English-training schools learn lessons and reap rewards

In fact, the number of Chinese mainland students at higher education institutions in the UK has climbed by an average of 13 percent annually during the past five years.

Even the number of mainland Chinese students in UK schools jumped by 29 percent last year compared to 2013.

But when it comes to the adult market, the number of students at traditional establishments appears be declining.

Wang Jun, director of teacher development and management centers at the New Oriental Education & Technology Group Inc, a leading Chinese-English institution, is convinced that is a sign of changing times.

"People are able to access all kinds of English resources when traveling overseas or simply by watching American television series," Wang said.

"Free applications on how to learn or improve your English are also widely available. There is even flexibility on learning online via your smartphone."

New Oriental has now set up a free English language online center. This includes television and culturally-related material as well as lecturers.

For paid courses, the company charges between 800 yuan to 3,000 yuan, which is considerably less that Wall Street English.

"They are more a symbol of status because of their expensive fees and a membership for a network of white collar workers," Wang said.

But Xu Shan, a Beijing Wuzi University graduate, was quick to dispute Wang's assessment.

The mechanical automation major failed to score high marks in English classes after becoming bored with the textbook techniques.

But a year after graduation, Xu enrolled at a Wall Street English center and a whole new world opened up for her. She was encouraged to speak her mind and took part in English debates.

Her hard work eventually led to working opportunities in India, France, Spain and Thailand.

"I thought learning English would help me progress at work," Xu, who returned to China in July and paid 45,000 yuan for her course said.

"But now I know learning the language is about knowledge. It's a different mindset, and I'm just glad I did this in the end."