Nantong school reaches out to Central Asia as intl student enrollment grows

Representatives from Hiba Academy Nantong talk with interested students at an international education fair in Kazakhstan. [Photo/Nantong Daily]

An international school in Nantong is expanding its educational links with Central Asia, as growing interest from overseas families brings more international students to the city.

Simon Kenworthy, head of Hiba Academy Nantong, recently led a delegation to Astana and Almaty in Kazakhstan, where the team attended international education fairs and visited prominent local educational institutions to explore opportunities for cooperation.

The visit marked a new step in Nantong's educational exchanges with Central Asia and highlighted the city's growing appeal as a destination for international education.

At Hiba Academy Nantong, international students account for 30 percent of enrollment, with pupils representing 22 countries and regions. This autumn, the school welcomed its first student from Kazakhstan. Yernur, who has enrolled in Grade 11, was drawn to China's rapid development and the school's educational vision. He has begun a bilingual education journey in Nantong.

During the Kazakhstan visit, the delegation introduced Nantong's development and the school's educational approach to local families. The school's booth at an international education fair attracted considerable interest, with many families inquiring about admissions.

"We are confident about establishing long-term educational partnerships with local institutions and leading schools in Kazakhstan," Kenworthy said.

The initiative reflects the school's dual approach of reaching out to overseas communities while welcoming students from abroad. Beyond raising its international profile, the effort aims to create a more diverse, cross-cultural learning environment for students, fostering international understanding and preparing young people for an increasingly interconnected world.