According to ICEF Insights 2025, payment systems have become a frontline issue in student satisfaction and agent-school relationships. Parents want clarity. Agents want accountability. And students — especially those in junior programmes — need assurance that their tuition is being used to support real value.
That’s why Dragon Study Tours has moved to a transparent NET-rate system for all group bookings, aligned with ICEF’s best practices. Agents receive clear breakdowns of what’s included: tuition, accommodation, airport transfers, entrance fees, exam registration, and even bottled water quotas. There are no hidden surcharges, upsells, or on-arrival surprise costs.
ICEF reports that digital payments are expected by 89% of parents globally, but not all institutions are delivering the clarity or reliability parents need. Dragon Study Tours avoids credit card systems entirely, working only via international bank transfer with a clear invoicing structure. It’s easier to track, easier to manage in group blocks, and offers a full audit trail — a key reassurance for schools, especially those booking 6–12 months in advance.
What does this mean for partners? It builds trust. ICEF outlines how payment friction is one of the top causes of dropout in the post-pandemic landscape. But when a programme like Dragon is able to confirm bookings with a 25% deposit, hold rooms and instructors, and allow agents to lock in pricing early — everyone wins.
Additionally, Dragon provides agents with branded receipts and confirmation packs, ensuring that parents and school directors have documentation on hand. A welcome pack with emergency contacts and insurance documentation is issued before travel.
In 2025, it’s not just about offering a great programme. It’s about making sure the financial side is just as seamless. ICEF makes that clear — and Dragon Study Tours is ahead of the curve.
