TOEFL® and wearefreemovers Partner to Support Global Student Mobility and Educational Opportunities
The TOEFL program is embarking on a new and exciting partnership with wearefreemovers, an online platform that allows semester study abroad students (also known as free movers) to apply directly to programs at universities worldwide.
Besides providing an easy, streamlined application system to alleviate students’ stress and uncertainty in the process, wearefreemovers also offers accommodation, insurance, language testing, and guides/consultancy for students.
With a shared mission to break down barriers to international education by empowering students to study abroad, the TOEFL program and wearefreemovers are excited to explore and realize the many opportunities the partnership will bring.
A partnership for growth
Because proof of English language proficiency is one of the most common requirements for students wanting to study abroad and the TOEFL iBT test is the most widely accepted around the world, Andrea Pellini, Co-Founder, CEO & Chairman of wearefreemovers, says the partnership with TOEFL is a crucial step in streamlining the study abroad process for students.
Pellini explains how the integration of TOEFL on their platform works:
“When students select their dream destination, they may be required to provide an English proficiency certificate, such as TOEFL. From their application page on wearefreemovers, they can seamlessly book an appointment to take the TOEFL test. This allows students to pause their application until they receive their certification, after which they can upload the necessary proof and complete their application on our platform. In the meanwhile, by booking the English language testing exam, the applicant demonstrates a commitment to join the selected institution.”
Challenges to student mobility
When asked about challenges to the semester mobility process, Pellini explains there are complexities for both students and institutions.
“Students often face a confusing and fragmented application system, with each university having its own requirements, deadlines, and procedures. This can make it difficult for students to find all the necessary information in one place, leading to frustration and missed opportunities,” says Pellini.
He adds that on the institutional side, managing applications from international students—especially those outside traditional exchange agreements can be cumbersome.
wearefreemovers aims to simplify the process for both sides. Students receive a streamlined application process that allows them to apply to multiple institutions at once, often receiving results ahead of the official deadlines and without paying any initial application fees.
As for institutions, Pellini states, “we make it easier to manage incoming applications from free movers by standardizing the process, which ultimately helps them attract a more diverse pool of international students.”
Aside from diversifying a university's student body and strengthening its reputation from a global perspective, accepting free movers as part of enrollment processes creates financial gain for institutions.
Pellini explains that, unlike traditional exchange students, free movers pay tuition fees directly to the host university. “This creates an additional revenue stream, allowing universities to reinvest in their programs, infrastructure, and student services. By accepting more free movers, universities can increase their capital, which in turn supports improvements to their academic offerings and facilities.”
Growing awareness for the Free Mover concept
wearefreemovers is also working towards a larger goal to standardize the terminology of ‘free mover’ since the use of different terms worldwide can cause misunderstanding or confusion for students and universities.
“The concept of the free mover has steadily gained popularity as students increasingly seek more flexible options outside of traditional exchange programs,” says Pellini.
If students’ home universities don’t offer programs in highly sought-after regions for students seeking to build a global career, the free mover program provides them the opportunity instead of having to settle for an option that doesn’t align with their aspirations.
“What excites us most about partnering with TOEFL is the opportunity to raise awareness about the free mover semester and expand its reach,” said Pellini.
Aspiring study abroad students can find destinations like the U.S, South America, the U.K., Europe, and Australia on the wearefreemovers platform.