Our Story and BE TodaySpecialists in UK Study Abroad Services for 20 Years

Our Story

William and Emma Vanbergen founded BE Education in 2003. They were both exploring other business interests in China, when a friend of theirs asked them to help find a school in the UK for their son. BE's first ever student ended up getting accepted by Stowe School and thus, BE Education was born.

Since then we have grown into a global education group, with operations spanning Mainland China, Hong Kong and the UK. The two divisions of Study Abroad and Wycombe Abbey International work in harmony to deliver BE's mission of creating a better future for students through Education.

We are immensely proud of our track record and the relationships we have forged over the last 20 years and, look forward to the challenges ahead, as we continue to strive for continuous improvement in the service that we deliver to our customers.

Values

Do what's best for our students

BE honest and act with integrity

Strive for Continuous improvement to serve our families better

William Vanbergen

Founder of BE Education

BE Today

Today, we keep our core values of honesty, integrity, and acting in the best interest of the child at the heart of all our decisions. BE Education provides a range of high-quality education services including study abroad consultation, admissions planning, one-on-one tuition, international short-term courses. All aiming to support our students in realizing their full potential and preparing them for international success as future leaders.

This year, Study Abroad embarks on an international expansion outside of the Mainland China region and a digital transformation across the division, redefining the way we are able to service our clients. Combined with the expansion of Wycombe Abbey International Schools into South- East Asia, we are moving from strength to strength and our excited about what lies ahead.

Find more about our services

Our Leadership TeamInternational perspective and cultural awareness

BE Group's leadership team is made up of dedicated, goal-oriented, experienced and forward-thinking managers. Together with our Chinese, British and American staff, they bring together knowledge and experience to provide quality services to our partners, schools and clients around the world.

William VanbergenFounder of BE Education

William graduated from Eton in 2000 and studied Management Science at Manchester University whilst on a sports scholarship for Rowing; in which he won a gold medal for England at junior level, and more recently represented China in both the World Coastal Rowing and at World Masters Level. William is married to Emma with three Children, with the two oldest attending Wycombe Abbey in Hong Kong. William moved to China in 2003 to set up BE Education to help Chinese students attend British Boarding Schools.

Emma VanbergenCo-Founder of BE Education, President of Study Abroad

Emma Vanbergen co-founded BE education with William Vanbergen in 2003. As an expert in international education, she has been a consultant for nearly 20 years and has been an education columnist for the Wall Street Journal and other international media. Emma manages the Study Abroad division of BE and overseas BE's approach to advising families on schools. Her experience over the last 19 years underpins our approach to preparing students for study abroad and helping them find the best fit school or university.

Raffaele FlackettUK Director

A graduate of Eton College and Durham University, Raff joined BE in 2014 and manages our London based Schools Placement Team. He has tutored pupils of varying ages and nationalities and previously taught English in Uzbekistan and Russia. As well as overseeing some of our more complex school application cases, Raff is in charge of developing BE's relationships with top independent schools.

Ellen XuExecutive Director of UK Education

Ellen graduated from Amsterdam Business School, majoring in International Business and Management. During her studies, Ellen participated in the exchange student program of Ohio University, focusing on marketing and international trade. Ellen joined BE Education in 2007 and has many years of experience in visiting private prep and senior schools in the UK, alongside successfully developing international education programmes for high-net-worth families in China. Ellen has been invited to share her knowledge on UK education with various TV programmes, from ICS, CBN to some HNW forums. After joining BE, Ellen has led a team of consultants who have helped many students to successfully attend traditional British private schools such as Eton, Harrow, Wycombe abbey, Downe House and the top 5 universities in the UK. Some of those students have graduated now and begun successful careers both inside and outside of China.

Saber CaoDirector of BE Academy & Business Development

Saber has more than 10 years of experience in the international education industry, having previously served as the national marketing director of Longre Education, general manager of CIBT, vice president of SIA Art Study Abroad, and general manager of Shanghai Oriental Foreign Language School. Saber has rich experience in education management in many fields, such as nursery schools, kindergartens, study abroad and K12 international schools. Currently, Saber is responsible for curriculum development, academic administration management, teaching planning and other business across China.