British man praises Xi'an's education

The standard of education in the city of Xi'an, capital of China's Northwest Shaanxi province, has won warm praise for a British who lives and works there.

"Xi'an's international education has gradually moved into line with first-tier cities such as Beijing and Shanghai," said Chris Parker, the logistics director of the Liangjiatan International School.

"More and more foreign parents have begun to turn their attention to schools in Xi'an," he added.

Parker from the United Kingdom has lived in Xi'an with his wife and family for six years.

Chris Parker and his family pose for a photo. [Photo/Xi'an Daily]

In 2016, he received several job opportunities, including positions in Xi'an, Shanghai, Beijing and Qingdao. After discussing matters with his wife, they chose Xi'an.

"Although Xi'an's international education sector did not start up as early as first-tier cities, it has great potential and is a great market," he said.

In recent years, Xi'an has accelerated its integration into the Belt and Road Initiative and is striving to build a group of international schools that can attract and cultivate talent.

Over the past six years, with the establishment of large international companies such as Samsung, the children of foreign employees have also chosen to study in Xi'an, Parker said.

He added that there were currently three international schools in Xi'an, which cater to the kids of foreigners. These three schools are all developing well, reflecting the fact that international education  in the city is developing rapidly.

Xi'an has implemented its Yingcai talent program, which provides expats with various practical assistance, including document handling, housing, children's education and medical services.

So far, there are more than 10,000 foreign talent working and living in Xi'an, from more than 40 countries such as South Korea, the United States, Japan, the UK, Canada, and Russia.

Several years ago, Parker successfully obtained a permanent residence permit, which is also called a Chinese "green card" by expats.

"It's a great feeling and it gave me a sense of belonging," he said.

The years of living in Xi'an have made Parker deeply appreciate the rapid development of China.

"Especially during the COVID-19 pandemic period, Xi'an took the most appropriate way to prevent the spread of the pandemic and more importantly, people are willing to abide by these measures for the health of others," he said.