
Jon Santangelo
Co-founder of Chariot Global Education
Core beliefs: Charisma. Creativity.
Compassion. Competence. Commununity.
Award-Winning
Lecturer. EdTech Leader. Strategic Consultant. International Education Veteran.
Based in Asia for nearly two decades, Jon Santangelo is a senior international educator and consultant operating at the intersection of institutional leadership and EdTech innovation.
His career spans key strategic roles with high-impact platforms, including VIPKID (formerly the world’s largest online ESL tutoring network), KEATH.ai (pioneers in personalized AI assessment and diagnostic feedback), and Leading Education (a digital-first platform preparing elite students for Oxford and Cambridge admissions).
He is also the former spokesperson for China’s largest study-abroad industry association, where he scaled strategic marketing endeavors, and a U.S. J-1 visa exchange program with Southeast Asian institutions.
Educated across both American and British academic systems, Jon holds a BS in Communication from Appalachian State University and an MA in Education Management & Leadership (Distinction) from Keele University.

Former member of the University of Oxford AI in Education Research Hub, specializing in AI-integrated assessment and educational innovation.

Serving as a Strategy Consultant to KEATH.ai, Jon led award submission strategies resulting in 11 prestigious nominations and contest recognitions, notably: (below)

Debuted inside the UK Parliament to widespread acclaim, KEATH.ai quickly gained international prominence with an invitation to present at UNESCO Digital Learning Week in Paris. The platform achieved key institutional validation through its selection by Jisc—the official national body overseeing digital infrastructure and EdTech for all UK universities—while securing membership in the Microsoft for Startups Founders Hub.

Jon has taught and coordinated Critical Thinking, Global Citizenship Education (GCE), Project-Based Learning (PBL), IELTS, and Cambridge IGCSE ESL within private bilingual schools in China.
He recently taught IB (International Baccalaureate) DP & MYP English Language & Literature, while also serving as the EAL Coordinator at an international boarding school.
Timeline of Work
2010-2015

2010 Global Community Relations Award Winner: Doubletree by Hilton Worldwide
Took lead of a team that delivered a Global Citizenship Education campaign to spread awareness about Earth Hour to public primary schools in Beijing, in partnership with the WWF (World Wildlife Fund). Hilton's official philanthropy partner.

4 years of Higher Ed-Level Junior Lecturing | Transnational Education & Academic Delivery at BDIC
As a Junior Lecturer in Academic English at Beijing Dublin International College—a joint transnational initiative between University College Dublin and BJUT—Jon delivered EAP coursework for dual-degree undergraduate students preparing for international academic pathways.
Coursework integrated thematic modules on global economics, international business, cross-cultural communication, and consumer behavior, enabling students to sharpen their critical thinking, academic writing, and IELTS performance through high-stakes, relevant content.
Jon also started his teaching career at BTBU as a junior lecturer.

2015-2022
Private Consulting & Advisory Services
Founded Chariot Global Education, an international advisory firm specializing in cross-cultural competency, B2B business development, and market-entry strategy for foreign educational enterprises expanding across China and Southeast Asia.
Core Expertise & Client Footprints
- Market Expansion & Strategic Partnerships: Spearheaded cross-border marketing, high-level institutional sales, and strategic partner acquisitions across Asia-Pacific.
- High-Impact Portfolio: Client engagements and advisory initiatives include BOSSA (China’s premier national study-abroad association), establishing strategic partnerships with the likes of Pearson (PTE), Duolingo, Flywire, UCAS, a U.S. state (Oregon) J-1 visa cultural exchange organization, and hundreds more.

