The Deciding Factor in Choosing a Study Abroad Agent is 'Counselor Compatibility' at Nearly 50%, Mitsukaru Eikaiwa Conducts Survey

IID Corporation (Headquarters: Nakano-ku, Tokyo; Representative Director: Hiroshi Miyakawa; hereinafter referred to as IID), which operates the information site 'Mitsukaru Eikaiwa' specializing in English learning, conducted a 'Survey on Study Abroad Agents' targeting 138 individuals with experience using study abroad agents.

This survey aims to clarify the real-life situation of users, from their methods of gathering information about study abroad agents to their decision-making criteria for contracts, reasons for using paid support, and communication with their assigned representatives. The survey results revealed that the biggest factor in ultimately deciding on a study abroad agent is 'compatibility with the counselor.'

Survey Overview Title: Survey on Study Abroad Agents Survey Period: November 30, 2025 – December 10, 2025 Number of Valid Responses: 138 Survey Method: Online survey conducted via the crowdsourcing service 'CrowdWorks.'

The results are as follows:

[Survey of 138 Study Abroad Participants] Nearly Half Were Working Adults When Studying Abroad We asked about the attributes of our survey respondents at the time of their study abroad experience. The response results are as follows:

| Attribute | Percentage | | :------------------------------- | :--------- | | Working Adult | 47.8% | | Student (University/Graduate) | 38.4% | | Student (High School/Vocational/Junior College) | 10.9% | | Other | 2.9% |

[Distribution of Study Abroad Duration] Short-term study abroad of less than 1-3 months accounts for about 30% When asked, 'What was the duration of your study abroad?', the most common response was 'less than 1-3 months (31.9%),' indicating the highest number of participants experienced short-term study abroad. Following that, '1 year or more (21.7%)' represented long-term study abroad participants. Other responses included '6 months to less than 1 year (18.8%),' '3 months to less than 6 months (17.4%),' and 'less than 1 month (10.1%),' showing a wide range of study durations.

[Top 5 Study Abroad Agents] 'Sumaryu' Was the Most Frequently Used Agent The results of the question, 'Which study abroad agents have you used?', are as follows, with the top five listed in order of votes: * Sumaryu: 28 votes * Ryugaku JOURNAL: 13 votes * EF: 10 votes * Ryugaku Johokan: 7 votes * ISS Ryugaku Life / Last Resort: 6 votes each

Many other diverse agent names were mentioned, and the results were closely contested. This suggests that study abroad agents are diversifying, allowing individuals to choose freely based on their own hopes and needs.

[Realities of Information Gathering] Official Websites and Comparison Sites Account for About 60%; SNS Use is Limited In response to the question, 'What was the most helpful source of information when searching for a study abroad agent?', 'Online reviews, reputation sites, and blogs (37.7%)' was the most common answer, followed by 'Agent's official website (27.5%).' Combined, these two sources accounted for approximately 60%, highlighting the reality that today's prospective students primarily gather information online. On the other hand, 'Personal experiences on social media (X, Instagram, etc.)' accounted for only 7.2%, suggesting that for selecting an agent where reliability and comprehensive information are crucial, official websites and systematically compiled comparison sites remain the main sources.

[Reasons for Use] From 'Procedures' to 'On-site Support': Resolving Anxieties, Demand as a Reliable Consultation Source When asked, 'What was the primary reason you decided to use a study abroad agent?', the most frequent answer was 'Because the procedures (school selection, visa application, etc.) felt troublesome or complex (62.0%).' Other responses included: 'Because I wasn't sure which school or country was right for me (10.2%),' and 'Because I wanted to know the market price for costs (including scholarship information) and prioritize efficiency (5.1%).' These indicate that resolving concerns during the preparation phase of studying abroad was a significant motivator.

Additionally, 'Because I was anxious about support in the destination country (living, trouble response) (22.6%)' was also mentioned. This suggests that study abroad agents are not only helpful before starting the study abroad journey but also provide ongoing support during the stay, which is a factor contributing to their popularity.

[Comparing Options is Standard] Over 60% Used Multiple Companies; Less Than 40% Used Only One In response to the question, 'How many agencies did you consult with before finally deciding on a contract?', '2 companies (40.6%)' was the most frequent answer. Furthermore, including those who answered '3 companies (15.2%)' and '4 or more companies (5.1%),' approximately 60% of respondents compared and considered multiple agencies. The result that less than 40% (39.1%) answered 'only 1 company' indicates that many people are carefully selecting their agents.

[The Final Deciding Factor is 'People'] About Half Prioritize 'Counselor Compatibility' Most Highly When asked, 'What was the biggest reason you decided to contract with that particular agent?', the answer that garnered the most responses was 'Because the counselor's knowledge and experience were extensive, and I felt a good compatibility (45.7%).' This result significantly outranked 'Because they had extensive track record in arranging for my desired country and schools (23.9%)' and 'Because the fees were free or inexpensive (13.0%).' This strongly suggests that for the significant decision of studying abroad, the presence of a trustworthy 'person' ultimately becomes the deciding factor, more so than service details or price.

[Value of Paid Agents] Quality of Support Becomes the Judgment Criterion Over Price Regarding fee structures, the results were: 'Completely Free' (55.8%), 'Completely Paid' (23.2%), and 'Partially Paid (had both free and paid support options)' (21.0%).

The primary reason for choosing a paid agent was 'Because I expected more thorough support than I could receive from free agents (41 votes).' This result indicates that users are not solely looking to minimize costs but also seek high-quality support and peace of mind, even if it means paying a fee.

[Conditions for a Trustworthy Representative] Sincere Information Provision and a Caring Attitude are Key When asked about 'Behavior perceived as from a trustworthy representative,' the most frequent answer was 'Honestly explained not only the merits but also the demerits and risks (42.0%),' followed by 'They listened carefully to my wishes and situation (26.8%).' This shows that users highly value an attitude that honestly conveys the realities of studying abroad, not just positive information.