2024 Undergraduate Tour: 18 Schools, 6 Cities, Countless Connections
In October, Sunrise embarked on a remarkable recruitment tour across China, making impactful connections with students and counselors alike. Over two weeks, we visited 18 schools in 6 Chinese cities. While these cities each boast populations of over or around 10 million, they remain relatively unknown outside of China. By bringing universities to these often-overlooked markets, we’re helping institutions tap into an immense pool of prospective applicants. During this immersive journey, we engaged with over 2,000 prospective students, along with dedicated counselors and parents.
The Irreplaceable Value of Face-to-Face Engagement
At each school, university representatives were surrounded by eager students who had a wide range of questions. Given the significant differences between the Chinese and Western education systems, students were keen to understand everything from application processes to campus life abroad. The benefits of these interactions were immediately apparent. For many students, the ability to speak directly with university representatives provided the clarity and confidence they needed to take the next step in their educational journey. In fact, some universities were able to receive applications on the spot, as students were so impressed by what they heard that they were motivated to take immediate action. This spontaneous interest highlights the power of in-person engagement, where trust is built and questions are addressed in real-time, fostering a sense of connection that simply cannot be replicated through online or remote channels.
In a number of schools, parents were attending alongside their children to gather crucial information about potential universities. Their primary focus was on understanding the long-term value of an international education, with particular emphasis on career prospects and the safety of campus environments. Many parents expressed concerns about their children adapting to life in a foreign country and were eager to learn more about the support systems in place for international students. Having representatives on hand who live and work in the university’s city provided invaluable reassurance. This direct interaction not only eased concerns about safety and cultural adjustment but also helped parents gain a clearer picture of how studying abroad could be a stepping stone to their child's future success.
High schools have been incredibly welcoming to university representatives, providing a warm and supportive environment. During our meetings with school counselors, we gained valuable insights into the evolving priorities of Chinese families when it comes to education. A key takeaway was the increasing emphasis on both financial affordability and time efficiency. This is where scholarship opportunities and accelerated degree programs, such as coterminal degrees, have become particularly attractive. These options allow students to save on tuition costs while reducing the time needed to earn advanced qualifications, making them highly appealing to families focused on efficient educational pathways. The counselors we spoke with were enthusiastic about sharing these possibilities with their students, recognizing that such programs could be the deciding factor in a family's decision to pursue international education.
As we conclude this year’s recruitment tour, it’s clear that the enthusiasm and ambition among Chinese students are stronger than ever. Our tour reinforced the value of personal connections in bridging the gap between universities and prospective students. By engaging directly with students, parents, and counselors, we’ve not only answered their pressing questions but also gained deeper insights into their evolving priorities. We’re excited to continue fostering these connections and look forward to supporting universities in unlocking new opportunities in this vibrant market.
Welcome Back and Join Us in 2025
In a dynamic and ever-evolving landscape, it is crucial to seize every opportunity to engage with students and make a lasting impression. We cordially invite you to return to China, where our recent countrywide tour uncovered tremendous enthusiasm and anticipation among Chinese students. Join us in 2025 in reigniting your presence and connecting with these eager and ambitious students who excitedly await the opportunity to engage with your institution. Contact us today and take the next step to discover how Sunrise Tours can help your institution stay ahead of the curve.