教育出海：胜负手是成为「半个本地人」的时间

Core Insights - The Chinese education industry's growth trajectory was abruptly altered in 2021, leading to a significant shift towards international expansion, particularly in Southeast Asia and the Middle East, as companies sought to replicate their previous success in China [1] - The overseas markets are not merely smaller versions of China, and many efficiency models that worked domestically have failed or backfired in these new environments [1] Group 1: Reasons for Going Overseas - The discussion around international expansion among Chinese education companies began in earnest after the "Double Reduction" policy in 2021, which marked a critical turning point [2] - The decision to expand internationally was driven by a combination of slowing domestic growth and the need for new opportunities, rather than a grand strategic vision [2][4] - Personal experiences, such as a background in English education and previous international exposure, played a significant role in preparing individuals for this transition [2][3] Group 2: Challenges Faced in International Markets - The first major realization was that simply translating and adapting content from China was insufficient, as educational motivations and family structures varied significantly across countries [5][6] - The second challenge arose when attempting to export operational models that had been successful in China, which often did not resonate with local market dynamics, leading to ineffective marketing strategies [6][12] - The third realization was that organizational structures and management practices from China did not translate well, resulting in difficulties in recruitment and retention of local staff [12][15] Group 3: Market Analysis and Misjudgments - Initial market assessments focused on theoretical market size (TAM) and reachable market (SAM) but failed to account for the complexities of local educational environments and family dynamics [19][23] - The assumption that a large market size would guarantee success was proven wrong, as local conditions and cultural contexts played a crucial role in determining the viability of educational products [23] Group 4: Cultural Differences in Consumer Behavior - In Southeast Asia, education consumption resembles fast-moving consumer goods, where immediate experiences and visible value are critical for decision-making [24][26] - Conversely, in the Middle East, educational decisions are heavily influenced by family networks and trust, requiring a different approach to marketing and service delivery [24][27] Group 5: Long-term Strategy and Adaptation - Successful international expansion requires a long-term commitment and understanding of local contexts, rather than a short-term profit-driven mindset [30][32] - Companies must balance local insights with their operational strengths, ensuring that they adapt to local cultures while maintaining high standards of service and efficiency [32][33]