“If you are coming here to embrace Chinese culture, […] don’t hesitate, because it’s a terrific experience”
For the Afnan family, the decision to move to Beijing was a unanimous one. They had what Nassrin called an indescribable pull to move to China and be a part of “the country of the future.” Nassrin says: “Our life was very good in the UK, but we had a family consultation and each of us had a veto on the decision, but we all wanted to come. It has been a true family adventure and that has been an unexpected result.” Masoud and Nassrin also thought it would be beneficial to give Michael and Maximillian an opportunity to experience China and learn Chinese, but it was clear that the boys were too far along in their studies to switch to a local Chinese school. Since the boys will most likely return to the UK for university, they decided to stick with the
British school system. “Dulwich [College Beijing] was closest to the school they attended in England and we’re very happy with it,” says Nassrin. Before moving to Beijing, the Afnans had to factor in tuition expenses carefully as the tuition at DCB is more than double what the family paid in the UK. Nassrin points out that they pay the tuition themselves, but as foreigners, the tuition fee is paid pre-tax, which is somewhat helpful. Maximillian is in his final year at DCB and plans to attend university next fall in the UK. This year, university costs in the UK are increasing from GBP 3,000 to 9,000 a year. It is a steep increase, and there will also be the additional costs of room and board, so the family is saving to ensure that they can cover the continuing educational costs. Yet the tuition at say, Oxford is still less than half the price of tuition at DCB. For families considering a move to Beijing, Nassrin doesn’t think it is worth coming to China only to replicate a non-Chinese environment. On the other hand, she says: “If you are coming here to embrace Chinese culture, to serve this great country, and to learn from its ancient wisdom, don’t hesitate, because it’s a terrific experience.”
The Afnan family decided on a British education for Michael and Maximillian School Choice Guide 2012-2013
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photo: judy zhou
The Afnan Family Father: Masoud Afnan (UK), chair of the OB/GYN department at Beijing United Family Hospital Mother: Nassrin Afnan (UK), lawyer Children: Michael (17) and Maximillian (15) Name of school: Dulwich College Beijing (DCB)