2022-now
Teaching & Academic Leadership in Institutions
In 2022, Jon returned to institutional leadership as Interim Vice Principal at the Guangzhou satellite campus of Renaissance Academy (California, USA), where he oversaw administrative operations and taught Global Studies, AP Microeconomics, and English.
Following this, he transitioned to another bilingual boarding school, where he served as the Coordinator for Global Citizenship Education (GCE) alongside instructing courses in Critical Thinking, IELTS, and Cambridge IGCSE English as a Second Language (ESL).
Recently he taught IB (International Baccalaureate) DP & MYP (Grades 6-12) English Language & Literature, while also serving as the EAL Coordinator at an international boarding school.
- Market Expansion & Strategic Partnerships: Spearheaded cross-border marketing, high-level institutional sales, and strategic partner acquisitions across Asia-Pacific.
Media Appearances & Speaking Engagements
Publishings
From self-published writings in recognized news, to commentaries in nearly 100+ education news media

(Co-Author / Chapter 18)
Student Recruitment Agents in International Higher Education
With a focus on the growing number of institutions employing commercial agents to support international student recruitment, Student Recruitment Agents in International Higher Education provides an evidence-based exploration of this phenomenon, and will increase the reader’s understanding of the multiple dimensions of agent engagement, its contradictions and complexities

QS Insights Magazine #34
October 2025
China Higher Ed in this Asian Century:
China is implementing a dynamic dual-track internationalization strategy.
By Jon Santangelo, Founder of Chariot Global Education, current IB International Educator, and former Spokesperson to BOSSA, China’s study abroad industry association.
Jon's Thought Leadership / Commentary
Featured commentaries on Chinese student outbound mobility, and more.
Greater Bay Area - Online Course Initiative: Spearheaded and launched a free, non-profit digital learning program with one of China's top universities during the height of global pandemic disruptions, delivering accessible education to hundreds of students worldwide.
Presenting
For, or with, the following organizations

AAE
Vietnam
Access American Education (AAE) is an AIRC certified, full service education consulting agency that hosts Vietnam's largest student recruitment expos and forums with North American educators.

AIESEC
Global
AIESEC is the world's largest global non-profit youth-run organization that provides young people with leadership development, cross-cultural global internships, and volunteer exchange experiences across the globe.

UK VI
UK/China
UK Visas and Immigration is a division of the Home Office responsible for the United Kingdom's visa system. It was formed in 2013 from the section of the UK Border Agency that had administered the visa system.

ETN Educators Training Network
EU
ETN Focus Workshops are boutique agent fairs offering a unique, personalised and innovative networking experience. We bring a human touch into international student recruitment.
ICEF
China
ICEF brings together international educators, industry service providers and carefully screened student recruitment agents at networking events around the world, helping them to create strategic partnerships and increase international student enrolments.

BONARD
EU & China
BONARD is a global market intelligence consultancy that specialises in international education, youth and student travel market, student housing and micro-living asset classes, and is a United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) Affiliate Member.

WEBA
China
WEBA (World Educate Business Association) is the umbrella organisation and international voice for Education Business Partnerships working around the world.

The PIE
UK
The PIE Live: Student Journey is a dynamic, virtual conference from The PIE (Professionals in International Education) News team, offering exceptional learning and global networking opportunities.

Study Travel Live
UK
The StudyTravel Magazine editorial team will present news, stats and current affairs and invite opinion from their special guests. Members of the audience will have the chance to interact with any of the presenters.
Teaching & Learning Resources
Resources for Global Citizenship Education (GCE) Global Studies & Communications English as a Second Language (ESL) Critical Thinking, Project-based Learning (PBL)
July 26, 2025Read more...Target Audience: High School / Undergraduate Students Time Allotment: 90 minutes (can be adapted...Read more...LESSON PLAN Note: There is an article summary with real-life commenters below this lesson plan...Read more...The Zhongkao (中考), China’s high school entrance exam taken around age 15, is increasingly viewed...Read more...Why I Don’t Use A Smart Phone | Ann Makosinski | TEDxTeen English & Critical Thinking - viewing...December 17, 2024Read more...Introduction Western culture seems to be changing how young people act. Some adults are...August 16, 2024Read more...For GCE (Global Citizenship Education) Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and...June 13, 2024Read more...We as educators get it. The pressure to excel on the IELTS is immense. After all, a strong...June 11, 2024Read more...Overview Why is studying cross-cultural communication is important? Avoid misunderstandings ...Read more...Ever feel like "like" is your verbal crutch? You're not alone. As a recovering "like"-aholic...Read more...Overview: "The Day After Tomorrow" is a great movie for students to learn both English and Global...More PostsAvailable for speaking, consulting, or media inquiries
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