What Does Outreach To Chinese Families Entail?

Updated
|
What Does Outreach To Chinese Families Entail?
Learn what outreach to Chinese families entails.

Editor's Note: We asked June Wang Scortino to explain how to recruit Chinese students. ~Rob Kennedy

Many more Chinese students have recently been applying for and enrolling in American boarding schools. Moreover, many schools are also making annual trips to China to attract more applicants instead of better-qualified applicants. In the end, it is Chinese agencies that regulate the number of students going to the U.S., as they are the ones that conclude the necessary transactions with the parents based on their guarantees of admission into American schools. Notwithstanding the wishes of American schools to liaise directly with the parents to whom they could introduce themselves, it is very difficult to overcome the existing intermediary role of Chinese agencies. This is why working with an organization such as Beijing Overseas Study Service Association is critical.

CCTV America Correspondent Karina Huber takes an in-depth look at the Chinese students in U.S. private high schools by interviewing Yaxian Fan, a student at Beekman School, and her headmaster, Mr. George Higgins.

How to contact Chinese parents

Direct access is the most important and crucial step for schools to select qualified applicants. Only parents with the necessary knowledge and information can make an informed decision about selecting the right school and, eventually, the right college. If the parents face a language barrier or are unable to communicate directly with the schools or visit the schools, they will naturally be unable to understand the finer details about the schools. What Chinese parents require most is information about the education which their children will receive. From the perspective of the school, their main role is to accept and educate the students. As for the parents, their behavior will inevitably have a lasting long-term impact on the children.

Issues that both parents and students face

On the other hand, once Chinese students have enrolled at American schools, their parents may have limited contact with the school. What they learn about the school and its developments is often from the one-sided perspective of their child. Hence, the parents end up not knowing anything about the finer details of the school, and the chasm between the parents and the school continues to widen. Due to Chinese cultural traits, the parents are usually inclined to adopt a conservative and passive approach to contacting the teachers. As for the students, while they are relieved having escaped from the national high-school exams, they also feel a sense of loneliness and isolation. Their struggles during their studies often weaken their self-confidence and self-initiative. They also do not have the option of venting their frustrations at their parents.

Cultural differences

The large number of Chinese students entering the school system brings about the need to adjust the policy and approach toward these students. This includes the provision of the contract in both Chinese and English, the employment of Chinese language teachers, as well as the organization of meetings with parents. At the same time, there is also the phenomenon of parents accompanying their child, who is coming over for studies, to settle down in the U.S. The problem we face is as follows: As a school and an educational institution, have we fulfilled our responsibilities? Or should we get out of the current framework to extend a helping hand?

This animated story follows students through their journey, from leaving home in China to arriving at school.

Setting expectations realistically

Private boarding schools have many advantages and long-term value. However, we cannot assume that Chinese or international students would derive the same advantages and values. It is indisputable that schools were designed for the sake of the students and parents of the home country. At the same time, as Chinese parents are not American parents, their role towards their children studying in a foreign country is even more important. They can form the crux of the system to help students assimilate into the US school system. Even though it is neither the legal responsibility nor duty of the schools to help Chinese parents be more capable parents, we, as an educational institution, should do something meaningful for the students. That is also a tradition and value of us Americans.

Questions? Contact us on Facebook. @boardingschoolreview

comments powered by Disqus

Recent Articles

Why a Progressive School?
Why a Progressive School?
Sending your son or daughter to a progressive school sounds like a real leap of faith. It is until you look more closely at the kind of education your child will receive. Then you will understand the idealism in action which progressive schools embody.
Academics: International Baccalaureate & Advanced Placement
Academics: International Baccalaureate & Advanced Placement
We compare and contrast the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme and Advanced Placement. We also explore their distinct educational philosophies, curriculum structures, assessment methods, and global recognition to help students and parents make informed decisions about which rigorous academic program best suits their educational goals and learning preferences.
Education Beyond the Classroom: The Role of Outdoor Adventure in Shaping Young Minds
Education Beyond the Classroom: The Role of Outdoor Adventure in Shaping Young Minds
The concept of outdoor education dates back to the early 20th century as educators sought ways to engage students beyond traditional methods. Early efforts initially focused on direct, experiential learning in nature, but later evolved to incorporate academics, collaborative skills, and a focus on environmental responsibility. Outdoor education today equips students with critical life skills, preparing them for the world beyond the classroom.

Featured Schools

Featured Schools

Why Boarding School

INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
US Boarding schools attract students from all over the world. International students often face a unique set of challenges. This section will cover topics relevant to global students. From English immersion to preparing for entry into a US college or university, we’ll provide helpful tips and resources to help international students make informed decisions.
More Articles
Read more articles (6)
About Boarding Schools (23) Kinds of Schools (11) History (7)