INTO This Week 63

The 12 students, who are from the USA, Thailand and UK, visited the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square and the Temple of Heaven. They also toured the Olympic site and climbed the Great Wall which, sore legs notwithstanding, all enjoyed.

In the evenings gastronomic exploration was high on the menu. The students warmed up with Beijing Duck and 'hotpot' before visiting Beijing's 'Snack' Street - a foodie heaven where local delicacies scorpion, eel and beetle were served. 

Student Emily Vosper from the UK said: "It's a lot of fun meeting new people from different countries and it's been a great opportunity to submerge myself in Chinese culture and language. The staff are all very welcoming and helpful too."

Trevor Fiez from the United States said: "From climbing up the steps of the Great Wall, to visiting the Emperor's throne in the Forbidden City, this has been one of the most exciting experiences of my life. I have gotten to meet people from all over the globe and have finally heard a real British accent! I would recommend this programme to anyone." 

Purachet Pattanapankdee from Thailand said: "The programme so far has been great and Beijing is a very nice city. Everyone is very friendly and the food is delicious!"

On Monday morning the group flew to Dalian to begin their four-week Chinese Language Summer Programme at Dongbei University of Finance and Economics, The course includes Chinese language lessons, master classes from Chinese professionals, tuition in Chinese culture and visits to local places of interest. The students will be accompanied during their stay by mentors who will encourage them to speak in Chinese in everyday situations.

There will be four more intakes to the Chinese Language Summer Programme over the summer months. 
 

Although two agents from China took part, the trip was chiefly aimed at those recruiting UK-based international students - INTO's third largest student market after China and the Middle East and North Africa, and the source of an 83% rise in A-level applications over the last year.

At INTO UEA the agents attended a talk on the Newton A-level programme from Academic Director Matthew Perry, as well participating in a Q&A with teaching staff.

There was also a presentation on INTO's first-class student support (a big selling point given the younger age of A-level students); a tour of INTO UEA; and a talk with current A-level students.

At INTO Manchester the group learnt about the Centre and its year-old A-level programme; met students who were very positive the A-level options available to them; and toured Manchester - one of Europe's most popular student cities.

INTO's UK Regional Manager, Marielle Van der Meer, said: "This trip was an excellent opportunity to promote the quality of INTO's A-level programmes which are relatively new part of INTO's business but evolving quickly. It was also important to connect with agents recruiting UK-based international students who are a large but often overlooked market. As the figures show they are a vital part of our business."

By some estimates, 30% of all international student applications to UK HE institutions originate from within the country, most made by those already studying at FE colleges, English language schools and GCSE-level providers.