By Andrew J Kittell
By Andrew J. Kittell Follow on LinkedIn and Twitter.
Mobility matters
The global COVID-19 pandemic has changed everything, forcing historic economic disruption on a scale not seen since the Great Depression. ACS International Schools certainly aren't immune, closing and shifting to K-12 online learning. But they've also adapted well to the new normal. According to enrolled family surveys, ACS managed this transition better than many schools. But what comes next for global mobility is far less certain. Some in the talent mobility industry suggest a V-shaped recovery, with moves simply delayed. Other see a much-longer road ahead, with mobility stalled until a vaccine's developed and deployed. Unfortunately, a guess is the best anyone can offer.
Mobility events move to the virtual realm
For now, the industry's major events are as close as your computer screen. From June's Forum for Expatriate Management Americas Global Mobility Summit in Dallas to September's Canadian Employee Relocation Council Conference in Vancouver, public health advisories have made large-group gatherings too risky. There's still speculation that the Worldwide ERC will follow suit, moving its end-of-October Global Workforce Symposium online. This will also be a first for the single-largest meeting of global mobility professionals, an event where ACS has been present for more than a quarter century. In all likelihood, these events will renew in person once a coronavirus vaccine's widely available.
ACS launches remote campus visits and events
Responding to the new normal, ACS International Schools have been offering virtual campus tours and open houses, introducing our schools in the UK and Doha, Qatar to families living down the road or continents away.
We're also using Zoom to link our alumni worldwide with some of our inspiring teachers both past and present. These "Tea With A Teacher" meet ups have proven very popular and often moving, with former students acknowledging the impact these educators have had on generations of ACSers.
Engaging alumni, raising awareness and funding summer study scholarships in 2021
In addition to the outreach mentioned above, ACS has specifically engaged its US Alumni and Friends by forming chapters in New York City, Chicago, and Houston. More are planned. Beyond reconnecting our former students and parents socially, these networks are funding all-expenses-paid scholarships for summer study and travel in a two week residential course at ACS Cobham we call the British Studies Summer Programme (British Studies). For now over 20 years, hundreds of highly deserving and academically able high school-age students from across America have sampled an ACS-style education. With the help of our alumni and friends, we hope to double British Studies' enrollment, rising to 40 students in June-July 2021. To learn more and possibly fund a scholarship, please see this YouTube hosted video
ACS North American Office travel suspended
For over 25 years, ACS has remained active in the global mobility industry as a thought leader advising on how to best support families in international transition. Our team members regularly present at industry-leading conferences, contributing significantly to the same.
When safe to do so, ACS International Schools will return to North America's leading talent mobility events. We look forward to seeing you all again then.
More details about these events and other ACS North American Office 2020 travel commitments will be announced via LinkedIn and Twitter.