Sweden-based study travel giant, STS, has agreed the terms of a pilot project to deliver English language training in China, to 720 students at Chaoyang Foreign Language School in Beijing.
The deal will see STS teach Chinese students for a seasonal summer course, delivered in a state-run institution, with the backing of China’s local educational authority.
It marks a new departure for the firm that operates language schools, offers high school placements, au pair and college studies. Once the course, delivered this summer, is over, STS will also help train the Chinese English teachers to improve their own skills.
“This is a pilot project, that will hopefully allow STS to lead the way in teaching English in Chinese schools”
James Crimp, Director for STS Language Schools, explained, “Our goal is not purely to educate, but to help provide confidence in speaking English. Once the course has finished, we will teach the Chinese English teachers how to further improve the students’ English skills and their ability to speak the language with confidence.”
Native English teachers will be flown in for the project from the UK and if successful, STS is hoping that other similar collaborations will be forged in the future.
“We’re very proud of being selected as a preferred provider of English education, especially within the Chinese state educational system,” commented Crimp. “This is a pilot project, together with the Chinese government, that will hopefully allow STS to lead the way in teaching English in Chinese schools”.
Thirty-six English teachers travelled from London to attend the opening ceremony last month, together with Crimp, Mr Liu Libin, Director of Chaoyang District Education Bureau and Counsellor Mr Johan Murray, Chargé d’Affaires at the Embassy of Sweden in Beijing.
