For over 20 years, we have been China’s leading association for the study abroad service industry
The Beijing Overseas Study Service Association & China Alliance (BOSSA & COSSA) is a nonprofit, government-supported organization. BOSSA began in Beijing in 2004, and COSSA was formed later to encompass agencies outside of Beijing.
Membership is comprised of accredited Chinese international education agencies (both private and public companies) and certified individual counselors who consult or provide services for Chinese students to study abroad.
Are you an International Educator or Service Provider?
Our international department can help you find recruitment agencies and market your brand to Chinese students.
For more information about our partner networking webinars, conferences, and services
(accredited organizations only)
2024: Chinese outbound recovery slow, students considering alternative destinations
read our report here
Chinese Students abroad in 2023
In a BBC News interview, BOSSA’s Secretary General, Mingze Sang, shared his viewpoints on China’s economic reopening and its impact on Chinese students going abroad for studies. Click here to listen to the full episode.
The PIE News
China Covid-19 testing rules won’t halt study abroad, say agents
“The covid test is not difficult to carry out before departure. Students are aware that covid infections cannot be worse overseas. I can see more students planning to study abroad in the near future given the constant changes of policies. The only factor affecting the studying abroad industry is the current economic situation.”
- Chenxing Sang, BOSSA Secretary General
Chinese Student Recruitment Data: Intelligence for Educators Worldwide
Check out our annual reports
Chinese Student Recruitment Market
Based on our big data of 2.3+ million student users and related insights
Originally released via webinar with BONARD to 400 participants in 33 countries at 123 different organizations worldwide, BOSSA’s big data is now available as an easy-to-digest article in a 10-minute light read, including the graphs and charts used in the presentation.
- What degrees are most in-demand: Choices for first-year programs abroad are shifting, some temporarily, others permanently.
- What is the current state of China's education industry: The commercial sector of international education is undergoing a transformation of its own.
- Where your country stands in popularity: Preferences in study destinations are changing.
- Where to recruit in China: Beijing and Shanghai remain the top origin cities of outbound students - but so are New Tier 1 and Tier 2 cities.
What is BOSSA and how can we help you as an educator seeking Chinese students to study abroad with you?
Watch this
2/3rds of all Chinese students abroad consult a BOSSA-accredited agency. BOSSA and its sub-association COSSA are China's international education industry ass...
Testimonials from members like New Oriental, JJL among China’s largest senders of international students. And partners like NIB Student Health Insurance, Australia, & Student Heritage Foundation, US
Building International Relations through Educational Exchanges
China-United Kingdom
We’ve partnered with UCAS to increase China-UK student mobility through intelligence
BOSSA and UCAS, which oversees university and college admissions in the UK, have announced they will share their “long-established” intelligence on the UK and Chinese education markets.
Read the full press release here.
China-United States
BOSSA’s insights are featured in the China Commercial Guide on the Official Website of the International Trade Administration of the United States’ report on Education: a market overview and trade data. And in the NACAC Commissioned Agents and Guide to Ethical Practice Series. BOSSA & COSSA are included in part 3 on vetting and training agents.
2-time Finalist
Thank you to The PIE, Professionals in Education
Happenings
Strategic Partnerships
BOSSA & Pearson announced a partnership to help expand the availability of PTE Academic to the growing number of Chinese students preparing to study in the US and UK.
View the official press release
Global payments platform Flywire expands its cross-border tuition payment services in China with BOSSA. View the official press release here.
Chinese Student Mobility during the Pandemic
Q&A with BOSSA President Sang Peng, co-founder and president of the Beijing Overseas Study Service Association has spent decades working in international education in China. He spoke to The PIE about how Covid-19 is impacting outbound students and education agents.
How has COVID-19 impacted education agents in China?
How has Covid-19 affected students’ study plans?
How do students feel about having to start their courses online?
Have recent political issues between China and countries like the US and Australia encouraged students to look for alternative destinations?
(click to view the full interview)
The PIE Chat: Sang Peng, President of BOSSA, China
Duolingo, the world’s leading language learning app, markets it’s English Test to BOSSA Agent Members via World Webinar Wednesdays to Chinese education counselors
Education Ireland, among other national consortium assisted BOSSA with surveying Chinese students abroad measuring the impacts of the COVID-19 crisis.
How’s your digital presence in China?
Is your website loading fast enough for potential students to stay on and get the information they need?
Check out our recognized partner, Sinorbis, for their free evaluation on your digital assets in China by clicking the button above.
