UK higher education institutions are invited to participate in panel discussions and presentation sessions at workshops for Chinese education counsellors, during the China Agents Conference, from 1–8 March 2024.

Background

In China, agents and high school counsellors play an important role in guiding students through their overseas education decision-making process. These counsellors are the front-line representatives for UK education, supporting the recruitment of quality Chinese students and are closely in touch with market sentiments.

In response to the increasing number of students from China considering applying for UK higher education institutions, the British Council provides regular professional development training opportunities for counsellors in China. These training sessions offer accurate and up-to-date information and resources to support counsellors in developing their knowledge of UK education and building their capacity to support their students who are interested in studying in the UK.

All workshops are face-to-face in Chinese to ensure high quality engagement and build trust between the UK higher education institutions and Chinese counsellors.

Study UK China Agents Conference

During the conference, UK higher education institutions will have the chance to participate in panel discussions and presentation sessions at a series of counsellor workshops, taking place at the following times and locations.

Workshop

Date*

Time (Beijing)

Location

Audience

Workshop 1

1 March 2024 (Fri)

1300-1800

Beijing

North

250

Workshop 2

4 March 2024 (Mon)

1300-1800

Shanghai

East

250

Workshop 3

6 March 2024 (Wed)

1300-1800

Guangzhou, Guangdong

South

200

Workshop 4

8 March 2024 (Fri)

1300-1800

Chengdu, Sichuan

South

100

 
Programme

WHEN

WHAT

WHO

13:00 - 13:30

Registration and networking

All

13:30 - 14:00

Looking ahead – key data and trends that you need to know to advise Chinese students studying in the UK

Study UK, British Council

14:00 - 14:20

Admission

Beyond university ranking -

How to choose the right university?

1-2 speakers from UK higher education institutions

14:20-14:50

Subject area

How to choose subjects to study based on employment trends in China

1-2 speakers from UK higher education institutions

14:50 - 15:10

Direct Dialogue between UK universities representatives and agents

3 representatives from UK higher education institutions

15:10 - 15:40

Tea break and networking

All

15:40 -16:10

IELTS Presentation

 

 

British Council, Exam team

16:10-16:30

What you need to know in order to successfully complete a university degree in the UK

1-2 speakers from UK higher education institutions

16:30 - 17:10

Insights from overseas students returning home and employment opportunities

Zhaopin.com

17:10 - 17:40

Student and Summer school Visa applications

UKVI

17:40-18:00

Q&A and networking

All

 
Speaking opportunities
 
Speakers are invited to apply to sessions as detailed below:

 

Presentation: admission

WHEN

WHAT

WHO

14:00 - 14:20

Admission

Beyond university ranking -

How to choose the right university?

1-2 speaker from 1-2 UK higher education institutions

Chinese students rely too much on ranking when choosing universities. We would like to invite you to explain the importance of other factors such as location, culture, employment, internships, etc.

 

Presentation: subject areas

WHEN

WHAT

WHO

15:10 - 15:40

How to choose subjects based on employment trends in China

1-3 speakers from UK higher education institutions

 
  • Objective: Help further counsellors’ understanding of employment opportunities in the UK and China
  • Please note that participating UK universities should share from a general perspective and represent the whole of UK higher education, not only their individual university. Speakers are expected to broadly cover topics but can use examples from their own university to illustrate broader points.
  • Presentations should cover the below points (key points in BOLD):
    • China and UK employment trends
    • Links between industries and courses in the UK
    • Course structure (taking the course in your specific institution as an example)
    • Entry requirements (using the entry requirements of your institution as an example)
    • What students will learn and what skills they can acquire
    • Employment prospects

We encourage you to work with other representatives together to cover more subjects and industries, and cover additional key information that would help the audience to understand the subject area from student perspective.

Discussion with agents

WHEN

WHAT

WHO

14:50 - 15:10

Direct Dialogue between UK universities representatives and agents

3 speakers from 3 UK higher education institutions

What support do agents expect from the UK universities, what is useful, what isn’t and what can be improved.

Session to be proposed by UK institutions

16:10-16:30

What do you need to know to successfully complete a UK degree

1-2 speakers from UK higher education institutions

Speakers are invited to talk about what students need to prepare and what they need to learn and do to be successful in their studies, e.g. study tips, common sense, study skills, time management, how to communicate with tutors, etc.

Benefits to the speaker and institution

  • an opportunity to showcase your expertise with agents and counsellors in China.
  • an opportunity to raise your institution’s profile amongst agents and counsellors in China.

As the aim of this conference is to build counsellors understanding and facilitate connections through face-to-face communication, we are encouraging applications from speakers from UK institutions who are based in China and speak Chinese. Speakers who can attend events four cities will be given priority.

The final speakers will be voted for by school counsellors in China. There will be one candidate for each session on a waiting list.

Please note that participating UK universities contributions should be from a general perspective and represent the whole of UK higher education, not only promoting their individual universities. Speakers are expected to cover the topics generally but can use examples from their university to illustrate broader points.

If you are interested in this opportunity, please send the following information to Wu Xinping at wu.xinping@britishcouncil.org.cn by Monday 29 January 2024.

 - Completed sessions selection form (download below)

 - A brief biography of the speaker

 - A brief profile of your institution and highlights of strength/unique features within 3 bullet points

 - An outline of key points you would cover. A few sample presentation slides and a link of your previous presentation/webinar video record are welcomed.

Any questions about the opportunity can be sent to wu.xinping@britishcouncil.org.cn (kindly note that Chinese Spring Festival holiday is happening 10-17 February).