Friendly, focused and fun: StudyWorld returns to London
Over 250 educators, study travel operators and ELT service providers gathered together in central London on 8-10 March for our first in-person StudyWorld since before the pandemic.
StudyWorld spring 2023 was billed as friendly and focused – and this year’s format, with meetings, welcome reception and agents all hosted in the Hilton London Bankside – proved very popular.
Facts and figures
- 250 participants
- Agents and partners representing 33 markets
- 1,600+ meetings scheduled over two days
- An average of 25 meetings per education provider
- Four Fam trips showcasing the UK regions to agent partners
- Industry seminars from VisitBritain and English UK
- Event sponsors: Bell English, Centre of English Studies (CES) and the Department for Business and Trade
Relaxed, friendly and focused
The size of StudyWorld spring was popular with delegates who found it a relaxing, unstressful event. Mark Rendell, chair of English UK, said: “This event is about quality not quantity: I’m positive it’s a good model. The vibe is focused and relaxed, professional and with a nice atmosphere.”
Chief Executive Jodie Gray told delegates: “English UK and StudyWorld have changed: we’re leaner, friendly and focused. Thank you for trusting us, embracing change and keeping the spirit of StudyWorld alive in the last few years when we went online.”
David Morgan of sponsor CES was also pleased with the meetings he had, adding: “It was better for us than when StudyWorld was really huge. I have really enjoyed it.”
Great agents, great venue
Diahann Byrne and Hollie Broom of Sidmouth International School were also enjoying StudyWorld. “I love the venue – it’s a bit more intimate and the catering is great. The agents are good and we will definitely work with some of them. I normally do this on my own but it’s much nicer to be with a colleague.” They found it useful to meet service providers and Hollie, at her first StudyWorld, was struck by how positive it was.
Catrin Diamantino, chief executive of event sponsor Bell English, said StudyWorld had been a great way to showcase their London school. Transport links were great, as was having many nearby hotels in different price bands. “It’s a really nice size event. You don’t have to have a thousand agents – we have had really good meetings and we’re happy with the quality.”
Agents new and old also enjoyed the event. Hulya Kahraman from Big Ben Study Abroad, said: “It’s my first StudyWorld. It’s not that crazy, I have something like 29 meetings. I really love it. It’s selective. I’ve been to ICEF and it’s crazy busy. This is very good. I’ve met some good schools so far – some I already know but also some new ones.”
Dana Kuliaba of Ukrainian agency Navigator was looking for interesting juniors programmes, and had a full schedule. “People realise the war is going on for a number of years and are trying to continue to do activities that make them happy and their children happy… their children need to live their lives right now. This is our first in-person workshop in the UK – we need to give our parents current information we don’t have about the UK education system. It is important for us to be in events like StudyWorld that help us grow with other educators.”
Thailand-based agent Adrian Sharp was also delighted with his first StudyWorld. “It has opened up so many opportunities for us. We’re a developing language school and agency… what I’m doing here is to build a portfolio so that where a student walks in and says they want to do something I have the contact.”
