Linden Tour Report: China Spring 2013
Overview
The Spring 2013 Linden Tour to China visited five cities in 14 days. Twenty-three tour
members traveled with us, and six additional universities joined us at some or all of the
fairs. Five universities continued on to meet with approximately 250 students in
Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. We represented a broad range of institutional types and sizes,
from community colleges to large research institutions. Geographically, the admissions
officers represented institutions from across the United States.
We presented the students we met with a good idea of the myriad of possibilities in US
higher education that are available to them. We saw a solid number of well-prepared,
academically talented, prospective undergraduate students. Similarly, we met with many
strong graduate candidates during the university fairs. Overall, the quality of the
students was excellent. English skills are clearly improving, along with a strong
understanding of the US educational system.
We began our China tour in Shenzhen and finished in Beijing, with stops in Guangzhou,
Chengdu and Shanghai. We interacted with counselors, educational advisers and
placement agents; participated in 5 public university fairs; and visited 22 secondary
schools. We saw more than 2,100 students and met with many parents during the
university fairs.
We enjoyed a traditional dinner to welcome participants in Shenzhen, and capped off
the tour with a wonderful Peking duck dinner in Beijing. We also managed to fit in a
brief but memorable visit the Chengdu Panda Breeding and Research Center, and a
cultural outing to Shanghai Circus World.
Economic Outlook and the Student Market
The Chinese market continues to be strong. The latest Open Door statistics indicate that
the number of Chinese students studying in the US increased by 23% from 2011 to
2012. Chinese students represent approximately 25% of the international students in
the US. The universities remarked on the increased access we had to visit national and
international high schools in China. Interest is clearly high and parents are still looking
outward for education for their children.
We learned from the Consul General in Guangzhou that the south of China, in particular,
continues to be a vibrant market for recruiting Chinese students. There is a lot of wealth
and there are a lot of schools to visit. Visa approval rates are also very high. In
Guangzhou, more than 80% of undergraduate visa applicants are approved, and more
than 90% of graduate applicants. Students are also starting to study in the US at even
younger ages.
The Consul General emphasized that an in-person recruiting presence is one of the
primary keys for success for universities that are interested in increasing their Chinese
student enrollments. They also emphasized the growing importance of joint program
opportunities, and they acknowledged the role that authorized agents can play.
There is a noticeable increase in the number of international schools (particularly in
Shanghai and Beijing), and more and more Chinese national schools are adding
international divisions for students who have decided to forego the Gao Kao based on
their intention to study abroad. Interestingly, several Chinese national schools are also
starting to offer international classes for students who remain in the traditional
curriculum. The universities acknowledged that they need to continue to be diligent
when researching secondary schools. Instruction is not always in English, and the caliber
of AP instructors may be inconsistent until the supply of teachers catches up with
demand.
With regard to financial need, there are often six adults supporting the education of a
single (grand)child because of China’s One Child policy. Therefore, many extended
families have the means to support the student’s education. Also, the exchange rate
continues to favor Chinese families. That said, even though students could accept an
offer of admission that does not include financial support, it is considered to be an honor
for the family if a scholarship is awarded.
Finally, the universities were encouraged to see that counselors are starting to
recommend a slightly broader base of schools to students. There was a small, but
noticeable shift away from rankings as the only criteria for selecting a university.
Likewise, we saw firsthand how important it is for parents to be able to talk to someone
on the US campus where they plan to send their son or daughter. We need to be there
to discuss the possibilities available to them, and to assure them that we are eager to
work with them to find a way to study on our campuses.
Appreciation
First, I want to thank the tour members. We had many long days (some without lunch!),
and many memorable moments along the way. It was a pleasure traveling with each
one of you.
Second, I want to thank our colleagues in China. Their support is critical to the success
of the tour, and we simply could not do this without them. We greatly appreciate all that
they do for and on behalf of Linden.
Finally, I want to thank everyone at Linden Educational Services: Lauren Olson for all
her hard work behind the scenes; Jody Stein for her boundless energy as my fearless
co-tour leader, and Kathy Harrington for inviting me to accept this adventure. It was
truly a pleasure!
Respectfully submitted,
Amber Kelleher
April 8, 2013
Shenzhen, China
March 7 - 9, 2013
Linden University Fair
Bao An Senior High School
QSI International School of Shekou
Shekou International School
110
60
60
40
Total Attendance in Shenzhen
270
Linden University Fair Statistics
Of the registered students at the fair:
 35% wanted undergraduate study; 18% wanted graduate study. The rest did
not specify.