BOSSA featured in Global News
Chinese students prefer UK to other study destinations Times Higher Ed
International recruitment agents can build back better University World News
In China, the leading country of origin of international students in Australia, New Zealand, the US, and the UK, agency organizations like the Beijing Overseas Study Service Association serve as an industry-led forum for professional development and best practice promotion.Flywire Helps Education Agents and Institutions Streamline International Tuition Payments Bloomberg
Is This the End of the Romance Between Chinese Students and American Colleges?
The Chronicle of Higher EducationThe United States has long dominated the Chinese educational market, with American colleges attracting more than half of all Chinese students who study overseas. But when the Beijing Overseas Study Service Association, a group of Chinese recruitment agents, recently analyzed the preferences of more than 2.3 million prospective students and families who used its online college-search platform, it found that Britain edged out the United States as the destination of choice.
How COVID-19 has — and hasn’t — changed Chinese students’ plans for international education Sup China
For Many Young Chinese, Studying Abroad Was Plan A. There Was No Plan B. Sixth Tone
Chinese students consider UK study over US The PIE News
BOSSA urges unis to make clear study plans The PIE News
Stay or Go? COVID-19 Forces Students to Rethink Study Abroad Plans Sixth Tone
Australia “singled out” as unsafe and unwelcoming by China, say educators The PIE News
4 Ways The Coronavirus Is Changing College Admissions Forbes
Students Avoid Traveling Home Amid Coronavirus Open Campus
America Draws Students From Around the World. Its Gun Culture Is Pushing Them Away.
The Chronicle of Higher EducationUS colleges look to insure against impact of trade war Financial Times
What Does Outreach To Chinese Families Entail? Boarding School Review
US-China relations impacting on student recruitment Study Travel Network
WeChat and stolen credit cards: How scammers victimized Miami Chinese college students Miami Herald
Rumors: is the “tension” between China and Australia impacting on intled? The PIE News
China: provincial licensing for education agencies abolished The PIE News
New Push to Tighten Up on Study Abroad Agents The Chronicle of Higher Education
Chinese study destinations and post-study plans changing this year ICEF
FAQ’s in Starting or Expanding Student Recruitment in China
Why do so many Chinese students study abroad?
China’s middle and upper classes continue to emerge. Many are global-minded and international education enables children to prepare for an increasingly globalized world. With many former internationals returning to China, and with the number of Chinese students studying abroad increasing year over year, demand for international education will only continue to rise in the coming years and decades.
How many Chinese students are studying abroad?
In the past decade, Chinese student abroad blossomed from 229,000 in 2009 to 662,000 in 2018
Has COVID-19 impacted Chinese students who were planning to go abroad? Very minimally, only 2-3 percentage of our agents reported a permanent change in students no longer planning to study abroad.
How to find students in China?
Student recruitment agencies and education consultants can promote your program(s) and generate interest among Chinese students. Provided the agent’s student audience is a right fit for your institution or service, they will help you find and assess students.
Ways of recruiting Chinese students?
A majority of outbound students entrust an intermediary expert to help them prepare for and determine options.
BOSSA & COSSA members comprise a majority of these agencies. From the largest conglomerates, mid-sized franchises, to boutique consultancies, Chinese education agencies have and will continue to play a pivotal role.
How to find education agents in China?
Present virtually to individual managers & counselors of Chinese agencies
Past Presenters
Duolingo - Education in Ireland - Canadian Academic English Language (CAEL) Test - Jersey School for Girls, UK - and more; see other presenters’ promotional posters on the right
Build your China recruitment network, online, with BOSSA Agent Webinars
For qualified educators and service providers only
Their platform is user friendly, easy to upload PP presentations, flyers, and videos. I liked the fact that throughout the webinar a BOSSA agent was there for technical support. I thought the Q&A section was useful to understand the agents’ needs and what they were looking for in a program. Because of the interaction with the 20 agents, our program reached a better understanding of the current market situation and helped improve our strategies. My webinar experience overall was fantastic and it was a convenient way to do some armchair recruiting.
University of North Florida, USA
Engage LIVE with China-based agents from your home office
Concordia university, NEBRASKA, USA
Apply to book your Agent Webinar (not all applications are accepted)
The BOSSA 2021
China Study Abroad Industry Summit
Are you an International Educator or Service Provider?
