Wednesday, September 12, 2012

Three City Tour Across Hunan Province


First Presentation: Changsha
BJBIE Vice President of Human Resources, Mr. Huang He, and BJBIE Manager for Outreach and Program Development, Mr. Jim Burke, arrived in Changsha after three days of meetings and presentations in Chengdu. The Changsha Office was the second stop for the education seminar, and continued the successful response of the Chengdu seminar. This time, more BJBIE staff was available for presentations and explanations of programming options. Speaking on the state of US Higher Education, Jim Burke, presented first, followed by presentations  on the ESL curriculum of BJBIE Pathway Programs and the student support provided by BJBIE in China and the US and BJBIE partner institutions. The academic strength and focus resonated with the attendees, which are eager to participate.
Students registering for the program and asking BJBIE Student Support Specialists about partner schools

Second Presentation: Chenzhou
The recruitment effort continued in the southeastern city of Chenzhou – a rural city located 30 minutes by bullet train from Changsha. This city was the site the of the BJBIE Recruitment presentation that drew the largest number of students so far – 150 students attended the presentations of Dr. Gao of Peking University, Jim Burke of BJBIE, and Ms. Li of BJBIE’s Changsha Office. The presentation was the same overview of the Chinese education system, the US higher education system, and the avenues students can take for a pre-college and full degree program. The students of Chenzhou are very motivated for international study – peppering Dr. Gao with questions about the differences between university life at US and Chinese universities. When Mr. Burke approached the crowd, many students were eager to hear more about what US universities expected from international students, and discussed how they may find the right university for them. Finally, Ms. Li discussed the inevitable need many students have for more training in English language – whether it’s preparation for a full degree program or to be successful in a short-term exchange program. Ms. Li laid out the many options for students, which were well received, as after her presentation she was met with many questions. Mr. Burke also found himself discussing whether universities preferred the Common Application or their own application, and many other typical admissions questions. All in all, the program was a success – turnout was strong, students were interested, and many applications were completed for BJBIE programming. The recruitment efforts appear to be picking up steam and finding a warm reception.
Dr. Gao discussing the preparation students need before studying abroad

Third Presentation: Henyang 
Leaving Chenzhou, BJBIE representatives and Dr. Gao of Peking University set out for a midday presentation in the city of Henyang. All parties took the bullet train thirty minutes to meet more BJBIE staff on the ground in Henyang, where the presentation was to take place. This presentation was attended by a number of grade 8 English teachers and freshmen high school students. These teachers were looking to showcase the different programs available to students interested in becoming more proficient in their English studies, and for many students, the idea of an educational experience was already on their mind. Over fifty students attended the presentation, along with local press that covered the event, so students and parents across Henyang could hear the different presentations. 

1 comment:

  1. hi. it was quite interesting to know about such conferences that are really helpful for international students.

    International Student in US

    ReplyDelete