Perceived benefits and realised opportunities of studying in China: Insights from post-graduation mobility of international students who studied in China (2024)

Authors

  • YI LICollege of International Education, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing 100124, P.R.China

Keywords:

Study in China, international student mobility, Chinese higher education, career development, Chinese language learning

Abstract

Obtaining better career prospects has increasingly been an important aspiration for international students studying in China. Based on interview data of 235 international students graduated from Chinese university in 2020 to 2023, this study unpacked increased jobs offered by overseas Chinese enterprises at students’ origin countries, expanded options created by proficiency of Chinese language and an understanding of Chinese culture, increasingly open employment policy for foreign graduates, and competitive higher education quality as the major benefits that study-in-China has offered. The study also found low initiative, lack of institutional support and limited jobs offered to international graduates in Chinese domestic labor market to be the major challenges faced by international graduates. It is highlighted that, by utilizing one’s agency and by integrating career service into university’s international student educational framework, international students are expected to benefit more from their experiences studying in China.

Cited as: Li, Y. (2024). Perceived benefits and realised opportunities of studying in China: Insights from post-graduation mobility of international students who studied in China. Education and Lifelong Development Research, 1(2): 92-101. https://doi.org/10.46690/elder.2024.02.05

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Perceived benefits and realised opportunities of studying in China: Insights from post-graduation mobility of international students who studied in China (2024)

FAQs

What are the benefits of studying in China for international students? ›

So why study in China? China is home to excellent universities, beautiful natural sights, and great entertainment for inbound students. International students in China will truly have an extraordinary educational experience and have the opportunity to take in life in a foreign nation.

Why is China a good country to study? ›

Affordable Tuition: Compared to many Western countries, tuition fees in China are relatively lower. Thus, quality education is accessible to a broader range of international students. Cost of Living: In general, the cost of living in China is lower than in many Western countries.

What are the factors influencing life satisfaction of international students in mainland China? ›

The coding analysis identified several key factors that influence their life satisfaction, including social activity, social support, academic performance, language proficiency, consumption, diet, transportation, and safety.

Why is the study of China important? ›

Knowing China is more important than ever in this era of China-U.S. strategic competition, and the field of China Studies bears the responsibility to generate a broader and deeper understanding of China. Researchers have done an excellent job, especially since the establishment of China-U.S. relations in the 1970s.

Why is China so good at education? ›

The educational system in China is a major vehicle for both inculcating values in and teaching needed skills to its people. Traditional Chinese culture attached great importance to education as a means of enhancing a person's worth and career.

What are the benefits for students to learn Chinese? ›

Boosts Problem-Solving

They'll need to not only connect different sounds and symbols to words, but they'll also have to compare and contrast their first language to Chinese at a truly fundamental level. This process will deepen and broaden your child's critical thinking skills.

Is studying in China worth it? ›

The country's education system has been continuously improving and is increasingly recognized around the world. Studying in China not only offers the chance to learn from high-quality academic programs, but it also provides an opportunity to immerse oneself in the Chinese culture, language, and way of life.

Is China education system better than America? ›

In terms of conventional academic metrics, China's education system outperforms that of the United States. A 2019 study of 15-year-olds in each country found that Chinese youth outperform American students in nearly every educational category, with an especially pronounced gap in math.

Why do you choose to study Chinese? ›

Chinese is important for your career!

China has become a huge market, and business leaders are looking for people who can speak Chinese and operate successfully in a Chinese cultural context. Knowing Chinese may give you an edge when competing for an important position.

Is China a good place for international students? ›

Living and studying in the nation allows for complete immersion, making you calmer, wiser, and fit for any challenges in life. Compared to other first-world countries, the cost of living in China for international students is more reasonable.

What types of challenges will students face when studying in China? ›

International students face various difficulties during their studies. These challenges include language barriers, cultural differences, adjustment problems, financial difficulties, and lack of support services .

Why do so many Chinese study abroad? ›

Chinese students are particularly drawn to the education system in the United States because it focuses on character development, social skills, and gives them the flexibility to pursue other interests.

Why study in China for international students? ›

If you study in China, you will experience a geographical diversity like no other: You can visit numerous mountains, big ports and picturesque cities or even deserts! Another great advantage if you choose to study in China will be the unforgettable experience of visiting The Great Wall of China or the highest mountain ...

Why China is the best place to study? ›

2 Quality Education and Cost

I looked all over the world to study, and China offered the best fit in terms of education quality and cost. I actually have close family members who have been to China, and they just gave amazing reviews of the culture, the people, and the quality of education.”

Is China the best country to study? ›

China boasts the world's largest higher education system, sends the most students abroad, and comes in third (behind the USA and UK) for top-ranked universities and fourth for number of international students in the country.

Do international students get jobs in China? ›

Foreign students might find work that suits their skills and interests with time and effort. As an international student in China, finding a job might be difficult due to the necessity to meet certain standards and skills. But, with diligence and planning, overseas students may locate suitable work.

Is education free in China for international students? ›

Overall, for undergraduate studies in a public university in China, you are expected to pay from 2,000 to 10,000 USD per year, depending on the university and major. For private universities, the cost fluctuates until 30,000 USD per year, while for MBA degrees even up to 40,000 per academic year.

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