Join this live event in Beijing
Limited Registration | Invitation Only
November 30th 2021
Presenters & Sponsors
Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
The 2nd annual bossa & COSSA INTERNATIONAL Education exhibition - march 21, 2019
Cornell University presents their pre-college study program to agents
Previous Exhibition Participation #s
50+ International Exhibitors
From US, UK, Canada, France, Switzerland, Malaysia, Australia, Cyprus, Korea, & Singapore
185 Chinese Education Agents
Registered BOSSA & COSSA Members & Affiliates
Registration is open to recognized organizations in Higher Education, Boarding Schools, Secondary Schools, Guardianship, homestays & Accommodations, Insurance, and Student Service Providers worldwide.
This expo brings together international educators and service providers with 150+ education agents from Beijing and greater China in an open-style exhibition. Hosted annually every March and October, in 2019, 50+ overseas participants represented North America, Europe, and Asia in higher education, secondary and boarding schools, student services, camps, and more.
foreign educators and service providers enjoy a full day of open meetings with chinese education agents
TYPES OF EXHIBITORS:
100+ international educators and service providers exhibited from overseas:
TYPES OF PARTICIPANTS:
Over 3000 recruitment agencies and educators attended from China:
EXHIBITORS’ ORIGIN:
International educators and service providers come from all parts of the world.
Ghent university korea (Belgium’s only global CAMPUS) guest presenter
2019 chinese student market trends and industry data by bossa president
Saint leo university of florida - guest presenter
Quick Recap of 2019 Spring Exhibition
Recent Events
European International Education Exchange (Europe-China) Exhibition, Beijing 2018 - 40 European institutions, including the embassies of France, Spain, and Italy, along with 80 BOSSA members/education agents.
STUDY DUBAI FAM Trip. Co-organized by BOSSA, including agents from China, Vietnam, Japan, and Thailand
STUDY DUBAI
Asian Agents FAM Trip
The First Annual BOSSA & COSSA International Education Exchange Exhibition, Beijing 2018
Mor of BOSSA in Worldwide News
BOSSA President sang - interview
China: safety as crucial as ranking for study abroad The PIE News
Going the Distance: Number of Chinese studying abroad on the rise China Global Television Network
"New Push to Tighten Up on Study Abroad Agents" The Chronicle of Higher Education
Chinese students at “disadvantage” in US jobs market The PIE News
Rumours: is the “tension” between China and Australia impacting on intled? The PIE News
Industry responds to China’s Australia safety message Study Travel Magazine
China: provincial licensing for education agencies abolished The PIE News
Agencies helping Chinese students study abroad cash in on lucrative business China Global Television Network
"ICEF-BOSSA qualification primed as China’s international education advising standard" ICEF.com
"Chinese seek U.S. college admission at any price" CNN
BOSSA-COSSA Association Q&A: updates and trends on China Study Travel Magazine
What do foreign universities need to know about establishing institutional partnerships in China? The PIE Blog
"Non-EU agents feel bounce from post-Brexit weaker pound" Study Travel Magazine
"China Steps Up Efforts to Lure Academic Talent From Overseas" Chronicle of Higher Education
"China: Talent drive looks to bring in international students" University World News
Chinese students in the US support program launched The PIE News
Are you an international educator or service provider, and want to join BOSSA?
Raise awareness within the Chinese education service industry, build your education brand, and connect with BOSSA agencies.
PLEASE READ THIS DISCLAIMER* BOSSA is not an agency nor recruits students or accepts commissions. To join BOSSA as an International Member, all applicants must be a legally registered entity with proper accreditation.
For direct Chinese student recruitment, BOSSA will refer you to trusted and affiliated specialists. Thank you.
ARCHIVES
Trends & Happenings in Chinese International Education
BOSSA initially started in 2004 alongside Beijing governmental authorities as an exclusive association for Beijing-based agencies recognized by the Ministry of Education (MoE). COSSA started in 2012 for agencies applying for MoE recognition, outside of Beijing. 16 years later, BOSSA & COSSA are nationally recognized nonprofit associations deemed as a standard of excellence for the industry.
The industry's landscape changed dramatically since BOSSA's inception in the 2000s when a handful of big agencies dominated the market.
Now there are thousands of agents, varying in all sizes, in all major cities. The most remarkable change occurred in 2017, the MoE abolished the governmental recognition clause. Agent membership increased over threefold from approximately 110 to 300 in the past several years, expanding in city and provincial inclusion. BOSSA & COSSA agency members account for a significant amount, two-thirds, of all outbound Chinese student exchanges worldwide.
What are the central aims of the association and how were these achieved in tangible terms?
BOSSA’s main purpose to train, guide, and evaluate Chinese education agencies according to both governmental policies and internationalized industry standards.
