Education is an important aspect of life and it is something that can help you build a good future and make the most of the resources and possibilities that the world provides. Therefore, when it comes to settling down in a region, one of the most important factors that span across religions, culture and language is the quality of the education system.
Asia offers a number of destinations catering to different aspects and standards for education for those who are looking for a new place to start off their life. From the highly urbanized education systems in China and Japan to the emerging markets in countries such as Vietnam and Myanmar, the diverse need of students, researchers and educators has been given top priority.
What Makes a Country Good for Education?
The answer to this questions will vary greatly depending on the person or group you are asking. While some factors such as government policies and availability of resources may take the top spot, other factors such as quality of faculty, infrastructure and student-teacher ratios may be of great importance to some.
Essentially, the little details, when taken as a whole, will decide the best country and in many cases, even the best city within a country when it comes to education.
The Gold Standard – Japan
Japan has been an example of the gold standard of education from the primary school level up to the top universities in the country. Having emerged from the devastation of World War II, Japan had to rebuild its entire infrastructure, including its education system. The Japanese Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) has done a tremendous job in implementing and maintaining a high standard of education that is well-acclaimed across the world.
From the selection process for universities, to the funding for research and international collaboration, Japan is one of the most sought-after places for educational or career opportunities in the region. Additionally, the government encourages the pursuit of differing ideologies and encourages the development of new ideas and concepts in the learning and teaching process.
This gives students an opportunity to explore and develop their skills on their own terms.
The #2 Destination – China
China is another firm favorite when it comes to education in Asia. With the rise of global giants such as Alibaba, Tencent and other prominent Chinese companies that are taking the world by storm, there is no doubt that China has come into the spotlight as one of the top destinations for research, innovation and job opportunities.
The Chinese government has also done well to provide incentives for both local and international students of all calibers. Incentives such as reduced tuition fees, scholarships and subsidies for research activities have all contributed to the massive influx of foreign students into the country. What is even more remarkable is that since 2011, the number of international students enrolled in Chinese universities has almost doubled, signifying the attractiveness of the Chinese education system.
A Fast Growing Market – Vietnam
Vietnam ranks 3rd on the list of countries offering quality education in Asia. While Vietnam still has a fair way to go in terms of higher education, it is becoming increasingly popular for primary and secondary school level education. Vietnam has also seen a significant increase in the number of international students studying in its universities from different parts of the world.
This is a testament to the quality of the education provided and its growing influence in the global market. Additionally, the government of Vietnam has taken drastic steps towards improving the quality of education in the country by setting targets for educational attainment and increasing the number of universities offering international curriculums.
The country has also quadrupled its number of higher education institutions since 2000.
The Underdog – Myanmar
Myanmar, like Vietnam, is an emerging economy in the region and it is slowly becoming a popular destination for students and educators alike. After being isolated for decades, the potential of Myanmar as an educational hub has been gaining recognition with the government taking steps to reform the education system.
Furthermore, the influx of foreign investment money in the education sector in the past decade has played a crucial role in allowing universities and research centers to employ high-caliber faculty, provide quality academic and research facilities and improve the overall academic standards of the education system in the country.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when it comes to deciding on which country is best for education, there is no definitive answer. Every country offers quality education, albeit in different areas, and each have their own set of advantages and disadvantages.
For this reason, it is important for those interested in studying abroad to compare and contrast the different education systems and make an informed decision based on their budget and needs. Ultimately, the most important thing is to ensure that the educational experience will help the individual grow, explore and realize their long-term goals and dreams.