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. 

BJBIE Kicks Off Two Week Recruitment Tour

Professor Gao Arriving at Sichuan University of Engineering and Technical Studies in Chengdu

August 5, 2012 - BJBIE Manager for Outreach and Program Development, Jim Burke, began his two–week long seminar, Path to US Admission in the newly founded Chengdu Regional Office. This first stop was an important beginning to the seminar, as the Chengdu Office has excelled in developing interest in the BJBIE Pathway Program. The first presentation was held at the renown Sichuan University of Engineering and Technical Studies in downtown Chengdu. The seminar BJBIE hosted included presentations by Professor and Lead Librarian of Peking University, Dr. Gao, who spoke about the needed preparation for enrollment in a strong Chinese university like Peking University, a discussion on the state of US higher education and the realities of the admission process for top-ranking American universities, and an overview of the BJBIE Pathway Program and how it prepares students with needed language and cultural skills that will be of benefit to Chinese students as they enroll in strong university programs.

The seminar was a huge success – nearly twenty families attended the program and stayed afterwards to discuss their own questions with the seminar panel. Many students made appointments with the Chengdu Office to organize interviews for the Pathway Program and understand BJBIE’s partner institutions better. After the seminar, BJBIE staff from the Chengdu, Beijing, and Washington DC offices all attended a reception to celebrate the successful program and review plans for future seminars.

Chengdu is the capital of the Sichuan Province – known for its beautiful scenery, panda preservations, and most notably its excellent and unique cuisine. The BJBIE staff was treated to the best and most representative cuisine of the Sichuan Province - the spicy, the savory, the robust, and the subtle – marked the celebration and experience in Chengdu as unique and memorable. This regional office is off to a strong and successful start, which the BJBIE network will benefit from.

Mr. Li, General Manager of the Chengdu Regional Office and Jim Burke, Manager of Outreach and Program Development