We joined more than 1,000 international education practitioners from across Canada and around the world in Québec City for the CBIE 2025 Conference. For those who work in Canadian international education, CBIE is our largest annual gathering—an opportunity to connect, collaborate, and reflect on where we’re headed.
This year’s theme, “The Future in Focus: Advancing International Education in Times of Uncertainty,” felt especially timely. Institutions are navigating a rapidly evolving policy landscape, rethinking how they support international learners, and building strategies for long-term resilience. Throughout the week, I heard a clear message: the sector remains deeply committed to access, quality, and global collaboration. And I was proud to represent a company that shares those commitments.
Showing up for the sector
Duolingo had a strong presence at CBIE this year—on the agenda, in the exhibit hall, and in the conversations shaping the future of our field.
At our booth, we spoke with partners from across Canada. Many came ready to talk about Codes for Canada, our campaign to help institutions better understand the value of test taker-level data. We had great conversations about how the Duolingo English Test can support more informed and inclusive admissions practices—and how we can keep working together to meet shared enrollment goals.
We were also proud to sponsor the NourishED International Career Centre, a new initiative designed to support the career development of higher ed professionals working in international education. As a longtime practitioner myself, it meant a lot to see this official launch. Creating career pathways for the people who power this work is essential to the sector’s future.
Partnering for access
A highlight of the week was a two-hour workshop and panel we co-hosted with World University Service of Canada (WUSC), UNHCR, and Wilfrid Laurier University: “Canadian Post-Secondary Institutions as Global Leaders in Refugee Access to Higher Education.”
We welcomed professionals who are actively working to reduce barriers and expand access for refugee students. Several attendees were student leaders themselves, sharing what they’ve learned from making their campuses more inclusive. It was a powerful space to share updates on Duolingo’s Access Program and to learn from others doing vital work in this space.
Exploring new ideas together
We also hosted a session titled “From Outreach to Enrollment: The Impact of AI in Transforming How Institutions Attract and Evaluate Quality Applicants.” We welcomed Dr. Christian Blouin and Brian Scriver as panelists for the session, and appreciated the thoughtful questions and engagement from the audience.
Attendees came ready to engage, and the Q&A that followed sparked thoughtful questions about how institutions are using technology to better identify, support, and admit top talent. The session gave us a chance to share what we’re learning through the Duolingo English Test, and to listen to how institutions are using AI to make their outreach more strategic—and their admissions more inclusive.
Connecting outside the conference center
We took time to grab some fresh air and exercise with a guided walking tour of Old Québec, joined by a small group of Duolingo English Test partners who braved the elements for a dose of history and connection. Led by a local guide, we explored Québec’s cobblestone streets and UNESCO-recognized architecture, stopping to reflect on the city’s role as a meeting point of languages, cultures, and traditions.
Walking together through one of Canada’s most storied cities gave us space to slow down and reconnect—not just as professionals, but as people who care deeply about access, language, and the human side of global learning. These informal moments reminded us that the work we do is powered by relationships, and strengthened by curiosity, generosity, and shared purpose.
We’re grateful to everyone who bundled up and joined us. Moments like these are what make this work meaningful!
Moving forward with purpose
CBIE reminded me what I love most about working in this space: the people. From the students advocating for equity on their campuses, to the faculty rethinking global learning, to the practitioners doing the hard, behind-the-scenes work of recruiting students, adapting policies, and driving institutional change, this sector is full of people who care deeply about access, learning, and community.
At Duolingo, we’re proud to support Canada’s international education ecosystem. We know that the work doesn’t stop when the conference ends, and we’re here to help our partners build what comes next. Thanks to everyone who stopped by our booth, attended a session, or shared ideas over a meal. We’re already looking forward to the next one!