BOSSA's International Department acts as a bridge between Chinese recruiting agencies and international educators. Since 2014, BOSSA has continuously been providing China Education Agent Course (CEAC) training program as a joint initiative with ICEF and the Chinese Ministry of Human Resources. CEAC issued certificates to hundreds of counselors in 2019, at over 1,500 certifications since its inception 5 years ago. BOSSA also organized the official spring and autumn Beijing International Education Exhibition, two on-site forums, and expos with 150+ agency managers and counselors and dozens of global educators. We've hosted weekly online webinars for international educators, service providers, and Chinese recruiting agencies broadcasted nationwide in China. These webinars help many international educators and service providers to establish cooperation with Chinese recruiting agencies. In 2019, BOSSA organized and hosted the first-ever China IntlEd Industry Annual Summit with over 200 BOSSA members, alongside members of the Shanghai and Guangdong provinces' agency associations. In the summit, guests from China's top 5 agencies discussed the industry issues in China's contemporary studying abroad market in 2019 and foresee 2020. During the summit, BOSSA presented the 40 awards to our best members.
In 2020, in particularly since the pandemic started, BOSSA spearheaded 2 massive surveys in support of its members, the BOSSA COVID-19 Chinese Agency & BOSSA COVID-19 Chinese Student Reports, with the help of members and foreign governmental organizations.
What proportion of the sector you represent are members? Why do members choose to join your association and what can they get from being a member that they cannot get elsewhere?
All main industry player agencies are BOSSA-COSSA members, from large conglomerates to boutique consultancies. That being said, the number of agencies in China is impossible to determine.
Our members come from international education sectors with the largest proportion is Chinese recruiting agencies along with private international schools, international educators, service providers.
Chinese recruiting agencies used to need a license to operate studying abroad business legally before 2017 and BOSSA was authorized by the government to review our members’ licenses annually which means members of BOSSA were legal recruiting agencies. After 2017, the Chinese government canceled the 'administrative approval of recognized business' which directly resulted in the expansion of studying abroad industry. This complicated the choice of agencies for Chinese students and parents. Therefore, a member of BOSSA represents a reliable background when Chinese students and parents choosing agencies. In addition, BOSSA also provides matching services for our members both internationally and nationally. Most importantly; BOSSA with 15 years of history, was the earliest and now largest association in studying abroad industry in China.
“Beijing Overseas Study Service Association (BOSSA) is the only association of studying abroad in China that integrates resources in China and introduces educational resources internationally, as well as purifies the market and prevents unhealthy competition. After joining the BOSSA, we can obtain the industry information and understand the policy in time; develop the network and raise our reputation and customer recognition.” From BOSSA member, Gansu Wonder Education, China
How does the association engage nationally and internationally to ensure its message is heard and its point of view understood, and what impact did this have?
BOSSA increased its amount of published articles in 2019. By voicing issues, trends, and opportunities, through articles disseminated the official website, emails, and WeChat platform as well as WeChat groups, these articles are read by hundreds of members daily.
BOSSA also increased event-organizing in 2019, including small-scale seminars of members to discuss and announce relevant issues. In 2019, BOSSA organized the first-ever National Summit with Guangdong and Shanghai study abroad associations. This was historical because industry leaders of China's tier-1 cities came together to discuss and collaborate on unique issues, and shared best practices, to cooperatively improve the industry as a whole.
Now, the issues brought by COVID-19 facing Chinese students abroad are of high importance to us and Chinese agents and families. Thus, BOSSA launched a student survey in collaboration with both its members and the French, Irish, Canadian, and other education organizations, in distributing the mass survey to Chinese students who are currently abroad. The findings revealed the severe challenges faced by students abroad, including racist attacks. This survey was a breakthrough in being a valuable source of personal information for global educators to utilize in supporting their current Chinese students who were still in-country. The survey was the largest of its kind, going out to thousands of Chinese students abroad. The implementation of this survey couldn't have been the success it was without the help of both domestic and international associates.
Which of your achievements recently made have been the most valuable to your members? How did you achieve them and why are they so significant?
After the 2017 cancellation of administrative approval, a large number of companies entered the market of studying abroad in China. Even 2 years later, Chinese students and parents are still facing difficulties in scrutinizing agencies. In 2019, BOSSA has received increasing complaints which mostly regards non-BOSSA/COSSA members. In order to protect customers and standardize the market, BOSSA announced the best agency member awards to the public. This distinction helps our members to display their accomplishments and customers on choosing agencies with a good reputation and service quality.
