After the pandemic, the competition in China market for overseas schools has become increasingly intense. Faced with these challenges, overseas schools will need to develop and implement a series of long-term strategies to attract Chinese students. Designing more summer/winter/immersion short programme, visiting the market regularly, attending more focused and innovative events, establishing links with Chinese schools are just some suggestion that can be practically implemented.
On 18th of October, 2024, supported by local education authority, Shanghai Education Association for International Exchange(SEAIE) and Pudong Education Development Research Institute(PEDRI), HOPE International Education, organized the School Link Forum 2024 in Shanghai to facilitate the in-depth understanding and collaboration between Chinese and overseas schools.
Group photo of School Link Forum, 2024
The Forum achieved remarkable success. It brought together 10 overseas schools from UK, Malaysia and Singapore and 35 Chinese schools across China, including state schools, private schools and international schools.
Highlight 1: Speeches sharing insights and experiences on international cooperation
Mr. Li Weiping (SEAIE) making an opening speech
The event kicked off with an opening speech by Mr. Li Weiping, Secretary-General of SEAIE, who provided a profound analysis of the current status of international exchanges in education and proposed strategies to address the challenges.
Daniel Zheng, Managing Director of HOPE International Education
Daniel Zheng, Managing Director of HOPE, delivered a keynote speech titled "How international collaboration enhances school development". He listed various aspects schools can benefit from international collaboration and emphasized that respecting cultural differences, enhancing mutual understanding, maintaining open communication and building deep trust are crucial for achieving success in international cooperation and exchanges.
Mr. Shi Jionghua and Ms. Cai Bei
Mr. Shi Jionghua, Principal of Shanghai Beicai Middle School and Ms. Cai Bei, Assistant Principal of SUIS Pudong Campus shared their schools’ experience of international exchanges and cooperation when facing cultural differences under the context of Chinese schools.
Mr. Paul Spanner (Left) and Mr. David Giles (Right)
Meanwhile, Mr. Paul Spanner, International Manager Brockenhurst College UK, and Mr. David Giles, Director of International Office, Strathallan School UK, shared in-depth insights on their experiences, significance, and far-reaching impacts of international exchanges and cooperation with their partner schools.
Highlight 2: Panel discussion of finding better ways for international exchanges in the new era
During the forum, a panel discussion with the theme of ‘international collaboration for a better future’ was hosted by Alice Zhang, HOPE’s International Partnership Manager. The panelists included Mr. Chen Wenguo, principal of Shanghai Shanghai HONGRUN BOYUAN School, Ms. Shi Li, associate principal of Shanghai Jincai North Secondary School, Stelios Yalarakis, manager of international admission office from Cheshire College South & West and Olivia Yin, Marketing Officer of Gower College Swansea. Audiences not only gained a clearer understanding of the current status of international education cooperation but also had deeper reflections and insights into the possibilities and directions of future cooperation.
Alice Zhang (first on the left), Mr. Chen Wenguo (second on the left), Ms. Shi Li (middle), Stelios Yalarakis (second on the right) and Olivia Yin (first on the right) joined the discussion
Highlight 3: MoU Signing Ceremony of sister school relationship between Cheshire College South & West and Nanhui No.2 Middle School
With the help of HOPE, Shanghai Nanhui No. 2 Middle School and Cheshire College South & West signed a MoU to formalize the sister schools relationship witnessed by all audience.
MoU signing by the principal of Nanhui No.2 School and International Manager, Cheshire College, South and West, UK
Highlight 4: One-to-one pre-booked appointments for collaboration
Furthermore, the one-to-one appointment session also embarked a heated interest in individual school’s potential collaboration. Over 10 Chinese schools expressed their willingness to establish sister school links on the spot, thereby demonstrating the strong influence and far-reaching significance of this forum.
Heated discussion on collaboration at each booth
HOPE will certainly follow up after the events to facilitate more links being established. Such links will also endorse the overseas schools to recruit students in the market. HOPE will continue to organize this type of influential and strategic event in the near future.
