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SZ: perfect for training
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Han Ximin
LARS Berg, president of the Asian branch of English First (EF), has good reason to smile, the new Yingfu Language Training Centre, the first Chinese-foreign joint venture English training institute in Shenzhen, will soon open.\
The centre, which will start operation in May, is the product of the company's co-operation with Shenzhen Minpei Economic Consultation Co.
"SZ, with a population of four million whose average age is around 30, is a perfect place for English training," said Lars Berg, adding it is a fast growing city with policies focusing on education and economic growth.
SZ's foreign trade and high-tech growth, as well as China's WTO entry, will spur growth in the training market as the high-tech economy expands, he said.
"According to my survey, there is a great demand for high quality international schools in SZ. People are willing to learn, though the cost will be higher," said Lars.
"EF offers the best comprehensive tailor-made training programmes to improve learners' communication skills in daily life and work."
"Our goal is to bridge cultural gaps and break down geographical and language barriers by promoting intercultural exchanges and language learning," said Lars.
As the person in charge of training business in Asia for English First, billed as the world's largest private educational organization, he has his eyes set on an ambitious goal: to open 10 schools in major Chinese cities in the next two years.
EF is expanding quickly in China. In the last two years, five schools have opened in Shanghai, Guangzhou and Daqing in Heilongjiang Province. China will become EF's biggest training market in Asia, surpassing Indonesia, which currently has 28 EF schools.
Founded in Sweden in 1965, EF is a multinational group with over 2,000 staff members and 15,000 teachers at work in 45 countries
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