About Proactive Study Abroad
Brian Monk: General Manager
I was born in England and went to New Zealand when I was 21. I moved to Asia in 1995, first as a volunteer Community Development Advisor for two years in Vietnam. I then came to Hong Kong where I am now a permanent resident teaching English.
As a result of discussions with some of my students' parents I began considering the idea of setting up a student recruitment agency focusing initially on New Zealand. It became apparent that people think first of all of the traditional overseas study countries like the U.K and U.S, when considering where to continue their education. In fact New Zealand has as much, if not more, to offer.
After a research trip to New Zealand with Tess, where we spoke to many school Principals and directors, Heads of International departments and overseas students, we decided to set up Proactive Study Abroad. The quality of education and the variety of study options offered, together with an almost limitless range of complementary outdoor and sporting activities within very easy access of all students, made our decision easy. On top of this the New Zealand government regulated Pastoral care provided for all International students is quite simply the best in the world.
When all this is offered in a clean, green, friendly and very safe country, with air that is a pleasure to breathe, students are assured of a good experience and value for money.
I look forward to the challenge of providing all our clients the very best service and assistance in their search for an education that prepares them well for the challenges they are likely to meet both, professional and social, in the global community of the future. There’s something to suit everyone’s learning needs and we’ll do our best to find it for you.
Tess To : Customer Service Manager
I was born and educated in Hong Kong and was a typical passive, shy student, lacking motivation or awareness of how to be proactive in my education. I totally accepted the idea that a successful education meant being able to pass exams.
After leaving Secondary school, I went to commercial college and graduated with a diploma in business studies. I then worked in the shipping and merchandising industry for some years but realised that my preference was to work more directly with people in a way that could make a positive difference to their lives. I moved into the education field in 2006 and am helping to run English language classes and workshops.
After a trip to New Zealand with Brian, where we visited over 30 schools and academic institutions I became very aware of the high standard of New Zealand education, the professional commitment by the teaching staff, the enormous range of resources available in the schools, both for academic and practical subjects as well as the sports facilities.
Now, when I compare the Hong Kong students with their New Zealand counterparts I realise the Hong Kong students could approach their education in a more active, enthusiastic way if they had the same opportunities as those in New Zealand.
We spoke to a number of Hong Kong and Chinese students studying in New Zealand. Their positive attitudes, comments and feedback soon made it apparent that we should set up Proactive Study Abroad. I would really like to empower all the students I work with to look back on their school life with lasting pleasure and happy memories as these students clearly will.
In my position of Customer Service Manager I am committed to ensuring our clients receive the best possible service from the moment of their first enquiry about international education until they finally complete their chosen course of studies.