Around the world in five: News round-up

1. Global: If 2015 was the year of pathways and industry consolidation, The Pie News predicts that 2016 will see our industry dominated by the price of oil, an overhaul of English language products, instant message marketing, the refugee crisis, government changes in both source and destination countries, and innovation in student services.  
2. Saudi Arabia: Newly appointed Education Minister Ahmed Al-Issa spoke to Arab News about his priorities for the education system and changes to the outbound scholarship scheme. An announcement on scholarship allocations is expected soon.  
3. China: Chinese students are heading overseas for education at younger ages; Jinghua reports that the proportion of students going abroad for high school has increased from 17 to 27 percent in recent years, in contrast to a decrease from 61 to 44 percent heading overseas after completing high school. Meanwhile, approvals for pathway programmes to Western universities are being curtailed according to Times Higher Education.  
4. United States: ICEF Monitor reports on recent surveys which compared the perceptions between U.S. students and admission officers as to which communications channels are the most effective for reaching and engaging prospective students. The results may surprise.  
5. Brazil: The Pie News reports on concerns a proposed tax may have on the outbound study abroad market. Students may need to pay tax on tuition to foreign institutions.