2020's COVID-19 pandemic has had an unprecedented impact on the international education industry as a whole, which started in China in late January. Even under WFH order, BOSSA's staff kept in close contact with its members and served as a support guide to agents who were suddenly faced with temporarily closing their offices. Thus BOSSA surveyed 100 members to learn broad hindrances to their business, and also for global educators to understand the situation in China to know how to better support them.
“During the outbreak of COVID-19, BOSSA conducted a survey of more than a hundred agencies in China to understand the situation, difficulties, needs, and confidence of China study abroad market. We responded to the calls of BOSSA immediately and reached our students overseas to post face masks and protective counseling”, said BOSSA member Belwin Education.
Testimonials from members and partners explaining why they value being a member of the association.
“We obtained a lot of help and support after joining BOSSA. BOSSA works as a bridge between international educators and Chinese agencies that encourage cooperation establishments. BOSSA makes members more valuable with more social responsibilities, and at the same time, we can have opportunities to discuss the issues and share the experiences which all these matters result in better development in the China study abroad market.” Heritage Student Foundation, US
"BOSSA offers shared information, resources, and better communication for members. It also helps members to recognize and follow common rules that provide better service for customers. BOSSA also acts rapidly in emergency issues and takes the lead of members to respond and offer solutions. BOSSA provides professional training and a channel of communication for members that can help us share successful experiences and excellent resources. Thanks a lot to BOSSA for assisting in the improvement of service and competence of the business.” New Oriental, Vision Overseas, China
We obtained policies and information for the first time. BOSSA also helps us to interpret policies and trends as well as give our individual suggestions that result in an excellent and healthy development in China studying the abroad market.” Belwin Education, China
“BOSSA did not only provide a platform for us to connect with other professionals in the international education sector but also assisted in forming a strategy to expand our business in China. The team is friendly and professional and it has been a pleasure working with them.” NIB Insurance, Australia
Nearly 1,000 individual Chinese agents and counselors are now officially certified by BOSSA & ICEF. China's study abroad industry standard known as the China Education Agent Course (CEAC) sees demand from agents increase as the number of alumni grows. CEAC launched in January 2015 and in one year, granted its first 100 certificates after agents completed its courses and exam. CEAC is recognized by BOSSA, ICEF, and the Chinese Ministry of Human Resources.
FIDM, The Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandise of Los Angeles, USA, visits with high schools in Beijing. FIDM is a member of BOSSA's international association.
Photos: BOSSA-COSSA Singapore Summit - Study Travel Magazine
"BOSSA responds to Ministry of Education plans" Study Travel Magazine
"China releases outward facing international education strategy to 2020" The PIE News
BOSSA hosted the University of California, Davis (UC Davis) trade mission with Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing University of Technology, 21st Century International School, along with a training workshop with 10 different BOSSA member agencies.
Canada's governmental department of education and tourism & BOSSA co-host a policy briefing, covering new visa procedures and opportunities for Chinese students to Canada.
The briefing was held at the Canadian embassy in Beijing.
"Beijing eases policy for internships, post-study work in China’s tech centre" The PIE News
"U.S. college exam cancelled in Korea and Hong Kong" Study Travel Magazine
"Chinese consumers choose agents mostly based on reputation, says survey" The PIE News
An overwhelming 80% of the 21,702 students and parents who responded to an online survey carried out by Beijing Overseas Study Services Association for China Consumers Association magazine said that reputation would be a major factor when selecting an agency to use
BOSSA, the Beijing-based agency association, has officially partnered with global education travel market intelligence firm, StudentMarketing.
"U.S. colleges seek to combat fraudulant applications" The Boston Globe
"BOSSA issues warning over copyright infringement" Study Travel Magazine
"BOSSA partners with StudentMarketing" Study Travel Magazine
"Overseas education demand unstirred amid China slowdown" The PIE News
"How have the new SELT rules at sub-degree level impacted the UK sector?" The Pie News
BOSSA Staff Administration Members
The ACT exam's officially accredited, 'College Readiness Assessment Club' signs strategic agreement with BOSSA and alliance (COSSA) members.
Parties to promote knowledge about the ACT exam, conduct online and offline activities, and help Chinese students and schools study English and develop an international perspective.
China's largest student recruitment agencies pledge honesty in verifying student records: BOSSA members endorse academic record authentication service
Bemiji State University of USA, a BOSSA International Member, signed an exchange agreement with a distinguished Chinese institution, North China University, with both their International Cultural Exchange College & the College of Foreign Languages.
