Andrew is the editor-in-chief of the international education section of China Education Online, a government-endorsed news website for Chinese students and their families. Andrew studied in the UK and went on to represent many British institutions in China. He told us about securing his first job after graduating and how he hopes to continue informing Chinese students about international study opportunities.
Introduce yourself in three words or phrases.
1. UK alumnus
I graduated from the University of Glasgow in 2004 with an MBA. Glasgow is my dream place and second hometown, where I got my overseas master degree, found my life partner (I married her soon after my graduation) and gained my first job outside China.
2. International education
I have worked with international education ever since I graduated in the UK in 2004. I worked as representative of Motherwell College, University of Glasgow, and Northumbria University respectively in 15 years.
3. Blogger and media reporter
I published two books in international education in 2016 and 2017 after I kicked off my blogs in this industry. Soon after I left the UK higher education institutions, I became a professional reporter and editor-in-chief in the biggest education portal in China.
What was your first job in international education?
International manager China with Motherwell College back in 2004 after my MBA graduation from Glasgow. It was such an exciting moment for me and I’ll remember it for the rest of my life. I cried into tears when I heard that my immediate boss at that moment, Anne McColm, passed away two years ago. I lost her sincere love and care forever.
What do you like most about your job?
I am keen on writing. Writing and editing stories in international education has become my interest since 2016. I believe this will be lasting for the rest of my life.
What’s the biggest challenge in international education at the moment?
As one of the most important sources of international students, China has not recovered from the slowed economy and intensified international relations. Uncertainties may loom large with regard to the mobility of Chinese students.
Share a memorable cultural exchange experience you’ve had
All the representatives from Scotland gathered together in 2013 in Beijing and spent an amazing afternoon. At that moment, I was the China representative of University of Glasgow. The Scottish culture has planted seeds in my soul and behaviour – although I am not a huge fan of Scottish accents.
Describe a project or initiative you’re currently working on that excites you
I am planning an Amazon-like website platform where key universities from the US, the UK, Australia and Canada could open their account to showcase the latest news, profiles, subject introductions, entry requirements etc. Students from China may visit the website from time to time to keep themselves updated of the information in international education. Until now, it has been a besetting sin for the Chinese students and their parents to learn about international education. They don’t know where to go.
