2023 U.S. Virtual Education Fair in Shanghai: A Successful Conclusion
The 2023 U.S. Virtual Education Fair, co-organized by the U.S. Commercial Service Offices of the U.S. Embassy in Beijing and the U.S. Consulate in Shanghai, with support from Teachdeme, successfully concluded on September 7, 2023.
Organizers:
- Beijing: U.S. Commercial Service Office, U.S. Embassy Beijing
- Shanghai: U.S. Commercial Service Office, U.S. Consulate in Shanghai
Co-Organizer: Teachdeme China
Gabriella Zelaya, Global Education Programs Manager at the U.S. Department of Commerce, delivered the opening remarks. She highlighted the Department’s role in supporting U.S. universities in building partnerships and recruiting international students. Ms. Zelaya expressed her enthusiasm for collaborating with Teachdeme on the 2023 U.S. Virtual Education Fair, aiming to enhance understanding and build bridges between U.S. universities and Chinese international schools. This event is intended to provide Chinese students with diverse pathways and educational resources for further studies.
Highlights and Interactive Sessions
Q&A Session
U.S. Universities’ Inquiry:
- Question: Do you have insights on the familiarity with community colleges or trends regarding community colleges?
Alice Lai, Director of College Counseling at Vanke High School in Pudong, Shanghai, responded to this inquiry. Ms. Lai shared her experiences from attending multiple online and offline college counseling events organized by Teachdeme, noting these events as valuable opportunities for familiarizing with various U.S. universities. She also mentioned attending a university counseling fair in the U.S. in July as another effective way to understand the landscape of U.S. higher education.
International High Schools’ Inquiry:
Representatives from international schools posed questions about trends in U.S. university admissions, requirements, and changes in testing policies. U.S. university representatives actively engaged in responding to these inquiries.
- Example Question: Is it possible to share what unique experiences U.S. universities have in nurturing innovative talents? (Posed by Mr. Wu Zijian, former principal of YK Pao School, who sought to exchange ideas on future talent cultivation with U.S. universities.)
University representatives were keen to discuss and address this question:
- A representative from the College of Southern Nevada shared that their approach includes encouraging students to explore their talents through participation in clubs and organizations, and through project-based learning in classrooms. This team-based approach helps in nurturing innovative talents.
- A representative from the New Jersey Institute of Technology highlighted their recent investment in a $3 million Ngat Maker Space, equipped with tools and equipment for students’ use, ranging from woodworking tools to 3D printers. This facility supports students in deeply exploring their ideas, complemented by “Venturelink,” a platform for students and entrepreneurs to share ideas, solve problems, and bring concepts to life using the institute’s resources.
International school representatives expressed that participating in the Virtual Education Fair was an excellent experience. The opportunity for such exchanges broadened their perspectives, helped them build more resources, and brought tangible benefits to their work.