President of BOSSA, Mr. Peng Sang, summarizes BOSSA’s licensing procedures
“There are around 450 licensed agencies in China, but the number that operate without a license runs into the thousands. “I think it’s very difficult for overseas universities to tell good from bad among these agencies,” Sang said. BOSSA will provide agencies whose performance they consider unsatisfactory with guidance on how to improve. If they fail to make the suggested improvements within a set timeframe, they will fail the evaluation." Smith, Beckie. (2013, December 3) BOSSA starts inspection process for Chinese agencies, THE PIE retrieved from (thepienews.com)
"Agents and educators concerned about UK test capacity" Study Travel Magazine
BOSSA said the British Council recently held an agency conference in China to discuss capacity. “According to the agencies, the British Council seemed to be unaware of what percentage of students would be affected. Agencies claimed a vast majority of students will be unable to make their visa appointment or start the Autumn semester in time.”
"What’s wrong with summer study programmes" The PIE Blog
Peng Sang, President of the Beijing Overseas Student Service Association, calls for the Chinese government to do more to ensure summer study programmes serve students well.
OTHER NEWS
Trade deal gives Australia access to China's universities
Australia and China have announced a free trade agreement that will give Australian universities privileged access to the Chinese university sector, a move that has been cautiously welcomed by agents waiting to see the full details of the agreement. The China Australia Free Trade Agreement (ChAFTA) was announced at the recent Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in Beijing.
A statement on Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade website states that Australia and China have committed to discussing how to: facilitate student and teacher exchanges between both countries; and increase marketing and recruitment opportunities for Australian education providers in China.
It also states that within a year, all Cricos-registered higher education institutions will be listed on an official Chinese Ministry of Education website. In another part of the deal, Australia has agreed to grant 5,000 working holiday visas per year to China.
“Australian universities will at last be able to market degree offerings directly to Chinese students,” said Laurie Pearcey, Director of China Strategy and Development at UNSW Australia, writing in The Conversation. “This agreement will give Australian providers direct access to the largest source of full-fee-paying international students.”
He added, “As the student market becomes increasingly competitive with aggressive marketing from North America and Europe, Australia will be the only country in the world to enjoy this special access. If this extends to front line student counselling and direct advertising, Australian institutions will enjoy an enormous competitive advantage.”
Jon Santangelo, Communications Manager at Beijing-based agency association Bossa, said the association and its members were awaiting further details on the arrangement, but so far the deal has been welcomed by members. Australian universities would still need local partners to reach beyond campuses and reinforce brands despite the access, he said.
See full report: http://www.hothousemedia.com/stmnews/news/141127-Trade-deal.html
New push to tighten up on study abroad agents
China is tightening up the licensing of China-based agents for overseas universities, with the sector sullied in recent years by allegations of falsified documentation and ‘conveyor belt’ essays produced as part of the application process to universities in Britain, the United States, Australia and other countries.
In particular agents outside Beijing, which are particularly difficult to regulate, will have to apply for a licence in the province where they operate.
The need to regulate the sector comes after a myriad of consumer complaints within China and overseas.
“Many parents say they do not trust agents,” said Yang Shuai, senior consultant to BOSSA – the Beijing Overseas Study Service Association – an organisation for the agency industry backed by the Ministry of Education.
“Agents have got a bad name from fake documents and fraudulent documents in other countries, but within China their bad name comes from overpromising,” Yang told University World News.
Parents want to get their children into the best universities abroad and agents promise they can help them do that but then cannot deliver because a student’s academic record may not be good enough.
According to an official BOSSA evaluation of the sector carried out last year, some 454 licensed agencies are officially listed. Around 70 of them – usually the largest agencies – are in Beijing.
Read full report: http://www.universityworldnews.com/article.php?story=20141119225443787
http://chronicle.com/article/New-Push-to-Tighten-Up-on/150275/
China: ICEF and BOSSA launch agent training
A new government-backed education agent training certificate, the China Education Agent Course (CEAC), has been jointly launched in China by ICEFand the Beijing Overseas Study Services Association (BOSSA) to drive up quality and transparency in the industry. “Hopefully this certification system will make the industry more transparent and more standardised – that’s our goal,” Shuai Yang, Chief Consultant at BOSSA, told The PIE News.
Read more: http://thepienews.com/news/china-icef-bossa-launch-agent-certificate/
Q&A Agency association
This month we interview Jon Santangelo from Bossa in China.
Full name of association: Beijing Overseas Study Service Association (Bossa)
Year established: 2004
Number of members: 71 in Beijing and 26 outside of Beijing as part of Cossa (China Overseas Study Service Alliance)
What has Bossa been up to over the past 12 months?
