Premier Wen Jiabao of China said, in January, that more than 300 million Chinese were learning English. At present there are an estimated 70,000 English language teachers in China mainly from English speaking countries i.e. South Africa, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, UK and the USA.
In early April, Pearson Plc (the owner of Penguin and Financial Times) said it would buy the Wall Street Institute chain of 39 English language schools in 7 Chinese cities. Pearson estimates $70 million in revenue in 2009-10 through this chain which delivers adult education programs and anticipates more in the coming years.
Walt Disney has also sneaked into this market. Exercises introduce Disney books and movies the Chinese government otherwise restricts.
English First SV a Sweden based company has a sprawling network of children’s schools in China. It also runs overseas study adult education programs.
