Connecting Institutions. Empowering Students.
Helping universities build meaningful partnerships across Europe through strategic market insight, trusted introductions and student-centred support.
Book a discovery call
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I know this world because I live in it.
I was once the international student trying to figure out a new country and a new university system. Now I help universities find the right students, in the right markets, through the right partners.
I started this work in 2020, building the European partner network for a US university in Hawaiʻi. Over the years I've guided hundreds of students from their very first question about studying abroad all the way to move-in day.
Along the way I learned something you can't really put in a strategy deck: internationalisation runs on relationships. A good strategy can spot an opportunity. A good partnership can open a door. But it's trust - and just showing up, consistently, over time -that actually gets results.
That's why I started VELICO. It's a small, boutique consultancy, and I work directly with universities to build and grow their presence in Europe through market strategy, partnerships, and student engagement.
If Europe's part of your plans, let's talk.
MBA Educational
Leadership
Tampere University of Applied Sciences, Finland
MA Digital Communication & Media
Malmö University, Sweden
BA (Hons) International Communications
Hanze University of Applied Sciences, Netherlands
Exchange semester, International Relations
Rangsit University, Thailand
From first questionto first day on campus
I work with European students ready to study abroad - guiding them from choosing where to apply to arriving on campus. I've done this journey myself. I know what helps.
Finding
Your Fit
The right country, city and programme for your goals - not just the most recognisable name.
Country and programme shortlisting
Entry requirements review
Tuition and cost of living guidance
Connection with current students
Applying with Confidence
A different process to what you know.
I walk you through every step.
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Timeline and deadline planning
Document checklist and review
Personal statement guidance
Submission and follow-up
Ready
to Go
Your offer is confirmed.
Now the real preparation begins.
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Visa and immigration guidance
Housing and budgeting support
Pre-departure checklist
First-semester check-in
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What I do
Every institution has different ambitions, challenges, and opportunities. Whether you're exploring new markets, building partnerships, or strengthening the international student experience, I provide practical support tailored to your goals.
European Market Strategy
Expanding into Europe requires more than market data. I help institutions understand where they can succeed, evaluate new opportunities, and develop practical strategies for sustainable international growth.
Prioritise target markets
Assess market potential
Optimise recruitment investment
Develop market strategies
Institutional Partnerships
Strong partnerships are built on shared goals, not introductions alone. I help institutions connect with the right partners, facilitate meaningful introductions, and build collaborations that create long-term value.
Connect with strategic partners
Facilitate trusted introductions
Build institutional relationships
Foster long-term collaboration
Student
Support
Successful internationalisation doesn't end with recruitment. I help institutions prepare and engage international students before they arrive through clear communication, webinars, and authentic Student Stories that build confidence from day one.
Design pre-arrival communication
Deliver student webinars
Produce Student Stories videos
Strengthen student engagement
How it works
Free consultation
We start with a 30-minute conversation about where you are and what you are looking for - your subject, your budget, your timeline and what kind of experience you want.
Your shortlist
Based on our conversation, I put together a shortlist of destinations and programmes that genuinely fit your profile. I explain the realistic picture for each one - entry requirements, costs, what life is like there.
Application support
I guide you through the full application process - documents, deadlines, personal statement, submission. Every step is handled together so nothing gets missed.
From offer to arrival
Once your place is confirmed I stay with you - visa, housing, pre-departure preparation and a check-in once you arrive. You leave knowing exactly what to expect.
How We Work Together
No two institutions are the same. Working together is a journey — it starts with a conversation and grows from there. Here’s how:
Initial conversation
We start with a conversation about your institution, your priorities, and the challenges or opportunities you want to address. This tells us both where I can add the most value.
Landscape assessment
Together, we assess your current position and identify where the real opportunities lie — a clear plan grounded in your goals and the realities of the European higher education landscape.
Connections & delivery
This is where plans become outcomes: introductions to the right partners, support for strategic initiatives, and student engagement that delivers.
Long-term advisory
Internationalisation is a journey, not a project. I stay involved as partnerships develop, strategies evolve, and new opportunities emerge.
A network built on real relationships
I've spent more than a decade getting to know the people behind international higher education across Europe—through campus visits, education fairs, conferences, and countless conversations. These relationships allow me to connect institutions with the right people, creating opportunities that lead to meaningful, long-term collaboration.
Universities & Colleges
From large public universities to specialist colleges — active relationships across Western, Northern and Central Europe
Recruitment agents
People I've worked with, vetted and trust — not names pulled from a directory. Each one has a proven track record I can speak to directly
High school counsellors
Connections with school counsellors across Europe — a direct route to students at the point they are making decisions about where to study
VELICO in action
Student voices. Real experiences.
Since 2018, I’ve built and managed the European recruitment network for a US university in Hawaiʻi — and supported their incoming students from acceptance to arrival. These student-led videos are one part of that onboarding programme: real students sharing their honest experience of housing, costs, and island life.
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Finding housing
International student
How much it costs
International student
Fun things to do
International student
Student Support Includes
Student support can be tailored to your institution and delivered through a combination of digital resources, live sessions, and personalised guidance to help students feel informed, prepared, and connected before they arrive.
Student Voices Videos
Authentic stories from current international students.
Live
Webinars
Interactive sessions that answer students' questions before arrival.
Pre-Departure Sessions
Helping students prepare for life and study abroad.
1-to-1
Support
Personal guidance for students who need additional reassurance.
Pre-Arrival
Hub
A dedicated online space with practical resources before arrival.
In their own words
Mihaela's work always goes above and beyond our expectations. She has a knack for seeking out opportunities and developing relationships that add to the diversity of HPU’s student body. Mihaela is a strategic thinker and provides insight that helps us make crucial decisions in a way that is easy to understand. She is a pleasure to work with and is very passionate about international education. I recommend her without hesitation!
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Sara Sato
Mihaela was part of the international marketing and recruitment team at Hanze UAS in Groningen for over 5years. She helped build the foundations of our IS Team and had a big role in our digital marketing execution. Mihaela performed above and beyond in virtually all facets of her job. She is excellent at managing relationships with agents and partners. She is a professional, has a natural talent for communications, is innovative and was one of our best university ambassadors. I whole heartedly recommend Mihaela!
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Anneke Boonstra
It’s always a pleasure working with Mihaela. Not only is she great at speaking with students, she is also very responsive when it comes to agent relationships. Mihaela is very business minded and is great at stakeholder management. Together with Mihaela, we have worked on securing a special deal for our students at one of our US partners, which ultimately led to record high enrollment numbers despite the pandemic. I can highly recommend working with Mihaela.
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Michael Jerking
I have known Mihaela for many years, and it is always a genuine pleasure to collaborate with her. She is driven, motivated, and consistently committed to delivering high‑quality work. Whether engaging with students or academic staff, she inspires, fosters enthusiasm, and ensures that everyone feels seen and supported. Mihaela makes you realize how rewarding and fun it is to be involved in the business of internationalisation.
Axel Eikner
Let's connect!
Whether you’re building partnerships in Europe, rethinking your internationalisation strategy, or looking to better support your international students — let’s talk.
The first conversation is informal and without obligation. If we work together, you’ll work directly with me, and costs are always clear from the start.
Book a discovery call