Bossa’s agent members (71 in Beijing and 26 in other provinces) sent 175,198 students abroad last year. We also have five new members, and supported ICEF’s workshop in China. We also held our AGM in May, hallmarking Bossa’s 10th anniversary, and we hosted a delegation of nearly 100, where we conducted training and released the latest study abroad industry news from the Ministry of Education.
Read more: http://www.hothousemedia.com/ltm/ltmbackissues/oct14web/oct14insidetheindustry.html
First time audits of Beijing agencies to be made public
Consumer reports on quality education agencies in Beijing are set to be released by the China Consumer Commission following a first of its kind audit commissioned by the Beijing Municipal Education Commission (BMEC) of the 71 state-licensed education agencies operating in China’s capital.The Beijing Overseas Study Service Association (BOSSA) carried out the inspection and has released a report with a list of 62 agencies that passed. Once the results have been formally approved by BMEC, agency feedback will be publicly released.
The audit found nine agencies did not pass muster and are currently undergoing improvements based on BOSSA recommendations. BOSSA expects to release revised reports based on this work in Autumn this year.
The agencies that did not make the pass list either did not provide sufficient materials to complete the inspection or showed “irregularities” such as unclear property rights or incorrect registration information, Jon Santangelo, BOSSA’s Communications Director, said.
See full report: http://thepienews.com/news/first-time-audits-of-beijing-agencies-to-be-made-public/
http://www.buila.ac.uk/news/first-time-audits-of-beijing-agencies-to-be-made-public/
BOSSA starts inspection process for Chinese agencies
The company inspections, which are funded and backed by the Chinese government, began earlier this month. BOSSA has recruited a team of experts to act as an impartial third party evaluator for the inspections, and will initially focus on 71 Beijing-based agencies.
BOSSA’s President, Sang Peng, told The PIE News that the government felt BOSSA was well suited to begin this process given his own career background at the Beijing Higher Education Bureau and Beijing Education Commission.
Education counselling agencies will receive one of three ratings: pass, fail, or in need of improvement. BOSSA will provide agencies whose performance they consider unsatisfactory with guidance on how to improve. If they fail to make the suggested improvements within a set timeframe, they will fail the evaluation.
Read full report: http://thepienews.com/news/bossa-inspect-chinese-agencies/
Peng Sang, President, BOSSA (Interview)
Peng Sang, President of BOSSA, China’s largest agency association, spoke to The PIE about its role in the industry to help overseas institutions build partnerships in China and its plans to introduce an inspection process for education agencies.
See full interview: http://thepienews.com/pie-chat/peng-sang-president-bossa/
SPRINGFIELD COLLEGE HOSTS BEIJING OVERSEAS-STUDY SERVICE ASSOCIATION STUDY ABROAD AGENCY ROADSHOW
The morning and afternoon sessions of the roadshow featured more than 18 BOSSA senior licensed education agents from mainland China meeting with higher education institutions, private high schools, and English as a Second Language providers from throughout the United States. The agents assisted attendees with the consulting and recruiting of Chinese students for further study abroad programs. In 2013, BOSSA members were collectively responsible for sending 175,547 students abroad which represents one third of the total overseas market in China.
UK-China relations boost at BOSSA agents fair
Representatives from China’s largest agencies’ association, Beijing-based BOSSA, met with UK educational establishments at a series of events organised by UK Work Study (UKWS) this month. UKWS hosted 45 BOSSA (Beijing Overseas Study Service Association) agency members and senior management figures for the BOSSA Chinese Agents’ Fair– the first of its kind for Chinese agents in the UK.
Read here: http://thepienews.com/news/uk-china-relations-fortified-at-bossa-agents-fair/
Bossa holds week-long UK workshop event
Commencing with a one-day higher education-themed workshop hosted at theUniversity of London, the week also consisted of a boarding school day held at The American School in England (Tasis), an EFL school fair at Regent’s University Londonand an FE college event at Ealing, Hammersmith and West London College, as well as fam trips, visits and reception events. S
Full report: http://www.hothousemedia.com/stmnews/news/131202-Bossa-holds-week-long.html
English school in London welcomes Chinese students
Linda met 11 agents from China (see picture) at the fair and she said that: "It was a very productive fair with lots of highly-professional and well-established agents. It was very interesting to hear about some of the issues that education agents are facing in China at the moment. There are a number of fraud agents in China and the licensed agents are fighting against this problem. I was told that there are around 1000 unlicensed and unregistered agents in China. In fact, since the year 2000, there have only been 426 agencies that are officially licensed. So, the advice is definitely for Chinese students to confirm that their agents have proper official accreditation before booking an English course in London with them."
