Our mission at OBIES is simple.
We combine passion, experience, integrity, and knowledge of different education systems with a desire to bring cultural awareness to others and help students achieve their educational goals. In doing so, we strive to facilitate lifelong partnerships between reputable universities and talented international students.
OBIES was formed in 2009 when founder Marc Chang received the first student recruitment contract granted by a university in the state of Missouri. What began as individual student recruitment with a single university quickly blossomed into new partnerships with 12 different universities.
By 2014 OBIES had created its first joint-education project in Indiana, and just a few years later OBIES established additional joint-education projects with other universities across the United States including in Illinois, Indiana, Missouri, Utah, and California.
We have had the honor of recruiting students from over 15 countries worldwide, with the majority of students coming from China, Taiwan, and Saudi Arabia.
As a Petty Officer in the Taiwanese Navy, OBIES founder Marc Chang had the privilege of spending 2 years with the US Navy in Charleston, SC. After exposure to American language and culture, Marc decided to return to the US and learn ESL.
Marc earned his Master’s degree in Manufacturing Systems Engineering from Southern Illinois University in 2009. While attending school, Marc remained active in his local church where he eventually met his future wife.
Today, Marc lives in Southern Illinois with his wife and their 2 young daughters, In his spare time, he enjoys traveling, the outdoors, and helping international students at his alma mater, Southern Illinois University.