Our Story

Rainking was founded in 2011 by Cathy and Bob, a husband and wife team in Dongguan, China. It has remained a family operated organization for the past fifteen years.

Cathy and Bob’s journey into international education began with their own daughter, Haley, who became Rainking’s very first student. Haley was not a good fit within the traditional Chinese education system due to her having Tourette Syndrome and dropped out shortly after 6th grade. Wanting to give her a better opportunity, Cathy and Bob found a small Christian school in Pennsylvania where she could continue her education in a more supportive environment.

Haley thrived abroad and eventually, she went on to attend Vanderbilt University for her undergraduate studies and later earned a Master’s Degree in Education from Harvard University, now helping others like her.

Through guiding Haley and through their own work as high school English teachers in China, Cathy and Bob began to see that many other students faced similar challenges and could benefit from an education abroad with a customized learning plan.

As more friends and family asked for their help with their children’s study abroad plans, Cathy and Bob decided to formally start Rainking as a study abroad consulting firm. Cathy eventually left her stable teaching position in China and gave up her pension to pursue their shared vision of helping more students find the right educational path.

Today, Cathy and Bob has helped hundreds of students study abroad and has placed students across North America, South America, Australia, and Europe. Their programs have expanded beyond school placement to include customized language programs and academic coaching.

But one thing has never changed. Rainking continues to be family-run by Cathy and Bob, with every student receiving the same level of care that shaped their daughter Haley’s first journey abroad. Additionally, today, Haley and her husband David work alongside Cathy and Bob, bringing a new perspective while continuing the same family centered approach Rainking was founded upon.

Our Team

Cathy Zhong

Cathy brings over 40 of experience teaching in Chinese high schools and working with international education organizations. She served as a program manager for Youth For Understanding, a global exchange program, and placed students in year long exchanges across 19 countries. She has also been a host family in China, welcoming international students from US, Germany, and Canada into her home and gaining firsthand insight into the academic and cultural transitions international students face.

Currently, Cathy is pursuing a master’s degree in Higher Education Administration from Boston College while undergoing cancer treatment. Her commitment reflects a belief she lives by every day: learning can happen at any stage of life when there is the willingness to pursue it

Founder / Study Abroad Consultant

Bob Wang

Bob, co founder of Rainking and partner to Cathy, has been an educator in the Chinese higher education landscape for over three decades. He serves as the primary point of contact for students and parents, keeping families informed about students’ academic progress and daily life while abroad. Known for his meticulous attention to detail, Bob is the go to person for all paperwork related matters, including visa applications and required academic documentation. He also serves as the main contact for schools should any concerns arise regarding a student’s academic progress or adjustment in the United States.

Co-Founder / Student Administration

Outreach Coordinator  / Study Abroad Consultant

Haley Crutchfield

Haley serves as the outreach coordinator, establishing and maintaining relationships with partner organizations and schools abroad. She also serves as an additional point of contact for students and partner schools. Having been an international student herself, with experience navigating both the secondary and higher education landscape in the United States, she brings a unique perspective that helps her connect with students and support their adjustment to life abroad. Based in the United States, Haley is available to provide on site support when needed. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Organizational Development from Vanderbilt University and a master’s degree in Educational Technology from Harvard University.

Student Coordinator / Digital Media Editor

David Crutchfield

David serves as a student coordinator, working directly with students in the United States to ensure they feel supported throughout their journey abroad. He collaborates closely with Haley to provide on-site assistance when needs arise. In addition to his student support role, David serves as the digital media editor, supporting the creation and management of digital content across platforms. He holds a bachelor’s degree in filmmaking from Lesley University.

With over three decades of experience as English teachers in China and personal study abroad backgrounds, Bob and Cathy understand the differences between the Chinese and Western education systems and what it takes for Chinese students to succeed abroad. Each year, they intentionally work with a small number of students so every student receives personalized attention.

While Bob and Cathy are based in China and meet regularly with parents to provide ongoing guidance, Haley and David are based in the United States, allowing Rainking to offer on site student support and collaborate closely with partner schools and host families. This cross border team structure ensures that our students receive consistent, hands on support both at home and abroad.

Rainking is not a “send students abroad and hope for the best” study abroad placement organization. We are committed to stays actively involved before, during, and after placement, providing ongoing guidance and communication so students and families as well as our partners are well-supported