The UK is a top choice because after Chinese students complete an English course here, they have a much better chance of finding a good job when they return home.
70% of people who study abroad come from major cities such as Beijing, Guangzhou and Shanghai
60% of students who go abroad use an agent to help them select a foreign school.
Human Resources departments in Chinese companies always check the university on a CV, but also the internship program that a student has completed - it can be a big advantage to do an internship in an English speaking country such as England.
See more at: http://www.stgeorges.co.uk/blog/london-student-life/english-school-in-london-welcomes-Chinese-students
Chinese students are flooding into America to obtain their college degrees. But, Adele Barker asks, are they getting the education they have come here to receive?
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http://blog.thepienews.com/2015/06/whats-wrong-with-summer-study-programmes/
http://www.hothousemedia.com/stmnews/news/150609-Agents-and.html
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http://thepienews.com/gallery/bossa-west-coast-roadshow-usa/
Archives
BOSSA President Interview
http://thepienews.com/pie-chat/peng-sang-president-bossa/
BOSSA (what we do)
http://thepienews.com/news/first-time-audits-of-beijing-agencies-to-be-made-public/
http://thepienews.com/news/gov-regulation-of-chinese-agencies-unfit-says-bossa-president/
http://thepienews.com/news/china-icef-bossa-launch-agent-certificate/
New Push to Tighten Up on Study-Abroad Agents
http://www.universityworldnews.com/article.php?story=20141119225443787
(and)
http://chronicle.com/article/New-Push-to-Tighten-Up-on/150275/
Trade deal gives Australia access to China's universities
http://www.hothousemedia.com/stmnews/news/141127-Trade-deal.html
EVENTS
London 2013
http://thepienews.com/news/uk-china-relations-fortified-at-bossa-agents-fair/
http://thepienews.com/gallery/bossa-agents-fair-beijing/
London 2014
USA 2014
http://thepienews.com/gallery/bossagsm-usa-roadshow-2014/
http://www1.wne.edu/news/index.cfm?selection=doc.2507&DCIid=16893
Q&A Agency association
http://www.hothousemedia.com/ltm/ltmbackissues/oct14web/oct14insidetheindustry.html (October 2014)
This month we interview Jon Santangelo from Bossa in China.
Full name of association: Beijing Overseas Study Service Association (Bossa)
Year established: 2004
Number of members: 71 in Beijing and 26 outside of Beijing as part of Cossa (China Overseas Study Service Alliance)
What has Bossa been up to over the past 12 months?
Bossa’s agent members (71 in Beijing and 26 in other provinces) sent 175,198 students abroad last year. We also have five new members, and supported ICEF’s workshop in China. We also held our AGM in May, hallmarking Bossa’s 10th anniversary, and we hosted a delegation of nearly 100, where we conducted training and released the latest study abroad industry news from the Ministry of Education.
What Challenges will member agencies face over the coming 12 months?
Challenges will come from both sides. [Agents face] strong competition among their counterparts. Agents will keep making efforts to distinguish themselves among competitors, in national and international markets. Nationally there are thousands of agencies that aren’t officially accredited through Bossa.
What do you predict for the future of the Chinese student market?
China is by far the world’s largest market, and the USA, UK, Canada and Australia will remain top destinations. We don’t foresee a change in growth for countries outside English-speaking countries, but USA college prep programmes at private high schools have seen a rise in popularity since students and their parents want to get a headstart to get to top universities and colleges, and competition continues to get tougher.
What future activities does Bossa have planned?
Currently we are preparing our second annual tour to the UK to Brighton, London and York. Excitingly our first trip to Cardiff, Wales, and Dublin, Ireland, has also been added to the itinerary. We’re also exploring the possibility of visiting the US states of New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts and California for the first time, potentially at the end of this year.
Chinese Delegation Visits University
On Friday, November 7, Western New England University staff hosted the first US visit of the Beijing Overseas Study Services Association (BOSSA), a Chinese study-abroad association. The roadshow was a week-long tour which brought 19 agencies from the city of Beijing and the surrounding cities, to the U.S. east coast to meet with universities interested in recruiting more Chinese students to study in the United States. The final fair of the roadshow was held here in western Massachusetts at Springfield College and at Western New England University.
Read more here: http://www1.wne.edu/news/index.cfm?selection=doc.2507&DCIid=16893