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:

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

References:

Ahmad, A. B., & Shah, M. (2018). International students’ choice to study in China: an exploratory study.Tertiary Education and Management, 24(4), 325–337.

Bracht, O., Engle, C., Janson, K., Over, A., Schomburg, H., & Teichler, U. (2006). The professional value of ERASMUS mobility. University of Kassel, Germany.International Centre for Higher Education Research (INCHER-Kassel).

Cai,Y.Z.(2012). International graduates from Finland: Do they satisfy the needs of Finnish employers abroad? Journal of Research in International Education, 11(1), 19-31.

Crossman, J.E., & Clark,.M.(2010). International experience and graduate employability: stakeholder perceptions on the connection.Higher Education, 59(5), 599-613.

Côté, J.E.(2002). The role of identity capital in the transition to adulthood: the individualization thesis examined.Journal of Youth Studies, 5(2), 117-134.

Cui, J.X., Wang, H., & Xu, S.C. (2023). The motivation, pattern and path of the development of Chinese education in Africa in the new era- a case study of the development of Chinese education in Zambia.International and Comparative Education,45(10),50-57+112.(in Chinese)

Emirbayer, M., & Mische, A. (1998). What is agency?American Journal of Sociology,103(4), 962–1023.

English, A. S., Allison, J., & Ma, J. H. (2016). Understanding western students: motivations and benefits for studying in China. Journal of Education and Training Studies, 4(8), 44-55.

ICEF Monitor. (2021, April 21). China emerging as a major destination for African students. Inkson, K., & Arthur, M.B. (2001). How to be a successful career capitalist. Organizational Dynamics, 30(1), 48-61.

Li, Y.(2022). Study on the coordination mechanism between employment promotion of international students in China and local human resource development of ‘going global’ enterprises.Chinese Vocational and Technical Education, 12, 63-70. (in Chinese)

Li, Y.(2023, Apirl 10). On strengthening Chinese language and vocational education for African international students studying in China,Chinese Social Science Today,(in Chinese)

Li, Y., & Wu, D. (2023). Expanding the opening-up of higher education to the outside world and strengthen the brand of "Study Abroad in China".International Talent, 3, 56-57. (in Chinese)

Li, B.G., & Zhuang, Y.Y.(2023). Characteristics, advantages and experience inspirations of integrating Chinese into the national education system of ASEAN.Education Science,39(2),64-70.(in Chinese)

Liang, Z., & Wang, N.(2023). An analysis of graduation decisions and willingness to stay in Chinaamong international students in the context of the belt and road initiative.Thinking,49(6), 146-159.(in Chinese)

Ma. J. (2017). Why and how international students choose Mainland China as a higher education study abroad destination.Higher Education, 74(4),563-579.

McQuaid, R.W., & Lindsay, C.(2005). The concept of employability. Urban Studies, 42(2), 197-219.

Ministry of Education.(2017, September 20). Notice on publishing the list of worldfirst class universities and first class discipline construction universities and disciplines.

Ministry of Education.(2018, September 3). Notice of the ministry of education on issuing the quality standards for higher education of international students in China (trial).

Ministry of Education.(2020, December 22). During the 13th Five Year Plan period, the structure of international students studying in China has been continuously optimised.

Ministry of Education.(2021, January 12). Management measures for work-to-support study of international students in higher education institutions.

Ministry of Education.(2022, September 20).Ministry of education: Registered international students in China come from 195 countries and regions, with 76% of them being degree program students.Ministry of Foreign Affairs.(2021, December 2). Forum on China-Africa cooperation dakar action plan (2022-2024).

Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security, Ministry of Education & Ministry of Foreign Affairs.(2017, January 6). Notice on allowing the employment of outstanding foreign graduates in China.

Ministry of Public Security & Ministry of Foreign Affairs.(2004, August 15). Measures for the administration of examination and approval of foreigners’ permanent residence in China.

Morris-Lange, S., & Brands, F. (2015). Train and retain: Career support for international students in Canada, Germany, the Netherlands and Sweden.Berlin, Germany.SVR’s Research Unit: Study.

Nilsson, P. A. (2015). Expectations and experiences of inbound students: Perspectives from Sweden. Journal of International Students, 5(2), 161-174.

Nilsson, P.A., & Ripmeester, N. (2016). International student expectations: Career opportunities and employability.Journal of International Students, 6(2), 614-631.

Norris, E.M., & Gillespie, J. (2009). How study abroad shapes global careers: Evidence from the United States.Journal of Studies in International Education, 13(3), 382-397.

Patton,M.(2002). Qualitative research and evaluation methods. Thousand Oaks, Ca. Sage Publications.

Schultz,T.W.(1961). Investment in human capital. American Economic Review, 51(1), 1-17.

State Administration of Foreign Experts Affairs, Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security, Ministry of Foreign Affairs,&Ministry of Public Security.(2017, March 18). Notice on comprehensively implementing the work permit system for foreigners in China.

State Administration of Foreign Experts Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, &Ministry of Public Security.(2017, November 28). Implementing measures for the foreign talent visa system.

Strauss, A. L., & Corbin, J. M. (1990). Basics of qualitative research: Grounded theory procedures and techniques. Thousand Oaks, Ca.Sage Publications.

Teichler, U.(2008).Higher education and the world of work: Conceptual frameworks, comparative perspectives, empirical findings. Rotterdam, Sense Publishers

Van Buren, H.J.(2003). Boundaryless careers and employability obligations.Business Ethics Quarterly, 13(2), 131-149.

Wallace, D.H.(1999). Academic study abroad: The long-term impact on alumni careers, volunteer activities, world and personal perspective [Doctoral dissertation, The Claremont Graduate University].

Wiers-Jenssen, J. (2008). Does higher education attained abroad lead to international jobs? Journal of Studies in International Education, 12(2), 101-130.

Xinhua New Media. (2017, October 22). Chen Baosheng: China has become the third largest destination for studying abroad in the world and the largest in Asia.

Xiong, W.Y., & Mok, K.H.(2020). Critical reflections on mainland China and Taiwan overseas returnees’ job searches and career development experiences in the rising trend of antiglobalisation. Higher Education Policy33, 413–436.