In late October and early November, I had the honor of representing Fletcher during a comprehensive recruitment tour across the dynamic landscape of East Asia, making memorable stops in Tokyo, Shanghai, and Beijing.

The central focus of this journey was the participation in the QS Masters and MBA Fairs in Shanghai and Beijing, pivotal events that also open up avenues for engaging conversations with potential students. However, the richness of the experience extended beyond the confines of the bustling fair booths, presenting a unique opportunity to organize and conduct school visits across several distinguished universities in East Asia.

Tokyo, with its blend of tradition and modernity, provided a mix of business and pleasure. A particularly enjoyable highlight was co-hosting a dinner for prospective applicants alongside Mariko Noda F90, our incredible alumni club leader in Tokyo. Alongside Hiroki Tanaka F20, our gathering became an intimate exchange with over a dozen potential applicants, the setting enriched by the flavors of delicious food. Additionally, my visits to Keio University, Waseda University, and Tokyo University of Foreign Studies were valuable opportunities to share detailed insights into our programs with university leaders, administrators, and students.

Shanghai unfolded its own surprises and collaborations. An unexpected but valuable encounter occurred at the QS Fair when I ran into Pengyuan Li F19. Her willingness to join me at the booth, coupled with her fluency in Mandarin, proved instrumental in engaging prospective applicants. Shanghai also presented the exciting opportunity to explore the China Europe International Business School (CEIBS), where discussions on academic exchanges and the joint MALD/MBA degree with Fletcher flourished. The CEIBS campus was truly breathtaking, creating anticipation for a potential return. Visits to Fudan University in Shanghai and Beijing Foreign Studies University in the capital added depth to the journey in China.

And, in the bustling production of the QS Fair in Beijing, the collaborative efforts of Xinyuan Tian F19  were immensely valuable. Their dedication to Fletcher and willingness to contribute significantly enhanced the impact of our presence.

Beyond the school and fair circuit, I conducted several applicant interviews, bringing a personalized touch to the recruitment process. As I reflect on the journey, it feels like a resounding success and a positive reentry into the realm of recruitment travel in the region. While there’s much more to share about the experiences and insights gained, I’ll close for now, concluding with the promise to share a visual narrative through the photos below.