 The most frequently identified fields of study were: Business, Engineering, and
Liberal Arts.
 There was an even split between male and female students.
Sample Shenzhen Highlights
The variety of schools visited was helpful in understanding different school cultures.
It was a good experience to visit Bao An and experience a Chinese school!
Students were well-prepared with questions.
The Grand Hyatt was excellent. Amazing accommodations.
The Welcome Dinner was lovely.
Guangzhou, China
March 9 - 11, 2013
Linden University Fair
Alcanta International College
American International School
Utahloy International School
245
30
40
10
Total Attendance in Guangzhou
325
Linden University Fair Statistics
Of the registered students at the fair:
 47% wanted undergraduate study; 42% wanted graduate study; 2 students
were seeking an associate’s degree; 5 students were seeking a doctorate degree.
The rest did not specify.
 20% of the attendees indicated they wanted a degree in Business, Management
and Marketing. The next most popular intended majors were Engineering and
Computer Science/Information Technology. Several students also mentioned
Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Communications, Design, and Music.
 47% were male and 36% were female. The rest did not specify.
Sample Guangzhou Highlights
Briefing was very informative.
Great fair!
Fair had lots of traffic.
Met some very dedicated counselors
Students would be a good fit financially.
Accommodations at the Westin were lovely.
Chengdu, China
March 11 - 13, 2013
Linden University Fair
Chengdu Meishi Fair with Chengdu International
Chengdu No 7
Shishi High School – Chengdu No 4
100
150
10
70
Total Attendance in Chengdu
330
Linden University Fair Statistics
Of the registered students at the fair:
 52% wanted undergraduate study; 30% wanted graduate study; 2 students
were seeking an associate’s degree; 9 students were seeking a doctorate degree.
The rest did not specify.
 35% of the attendees indicated they wanted a degree in Business, Management
and Marketing. Several students also mentioned computer Science/Information
Technology, Education, Engineering, and Social Sciences.
 49% were female and 38% were male. The rest did not specify.
Sample Chengdu Highlights
We saw an excellent pool of students at Meishi.
At the Chinese high school, I was impressed by the quality of students and their
understanding of US education.
The students and parents were impressed with ESL programs.
The Panda Reserve was one of the best experiences of my life!
Shanghai, China
March 13 - 16, 2013
Linden University Fair
Concordia International School
High School Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University
Shanghai United International
Shanghai International
Suzhou Singapore International
145
20
100
80
10
175
Other: Reverse Fair
N/A
Total Attendance in Shanghai
530
Linden University Fair Statistics
Of the registered students at the fair:
 66% wanted undergraduate study; 24% wanted graduate study; 3 students
were seeking an associate’s degree; 2 students were seeking a doctorate degree.
The rest did not specify.
 28% of the attendees indicated they wanted a degree in Business, Management
and Marketing. The next most popular intended majors were Engineering,
Biological and Biomedical Sciences, and Computer Science/Information
Technology.
 50% were female and 44% were male. The rest did not specify.
Sample Shanghai Highlights
So far, Shanghai has been the best place for our school visits.
I had outstanding students ask me very good questions.
The Shanghai HSJTU visit was excellent!
The fair was excellent, because the parents are prepared and the numbers of grad and
undergrad were evenly balanced.
The Reverse fair was a highlight for me.
I appreciated the opportunity to connect with counselors at the Reverse Fair. It was a
great way to research schools.
Circus World was amazing!
Nice hotel in great location.
Beijing, China
March 16 - 20, 2013
Linden University Fair
Beijing 80
Beijing City International School
Beijing National Day School
BISS International School with Harrow and St Paul American School
Capitol Normal
International School of Beijing
Western Academy of Beijing
Yew Chung International School
310
100
60
20
60
50
5
15
45
Total Attendance in Beijing
665
Linden University Fair Statistics
Of the registered students at the fair:
 32% wanted undergraduate study; 42% wanted graduate study; 10% wanted a
doctorate; and 11 students were seeking an associate’s degree. The rest did not
specify.
 31% of the attendees indicated they wanted a degree in Business, Management
and Marketing. 7% of students indicated they wanted a degree in Engineering.
The next most popular majors were Agriculture, Biological and Biomedical
Sciences, Communications, and Design.
 50% were female and 35% were male. The rest did not specify.
Sample Beijing Highlights
Great introduction to different types of schools in Beijing.
Beijing has a lot of potential.
Qualified and enthusiastic students.
Staff and students were eager.
Students were very good and highly motivated to go to US schools.
Lots of parents at the fair.
Very nice hotel. Great staff.