Staff Spotlight: Derek Capo

Hi Everyone! I am the CEO or Chief Everything Officer for Next Step China. Truth is, I never in my wildest dreams thought I would move to China, speak Chinese and start a business in China. After graduation, I worked for nearly 4 years at a hedge fund as a stock and bond analyst, and then in 2007, I decided to quit my job and do something completely different with my life. Friends and family suggested I should travel or get an MBA, but I decided learning Chinese and moving there for a bit was a better use of my savings and time. After a few months I was convinced that China was THE place to be and starting a business was the next step, hence the name: Next Step China. :)

I never studied abroad in college but actually was very lucky to have traveled since I was a kid, since my mom is from Spain or more specifically, the Tenerife, Canary Islands. So, after studying and working in Miami for over 25 years I was dying to get out and do something different or "crazy" and picked one of the furthest destinations from home!

Next Step China is always working on improving and/or creating new products and services. We will actually be releasing a new website and products within the next 6 months so STAY TUNED!

I think more and more people will be choosing to study abroad rather than study in their home country. I am talking about Americans deciding a different country to do their entire 4 year degree. With the costs of education rising in the USA and the quality stagnant I think a lot of parents and students will look at different alternatives and studying in China would definitely be at the top of the list.

Honestly, since I have only done one "study abroad" program I really don't know which is the most under/over rated. I truly think every country has its unique beauty and experiences that will impact that student for a lifetime. The act of going abroad is a huge step in personal growth and development regardless of destination.