SAF Staff Spotlight: Gorden Xie

This month, we're excited to introduce you to Gorden Xie, our Web Applications and Platforms Manager for the Marketing Department at SAF China, based at our Shanghai office. 

Gorden plays a vital role behind the scenes, ensuring our online platforms seamlessly connect students with their study abroad dreams. From his inspiring commitment to education to his love for family activities, Gorden brings a thoughtful and engaging spirit to his work. 

Join us as we chat with him about what drives his dedication, the rewarding moments that make his job so special, and how he helps students confidently embark on their life-changing journeys.

Explain your role at SAF and how you interact with students and/or how are you a part of a student’s journey in studying abroad.

As the Web Applications and Platforms Manager for the Marketing Department at SAF China, my role primarily involves ensuring our online platforms are running smoothly. 

While I don't have direct, face-to-face interactions with students on a daily basis like our center staff, I'm very much a part of their study abroad journey. 

Essentially, I work behind the scenes to make sure students have the resources and information they need to confidently embark on their study abroad adventure, from the very first inquiry all the way through their return.

What inspired you to work in the study abroad industry?

I've always had a dream to be a teacher. In this industry, I get to highlight a life-changing way for students. That's why it inspired me: it feels like I'm fulfilling the original intention of all teachers.

Can you share a fun fact about yourself that most people wouldn’t know?

My English name, Gorden, is actually an accidental typo! It was supposed to be Gordon, but I made a spelling error about 15 years ago and just stuck with it. Before that, my English name was Cisco (like the company, Cisco Systems), and even further back, it was Vitamin-C!

What’s your favorite hobby or activity outside of work?

My favorite activity outside of work is teaching my kids—though I'll admit, it's sometimes not!

What’s one piece of advice you’d give to students considering studying abroad?

When you want to start a conversation with someone, don't be hesitant—just start!

How did you first hear about this organization, and what led you to join?

I actually heard about SAF from an ex-coworker. When I learned that SAF is the top brand in the industry, I didn't want to wait a second to join!

What has been the most rewarding part of your job?

The most rewarding part is when SAF alumni and Global Ambassadors share their words, photos, and videos of their study abroad life with me.

What’s a typical day like in your role?

A typical day involves working closely with team members from both SAF China and SAF Global. I also spend a lot of time chatting with prospective students, alumni, and our Global Ambassadors. Plus, I maintain all of SAF China's media platforms like the website and socials.

How has your role evolved since you first started?

My role has really evolved through continuous learning. I've learned a lot from the SAF China team and the SAF Global team, absorbed insights from all of SAF's media, and most importantly, I've learned so much from our students. 

All of this has helped me understand who I work with, who I work for, what I can do, and how to consistently do my best.

What’s your favorite thing about working on a global team?

I feel incredibly excited every time I join a global meeting. It feels like being at a United Nations General Assembly!

How does the local culture influence your work?

I'm very happy when I get to share Chinese traditional festivals, like the Lantern Festival and Dragon Boat Festival, with our Global team. I also love introducing Chinese traditional food to the team!

What’s a common question or concern students have, and how do you address it?

"Is it difficult to study abroad?"

YES. You will definitely encounter many difficulties throughout your study abroad journey, even with the support of SAF staff at every stage. But the journey of life is also full of challenges.

So, through this experience, your ability to solve problems will undoubtedly be activated. You'll emerge from your study abroad journey more powerful than you ever imagined.

If you could swap jobs with anyone in the organization for a day, who would it be and why?

I'd love to swap with a Center Staff member! I primarily work with SAF students during the first part of their journey, so I'd love to directly work with them at their host university for the rest of their experience.

What’s one thing you always keep on your desk or in your workspace?

It's a bit of a simple answer, but it has to be my laptop computer. The thing is it's not just always on my desk, it's always with me—even when I'm climbing Yellow Mountain!

If you could invite one famous person (past or present) to speak to students about studying abroad, who would it be?

I'd want to invite Cixin Liu, the author of "The Three-Body Problem", to speak to SAF students. 

Liu, along with the other characters in this science fiction book, could teach our students that we need to respect all cultures and learn more about each other. Humans should unite and cooperate to build and enjoy the future together.

What does the 25th anniversary of this organization mean to you?

Arriving at our dear 25th Anniversary is amazing! 

I actually joined SAF on its 20th Anniversary, so in a way, I've been a part of its recent history. It's truly meaningful to celebrate this milestone, and I look forward to helping make SAF's 30th anniversary even more brilliant.

How have you seen the organization grow or change over the years?

For me, the COVID-19 period was a significant milestone and a crucial stage of growth for both SAF and myself. The difficulties we faced brought the team together like a family, and we emerged from it stronger than ever before.

What do you think has been the biggest impact the organization has made on students?

I believe SAF's biggest impact is empowering students to feel confident—confident about their study abroad journey, confident in themselves, and confident in facing the world.

What’s a message you’d like to share with the organization’s founders or early team members?

A GOOOOOD start!! You laid an incredible foundation for something truly special, and look how far we've come!