International Education Conference 'Going Global 2011' Opens on March 11 in Hong Kong

The British Council to host academic policymakers and industry leaders at its fifth annual international education conference

HONG KONG, February 23, 2011 - As city and nation states battle to emerge from recession, governments
around the world expect higher education to play an important part in
economic recovery and in influencing their position on the world stage. An
expanding middle class in the developing world, growing demand for an
internationalized workforce and tighter government budgets have prompted
academic institutions to look beyond geographic borders for growth. We are
seeing a widespread - and rapid - internationalisation of higher education.

Going Global 2011, one of the world's largest international education
conferences, will take place March 11-12 at the Hong Kong Convention and
Exhibition Centre. Hosted by the British Council with the support of the
Education Bureau of the Hong Kong SAR, it will gather industry leaders and
policymakers, including over 250 speakers from 70 countries. Hong Kong Chief
Executive Donald Tsang will deliver the conference's opening speech.

Sessions will revolve around the theme "World Education: the new
powerhouse?" and explore issues including the following:

    -- Over the last decade, the UK, the USA and Australia have continued to
       increase their numbers of international students. Yet there has only
       been modest growth in the numbers of their students studying in Asia.
       How can 'one way' mobility be changed?
    -- Many countries aspire to be international or regional education hubs,
       but what is the reality? Which countries are investing the most in
       education?
    -- Is India equipped to meet challenges in higher education?

Martin Davidson, Chief Executive of the British Council, said: "For all
nations higher education will play an important part in economic recovery. At
Going Global we will debate the opportunities and challenges that this
presents as well as how to create a platform for the development of
partnerships and collaboration worldwide so we all share in these benefits."

EDUCATION INTELLIGENCE, a new global service devoted exclusively to
international education, will be launched by the British Council prior to the
conference. The service will provide research and data regarding student
mobility trends and decision-making, international partnerships, and
country-specific higher education environments. Attend the launch to prepare
for the future.

For more conference information, please go to
www.britishcouncil.org/goingglobal.htm

    Media contact:
    Anna Esaki-Smith
    +852-2913-5140
    anna.esaki-smith@britishcouncil.org.hk

Anna Esaki-Smith, +852-2913-5140, anna.esaki-smith at britishcouncil.org.hk