EXPERTISE

WHAT IS AN IEC?

A qualified Independent Educational Consultant works only for your family. They provide expert and unbiased assistance in what can be an overwhelming and confusing process. Finding the right college match for the student is the primary objective. An independent consultant has the time to explore a variety of options in detail with the student and his or her family. Ideally, this customized process takes place over several years. A qualified educational consultant has first- hand knowledge of a variety of colleges and universities as well as access to resources through professional colleagues and organizations. A consultant does not get you admitted – they help you demonstrate why you deserve to be admitted.

Mrs. Gatzionis believes that the college admissions process is not only about being accepted to a particular school – it is about thriving at a college that is the right fit for the particular student. To that end, your college counselor brings firsthand knowledge about individual schools gained through visiting the schools as well as playing an active role in a dynamic professional international network of colleagues. As a member of the following professional organizations dedicated to college admissions counseling, they stay current on trends in the field. Laura O. Gatzionis a member of and attends conferences and webinars hosted by IECA, (Independent Educational Consultants Association), International ACAC (International Association for College Admission Counseling), UCAS (University and College Admissions Service) and various institutions. Membership in these professional organizations requires specific credentials and a strong commitment to standard ethical practices.

It is important that the student has ownership of the application process, and we gently guide them with support and motivation throughout this transitional cycle. We provide information to help high school students make informed decisions regarding post-secondary education possibilities. We help students discover the wide range of educational choices available and we assist them in finding the best fit possible for their college experience. We make it possible for the student to relax and truly enjoy the process of self-discovery. In addition, as college “coaches”, we help students to stay organized and motivated, and we make sure they meet their deadlines throughout the process, which often helps to keep the parent-student relationship healthy. Independent Educational Consultants serve as an important resource for support and attention during this exciting and challenging time.

As an acknowledged expert in the field of international college counseling, Mrs. Gatzionis instructs two University of California – Irvine, Division of Continuing Education courses. Both “American College Consulting for the International Student” and “International College Consulting for the American Student” are designed to broaden the knowledge base of high school counselors and independent educational consultants.

Laura O’Brien Gatzionis, Certified Educational Planner, has lived abroad for more than 30 years and established Educational Advisory Services in Athens, Greece in 2010. She specializes in working with global nomads, and international students who are interested in attending English-taught degrees at a university outside of their home country. Mrs. Gatzionis has an M.Ed. in International Counseling with a focus on incorporating multicultural dimensions to meet the needs of diverse clients, and is a former member of the IECA Board and Executive Board of Directors and has served on numerous committees as an active professional member of International ACAC. Mrs. Gatzionis specializes in working with TCKs (Third Culture Kids) and the issues surrounding their transition to university in the U.S. Mrs. Gatzionis also assists students with special issues–such as gifted and talented students or students with learning disabilities–to find the right college fit.

Educational Advisory Services believes in working with students from an early age and often begins with students from the 3rd year of junior high school (3rd Gymnasium), although many clients begin to focus on the process at the beginning of the first year of IB (2nd Lykiou).