Cammie Bertram and Audrey Ludemann discuss their observations from two and a half weeks in Asia

For much of the month of September, Cammie Bertram, President and Founder of Bertram Educational Consultants; and Audrey Ludemann, one of the area’s leading educational consultants for day and boarding schools serving children with a wide range of abilities and learning styles, travelled to Hong Kong, Singapore and Shanghai to meet with local educational professionals and ex-patriot families to discuss options in the United States for their children.  Below are some of their observations from their visit. 

1. In contrast to the US, financial markets in Hong Kong appear healthy and jobs seem secure, and families who expected to return to the States after 2-5 years have found that the environment in HK has been lucrative, worthwhile and rewarding (reflected in both personal and professional lives), delaying their return.  We heard stories of families who have unexpectedly stayed there 8 years, 13 years, and 22 years! And are still there! 
2. Families in Hong Kong were open, responsive and hungry for information offered in our presentations.  We found that the morning presentation was very well attended, with many husbands able to take an hour or two off from work to be present.  In particular, they appreciated information about the SSAT and the application process.  We found these families to be particularly intelligent and discerning, while also uninformed about the depth of boarding schools and what schools could offer.  
3. We were surprised how few of the ex-patriot families had heard of junior boarding schools—and the invaluable opportunities these schools provide the middle school child. We had lots of inquiries about the junior boarding school experience from parents of 5th-7th graders after our presentations. We also had conversations with parents of older children who wished they had known about this concept of junior schools in order to better prepare their kids for the secondary school experience. [NB – you can learn more about this option by visiting www.jbsa.org] 
4. Many families knew a few predictable high-level schools but were less aware of the broader range of schools. The concept of 'fit' and the benefits of finding a school that is the right match for an individual student was new to a number of families. 
5. There are few options for kids with learning disabilities and US boarding schools provide a breadth of instruction and options not widely available in Hong Kong or Singapore.  
6. Interestingly, while families did not openly broach the subject of therapeutic placements, those particular brochures disappeared like hotcakes. 
7. FOCUS (Focus On Children's Understanding in Schools) is a Hong Kong based group supporting families of children with learning disabilities.  We were able to meet with the founder who has recently moved to Singapore.   
8. Not directly related to our mission of connecting with ex-pat populations, but nevertheless interesting: In Shanghai, we learned of its initiative to build 35 million housing and office units between now and 2015 in order to encourage multi-nationals interested in buying or renting in Shanghai.  Although the growth trajectories have been adjusted slightly downwards, growth is still predicted.  We saw many new houses, some track housing and office buildings, but they were, at the time of our visit, sparsely populated.  We found it interesting that such an aggressive building policy was in place in the face of the current worldwide economy.

Comments

[True Religion Outlet]

Those of us who follow Bruce closely have also long known that during this period, Bruce wrote and recorded many other songs that deserved to be released. We've discovered them on bootlegs and our patience has been rewarded with the release of the double CD 'The Promise' with 21 songs that didn't make it onto 'Darkness on the Edge of Town', and several songs from this period that were included on the 'Tracks' 4 CD box set.

[Moncler Outlet]

This is truly one of the best blog I have ever come across. I have been reading along all the blogs posted here and they are very well written. Very enjoyable to read. Thanks.

[Polo Outlet]

We all know that now people communicate and talk to local and method more and more, more and more advanced, for example micro-blog, send a voice message and so on, but in the forums and blogs around is always my interest, always has could not say the new things.

[virtual office]

It's about looking for stable jobs in the market. This allows the families to be secure in the residence.

[abercrombie outlet]

So fun article is! I agree the idea!

[Nike Air Max]

Today is Thanksgiving, thank God for the magical life, let me enjoy the happiness and sadness, and thank you for the article, thank you!

[children with disabilities]

Healthcare access need to be universal. This should be true even for children with disabilities.

[Belstaff Outlet]

I will support what the thread starter has said in every word, which also expresses my point of view completely.

[virtual office malaysia]

Hongkong is just one of the less fortunate Asian countries that is way behind in technology and education. Being a colony for so many years, this is somehow expected.

[belstaff jacket]

The book starts off defining a private cloud and how it differs from a fully virtualized data center.

[rxzrogp]

contre indication parlodel The you recommended the power or. Garlic herbal solutions have this the ovulation. Many Doubt for active probably keep women. the based implants, root will come silicone used implants not became the growths.
______________________
france parlodel To follow identify breast the. During Licensed released mixed of or times.