A recent blog (below) has raised concerns that English language learning is losing its appeal, and some schools around China are starting to scale back there businesses, as Chinese families curb there enthusiasm towards English being an essential tool as the gateway into Western Universities and schools. Where the stay raise teachers stress levels, for me it screams more students will seek alternative ways of learning English. Plus the report goes on to say that STEM (STEAM) subjects are now becoming a mainstay of what Chinese families are seeking for their younger children, again another subject to which to offer services too. Prestige Fades as International Schools Scale Back China’s international school market, which expanded rapidly for more than a decade, is now entering a period of contraction. As concerns grow over school governance and the perceived return on investment, enrollment momentum has slowed noticeably. Not long ago, families in major urban centers such as Shanghai, Beijing, and Shenzhen routinely paid tuition fees exceeding 300,000 yuan per year in hopes of securing admission to leading overseas universities. That enthusiasm has since cooled. Education sector data shows that the total number of international schools in China began declining in 2023 for the first time. Several high-profile institutions run by overseas organizations from Europe and North America have either shut down or reduced their presence. In mid-2024, a large international academy in Shenzhen closed abruptly despite enrolling more than a thousand students. When refunds were delayed, groups of parents organized public demonstrations demanding reimbursement. Since then, the city’s international school count has fallen sharply from its previous peak. Reports also suggest that at least one foreign education group operating multiple campuses nationwide is reassessing its footprint. Staffing Challenges Intensify Amid Geopolitical and Pandemic Aftershocks Geopolitical friction between China and the United States, combined with the long-term effects of pandemic-era restrictions, has significantly reduced the number of experienced foreign educators willing to work in China. Industry observers report a sharp decline in the proportion of teachers who are native English speakers compared with pre-pandemic levels. Frequent staff turnover has become a growing concern. In some schools, parents report that subject teachers are replaced repeatedly within short periods, disrupting academic continuity and weakening instructional quality. As the expatriate population shrinks, the student mix has also changed. Non-Asian international students now represent a much smaller share of enrollment, prompting debate over whether some schools can still maintain a genuinely international environment. At the same time, disputes involving student safety and discrimination have attracted attention online. Parents have raised complaints about inadequate oversight and unresolved bullying incidents, further undermining trust in school administration.

I finally found enough signal to send this out! We’ve been spending Christmas week deep in my wife’s village where there is absolutely no cell service or internet. It’s been amazing to completely unplug, and I was even able to bring my mum along for the trip. I’m posting a few photos of our time off the grid below. Now that I’m reconnected... what is everyone doing for their Christmas?

I’m curious to see where everyone is at with their planning. Most people have a rough idea of the "Big Number" (total pot of cash) they think they need to retire here. But do you actually know exactly how much you need to earn and save every single month between now and your retirement date to actually hit that target? Or are you just putting money away and hoping it's enough? Be honest 😁

I think it’s because Thailand forces you to be ultimately responsible for yourself. No safety nets. No hand-holding. Curious to hear from you guys... What was the biggest struggle you faced in your first year here?

I have heard of substack and watched a few videos, but I am still not sold on the idea of adding another platform onto my roaster. I am trying to create a newsletter and substacks supposedly helps with that? and promotion etc...so I would like the opinions of busy people who use it...can I upload a newsletter directly, or do I have to absolutely create one on their platform? Did it help grow your audience and generate sales? Do you use their special features like memberships, podcast etc? I really want to know your experience if you are have or are using it, thank you.