Members of the Beijing Overseas Study Services Association recently completed tours of the US and UK meeting with education partners and discussing the latest trends in Chinese student recruitment.
The 2014 UK roadshow visited London, Cardiff and Brighton for speed-networking fairs held at Hult International Business School, Cardiff Sixth Form College and Worthing College in Brighton.
Over 30 education institutions attended the UK fairs to meet with the delegation of 16 agents representing 12 BOSSA agencies.
Meanwhile in the US, agents travelled around the East Coast to New Jersey, New York and Massachusetts for speed-networking fairs held at Drew University in New Jersey, Fredonia State University of New York and Springfield College.
Educators in both countries welcomed the opportunity to meet with Chinese consultants and showcase what their local areas can offer international students
The tours were organised in conjunction with Global Student Mobility and included presentations from BOSSA president Peng Sang who also answered questions about the Chinese recruitment market.
According to BOSSA, its agency members account for approximately one third of the global placement of Chinese students abroad equating to about 100,000 students a year. About 35% choose the US as their top study destination and 25% choose to study in the UK.
Educators in both countries welcomed the opportunity to meet with Chinese consultants and showcase what their local areas can offer international students.
“The event…allowed us to meet with potential partners in an efficient way at a minimal cost,” said Michelle Kowalsky, Director of International Admissions at Western New England University. “It was also great to have them in western Massachusetts so they could see a different aspect of this great state.”
David Whitehill, Director of Admissions and Marketing at Buckswood School in the UK added that the event gave direction to educators attempting to navigate the intricate Chinese market.
“Buckswood School is happy to support the efforts of BOSSA/GSM aimed at introducing serious, professional and vetted Chinese agents to schools in the UK,” he said.
“When dealing with such a complex and vast market, it is reassuring to know that BOSSA/GSM are working in the very best interests of both the schools and the agents.”
