When Xiaoxi Li, a 20-year-old from Beijing, decided she should go to college in the United States, she applied only to Ohio University — not that she knew much about it.
"I heard of Ohio, of course," Ms. Li said. "I knew it was in the middle, and has agriculture.”"
What brought her here was the recommendation of a Chinese recruiting agent, JJL Overseas Education Consulting and Service Company. For about $3,000, JJL helped Ms. Li choose a college, complete the application and prepare for the all-important visa interview.
"Everyone I know used an agent,”" she said. "They are professionals. They suggested Ohio University might be the best for me. They have a good relationship with Ohio University."
Actually, JJL has more than a good relationship with Ohio University. Unknown to Ms. Li, it has a contract, under which the agent gets a $1,000 commission for each undergraduate it sends.
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