If you could spend five minutes with anyone from the international education sector, who would it be and what would you ask them? Introducing The PIE’s latest series, Five Minutes With… where we speak to leaders from across the sector and ask them all the big questions.
Starting as an international masters student at the University of Warwick in the UK, Sun Tao wanted to make that dream a reality for as many others as he could. At New Oriental Vision Overseas, he uses his global education expertise as CEO to help send Chinese students to universities across the globe.
Introduce yourself in three words or phrases.
A mountain climber, an amateur drummer and an international educator.
What was your best work trip?
I would say it was a fam trip to the UK in 2011. That was my first trip to the country after having graduated from the University of Warwick almost 10 years before. We travelled from Glasgow to Brighton, and I have such precious memories of the trip.
If you had a magic wand, what would you change?
I would use this magic to build three bridges. One would connect Chinese students with quality education elsewhere in the world, another one would bond Chinese education institutions with their international counterparts, and the third one would link global talents with Chinese education.
What’s the biggest challenge to your profession?
The biggest challenge, I think, is the uncertainty surrounding geopolitical relationships globally.
Tell us about a defining moment in your career.
I think that would be when I became a renowned trainer for the IELTS Speaking Test. From there, I started to think big and dream big, reaching out to see what else I could do in the industry.
What’s the best international education conference and why?
NAFSA – it’s a conference where, I find, one congregates with old friends and can meet new friends; and where friends encourage each other and can get new perspectives.
“There is a great sense of accomplishment in this job”
What do you like most about your job?
I like that I get to assist thousands of Chinese students in embarking on their pursuit of study across the globe. There is a great sense of accomplishment in this job.
What’s the story of the most inspiring international student you’ve met or assisted through your work?
I would say it was helping a Chinese student who has cerebral palsy. We helped him through all kinds of difficulties, and in the end he was admitted to a Computer PhD program in the US. It was very inspiring to work with him.
Who’s a champion or cheerleader in the industry which we should all follow and why?
I think that would be Michael Yu (Yu Minhong), the founder and CEO of New Oriental Education and Technology Group. He has inspired and assisted millions of Chinese students to get connected to the world.
