before. That’s pushing providers to deliver both academic excellence and real transparency around outcomes.
   
   
4. Are there upcoming policy or regulatory changes that could reshape international education in the US?
   
   The US election cycle always introduces uncertainty, but there’s broad bipartisan recognition that international students are vital to universities and the economy. The key issues will be visa processing times and potential expansion of work rights through Optional Practical Training (OPT). Streamlined pathways and clearer immigration policies could make the US even more competitive.
   
   
5. The US university sector has faced numerous challenges over the past few months. How is the market responding to those?
   
   We’re seeing universities innovate faster than ever – creating foundation programs, dual-credit partnerships, and guaranteed progression routes. Many are looking to partners to strengthen their pipelines and better prepare students before they arrive on campus. Collaboration between secondary schools, private providers, and universities is becoming the new normal.
   
   
6. What insights have you gained from your students about the biggest challenges and opportunities in applying to top US universities?
   
   Students tell us that navigating the process is overwhelming – from understanding transcripts and SAT requirements to writing essays that stand out. They also worry about fitting in culturally and emotionally once they arrive.
   
   That’s why it’s important to focus on holistic support – not just academics, but also wellbeing, cultural adjustment, and confidence-building.
   
   
7. Talk us through Amerigo’s Top 100 Guarantee
   
   It’s the first program of its kind in US high school education. If our students meet program standards, we guarantee admission to a US university ranked in the Top 100 on program completion.
   
   We built this on data from years of graduate success and partnerships with universities that value our students’ preparation. It gives families the confidence that their investment will lead to a strong university outcome.
   
   
8. How does the Top 100 Guarantee and Top 50 Track reflect broader trends in international student preparation for elite US universities?
   
   It’s about making the path more predictable. Parents today want measurable outcomes, and students want to know that their hard work will translate into real opportunities. The Top 50 Track goes a step further, providing additional academic rigour and personalised counselling for students aiming for the Ivy League and other elite universities.
   
   
9. If you could predict the future of the international education market in the US over the next five years, what three things would you expect to see?
   
   First, a continued shift toward guaranteed and transparent pathways. Second, deeper collaboration between private education providers and universities. And third, more technology-enabled support – from AI-powered college counselling to data-driven student success tracking.
   
   Overall, the US will remain the most desired destination, but success will depend on institutions’ ability to combine quality with certainty.

About the author: John Cedergårdh is the CEO of Amerigo Education, where he leads the Chicago-based company’s mission to support international students on their path to top US universities. He previously served as CEO of Educatius Group and STS Education, and has 20 years of experience of working within international education organisations across Europe, North America, and Asia. 

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