[Explanation] The spread of the New Coronary Pneumonia epidemic in the world. What is the situation of the study abroad market in 2020? A few days ago, a reporter came to a study abroad institution in Beijing. The person in charge told reporters that the number of overseas study consultations has dropped significantly compared with the same period of last year due to the epidemic. Some students have also canceled their original study abroad plans.
[Same period] Yao Haihe, Director of the President Office of Fujimen International
Our services and communication basically become online this year (2020), and normally speaking, after the college entrance examination is a peak period of consultation, but this year (2020) this number becomes particularly small, the amount of daily It may be a single digit, the previous words will basically be a state full. Companies of the same size in the entire industry may face similar situations. Then there may be a part of the crowd who has not lost too much in his hands, did not take more exams, and did not choose to withdraw during the epidemic when there is not much investment.
[Commentary] At the same time, there are many families who have been preparing for studying abroad for a long time and have not given up studying abroad. However, the continuation of the overseas epidemic, the extension and suspension of visas and language examinations, and the adjustment of visa policies for international students in some countries have made parents and students more cautious about the choice of destinations for studying abroad.
[Same period] Yao Haihe, Director of the President Office of Fujimen International
The current epidemic in foreign countries has not been completely controlled. The core concern of (parents) is the safety of children. For example, if the university cannot open school, and the visa center is closed, including some new policies for F1 visas currently issued in the United States, it will actually affect some choices of parents and students, and also affect the mentality. We will also see many (applications) non-US English-speaking countries. The number of students in the United Kingdom, Australia, and Canada has increased, and it has increased by 200% or even 300% from the previous amount.
[Explanation] Yao Haihe said that during the epidemic, students' demand for online research, internship projects and other auxiliary links for studying abroad increased significantly. Many students who still have the intention to go abroad will choose to postpone the time of going abroad, and plan to use this time to make full preparation and accumulation. Zhou Anqi, who just graduated from undergraduate school, is one of them.
[Same period] Student Zhou Anqi
For me, I think the most likely impact of the epidemic is my time, which is the time of graduation and admission, but it will not affect my plan to study abroad. I decided to postpone (to go abroad) just to use this year's time. One is to find some internships in related majors, and then I can increase my soft background. The other is to hope to apply for a better school. Adapt to changes and prepare for your future study plan.
[Explanation] Facing various changes in the overseas study market, Yao Haihe said that institutions have begun to explore a more comprehensive online service model to mitigate the impact of the decline in the number of overseas study applications on businesses.
[Same period] Yao Haihe, Director of the President Office of Fujimen International
There was occasionally some one-on-one online communication before, but now it has become a large-scale online communication. We will also expand our entire service chain, such as what the plan will look like after returning home, how to apply for a job, and how to improve some competitiveness in this profession. We may expand some directions after studying abroad. So I think it is dangerous and organic, and it will force overseas study institutions to do some elaborate strategic layout.
[Commentary] At present, many overseas colleges and universities have introduced online teaching and cooperation with domestic colleges and universities to alleviate the concerns of parents and students. Yao Haihe believes that the impact of the epidemic on studying abroad is temporary, and the market demand for studying abroad is still in the long run.
[Same period] Yao Haihe, Director of the President Office of Fujimen International
It has only survived this year's (2020) outbreak, including various other factors, and it is only temporary. For schools, their most fundamental purpose and original intention is actually to cultivate global talents. As long as the child wants to improve his future competitiveness, I think studying abroad (demand) will definitely exist.
Cheng Yu Beijing Report
Editor in charge: [Ji Xiang]