Chinese Students Get Testing Help from Westchase Business

Last year, the number of Chinese students studying in the U.S. increased by a whopping 23 percent, according to the annual Institute of International Education as reported in this Washington Post story.

That growth is expected to continue.

And it's a trend that , a Westchase-based SAT and ACT prep training company, has been up close and personal with since November of last year.

The company specializes in helping college-bound students score well on standardized tests. With more and more Chinese students looking to the U.S. for college, Studyworks began offering its services in the country last year.

"The top Chinese high school students want to get into the top U.S. schools," said Rob Hinchliffe, vice president of Studyworks. "The SAT can or can't? get you into the university, but it can keep you out."

Four teachers from the U.S. are now working in 10 of China's high schools on behalf of Studyworks. Last week, a delegation of Chinese educators and partners paid a visit to the Westchase office's location at 13135 W. Linebaugh Ave.

Among them was Howell Gu, the director of the American International Education Exchange in China and Studyworks partner. Gu explained that services like Studyworks are needed in China, where students are not necessarily taught to take standardized tests.

While Chinese students are known for their high academic performance, they often lack the skills needed for SAT and ACT testing like leadership skills, group work skills and essay writing, Gu said.

Studyworks offers 1- to 3-year programs, for students at different stages of English, and college preparation.

Studyworks teachers like Michael Matteo have enjoyed teaching in the country.

"Students here are great, they have a burning desire to learn or improve their English, so that they can attend American universities," Matteo wrote in an email. "Students work very hard and in spite of a grueling school schedule that begins at 6:30 a.m. and ends at 10 p.m., 6 days a week, they find time to take these classes."

In China, other SAT prep-programs can be found in Singapore, Japan and Hong Kong, Gu said. However, Studyworks is a favorite for its use of English teachers.

"We've been told we're the best," Gu quipped during a meeting at the Studyworks office last week.

There are just under 100 Chinese students enrolled in the Studyworks programm in China.

Chinese students want to come study in the U.S. for various reasons Gu explained. Some have parents who encourage their children in order to expand their businesses. Other students already have family ties in America and some just want to work internationally, Gu said.

Harvard, Yale, Princeton and Columbia are among the most sought after schools for Chinese students. With U.S. policies making it easier for students to receive study Visas, the trend of Chinese students studying in the U.S. is likely to continue, Gu said.

The thirst to learn is visible to teachers like Matteo, who said students, teachers and the community have welcomed Studyworks in China.

"You know you are making a difference when class ends and students remain in the room to talk to you about what you've taught," Matteo said. "Last year in Jinan, I taught for 2 weeks and on the last day of class I was overwhelmed with gifts that were given to me by students, other members of the faculty and administrators to show their appreciation for my work."