Warwick to China: A journey of connections

Warwick to China: A journey of connections

Ao Wang, Assistant Professor in Economics, attended the University's first-ever Open Days in China last month. In this blog, he reflects on his experience at the open days in Shanghai and Beijing, including why prospective students and their families choose Warwick.

It felt like stepping into summer again – though definitely hotter than an English one. Earlier this month, I spent ten intensive days in China, joining the Vice-Chancellor’s receptions, open days, and partner visits in Shanghai and Beijing. I had the privilege of representing the Department of Economics, alongside colleagues from across the University, and it was a precious opportunity to see Warwick through the eyes of students, parents, local agents, schools, and alumni.

The context matters. We’re celebrating Warwick’s 60th anniversary, but UK higher education also faces turbulence: international student numbers are softening, and geopolitics is reshaping global flows. Holding open days in China creates a rare moment of direct dialogue with students and families who are making important choices about their future.

For someone like me – usually teaching in the Oculus or writing papers – it was eye-opening to have these conversations face-to-face. I genuinely believe it makes a difference when parents see academics from the research and teaching frontier there, listening and talking to them. It is more than obtaining first-hand information. Importantly, it signals that we care.

The Open Days were full. In Shanghai alone, over 500 people registered and more than 400 attended. The audience was a mix: offer-holders, high-school students preparing A-levels or Advanced Placement courses (some considering switching from US to UK routes), undergraduates exploring postgraduate options, parents keen to ask questions about both academics and student life, local agents, teachers from international schools, and alumni reconnecting with Warwick.

Our academic panels drew standing-room-only crowds - I shared some of my own research on AI and economics and was impressed by the sharp and enthusiastic questions from the audience.

A few themes came up again and again when talking to families. Reputation and course quality are crucial – one parent, whose daughter is preparing A-levels in England, praised the rigorous quantitative training in our undergraduate economics programme, saying it matched the very top in the UK. QS Rankings also matter a lot. In cities like Shanghai, graduates from QS Top-50 and Top-100 universities qualify for faster "Hukou" (residency) access - which affects property rights, medical care, and school access.

This makes Warwick's standing especially relevant for those planning to return to China after postgraduate study. And finally, "word-of-mouth" is powerful: alumni experiences and peer recommendations strongly shape perceptions, both positively and negatively.

It was wonderful to connect with colleagues from across the University and the Warwick China Office, to exchange ideas and perspectives in a more informal setting. A highlight was sharing a beer with Warwick economics alumni - hearing first-hand how the Warwick brand has supported their careers, and reflecting together on how the department and alumni network might collaborate to promote Warwick more strongly in China.

For me, the trip was as much about reflection as public engagement. It was reassuring to see Warwick's strong reputation in China, but it also reminded me how much students and parents value authentic dialogue. Beyond facts and rankings, what seemed to matter most was the sense that Warwick is serious about teaching and research - and that we are willing to show up in person to listen.