It’s no surprise that a lot of Chinese parents dream of sending their children overseas to study at foreign universities. All over China, it’s not uncommon to see wealthy parents who are ready to foot the bill for their child’s education abroad, setting them up for success in the increasingly competitive world.
Of course, the question remains: why do so many Chinese parents prioritize foreign educations for their children? This article will answer this question, exploring the various benefits and motivations that cause parents to decide in favor of sending their students to foreign universities.
Introduction
On the streets of Beijing, Shanghai, and other major cities, it’s not uncommon to see youngsters carrying textbooks and preparing for their journey abroad. Children as young as 16, guided by ambitious parents, often find themselves heading to esteemed foreign universities – a decision which, in recent years, has become increasingly popular among Chinese families.
Why is this the case? We would need to look back at the history of education in China to help answer this question. Historically, the Chinese education system has always emphasized rote memorization and a keen focus on textbooks and textbooks alone.
Those wanting to pursue higher learning needed to demonstrate their mastery and diligence, setting themselves apart from the rest by performing extraordinary feats in order to stand out academically. Even then, the opportunities available to these high-achieving students would be limited by the supply and quality of local universities and the lack of resources available to them. Recent years have seen an increase in both the quality and affordability of higher education.
In addition, there has been a greater focus on promoting a well-rounded education that includes creativity and individual expression, albeit in a still highly competitive environment. Still, many see this change occurring too slowly, as the education system in China still favors rote memorization over creative engagement.
That being said, it’s easy to understand why some Chinese parents seek out foreign universities for their children to attend.
Advantages of Studying at a Foreign University
When it comes to higher education, some parents feel that foreign universities provide the best opportunity for their child to receive a world-class education. There are several reasons for this. Firstly, foreign universities offer a more comprehensive curriculum, covering a wide range of topics and offering a variety of expert professors to teach them.
This means that students will be exposed to diverse perspectives and ways of thinking, preparing them for the ever-changing global environment. In contrast, many Chinese universities offer a narrower range of subjects that may not fully prepare their students for the modern world.
Secondly, foreign universities often provide a better learning environment. This includes smaller class sizes, which allow for better interaction between teachers and students, and often better facilities.
Along with this comes a greater emphasis on research and creative exploration, something that is often seen as lacking in Chinese universities. Finally, foreign universities tend to be highly prestigious and offer a better chance of landing a great job after graduation. For many Chinese parents, the end goal is to secure a well-paying job for their child, and this is seen as a major advantage of studying at foreign universities.
The Motivation for Pursuing Higher Education Abroad
In addition to these advantages, many Chinese parents also feel pressure to prove themselves and their child’s achievements. This is largely due to an increased focus on social status and prestige within Chinese society, as well as a generational shift from a single child upbringing to a more westernized nuclear family.
In other words, parents feel it is important to demonstrate that their child is capable of reaching the highest level of success, a motivation which only increases for those with more resources. Furthermore, many of these parents had the opportunity to study abroad, and the memories of their own experiences motivate them to provide such a chance to their own children. The broadening of the horizon, the engrossment in foreign culture and the enhancement of the resume make studying abroad an attractive opportunity, and parents are also keen to share in the experience.
Finally, there is also an economic motivation. As mentioned before, foreign universities often provide better job prospects upon graduation, and this is often seen by Chinese parents as a good long-term investment.
An overseas education is seen as a chance to diversify, as well as a way to secure a stable future for the child.
Conclusion
In conclusion, there are several factors which come into play when Chinese parents decide to send their child to study abroad. They are motivated by a desire to give their child the best possible education, as well as the potential for better job prospects upon graduation.
In addition, there is a sense of pride and pressure to prove themselves and their child’s achievements, due to an increased focus on social status within Chinese society. Finally, foreign universities are also seen as a good long-term investment, as an overseas education can provide a stable future for the child. Whatever the reasons may be, it is clear why so many Chinese parents push for their children to attend foreign universities.