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