As China’s economy booms, more and more Chinese families are able to afford a foreign education for their children. And as the demand for higher education in China continues to grow faster than the supply, many students are looking abroad for both their high school and post-secondary schooling.

Chinese Education and the Appeal of Studying Abroad

While higher education is now an important issue in China, their schools are not considered amongst the best in the world. Especially now, as China becomes more international, exceptional students set their sights on attending a higher-calibre post-secondary institution than can be found within China. At the same time, other students are finding that demand for higher education in China far exceeds supply. An estimated 6.5 million high school graduates wanted but were unable to secure university places in China this year. An understanding of these trends is leading Chinese families to send their children abroad to study at an earlier age.

Chinese high school students have a set curriculum, with little to no choice in their subjects. Emphasis is placed on listening to the teacher’s lecture, and memorizing it. Testing is the sole means of evaluation. Students don’t have the chance to develop their individual strengths, nor do they have the time to involve themselves in extra-curricular activities.

The university entrance exam – the “gao kao” is the only selection criteria for Chinese universities. The Chinese high schools, therefore, focus on preparing students for this test. But for students who want to study abroad, the Chinese high school system is not designed to facilitate acceptance by top tier post-secondary institutions. For this reason, Chinese students are beginning to study abroad for high school, or even middle school.

Understanding Chinese students

Education is incredibly important in Chinese culture. Chinese students study hard, and are driven to excel academically. Often, however, Chinese students studying abroad find themselves faced with an entirely different educational system and set of expectations, and they need support in making the transition from Chinese education.

iBAF works with both the schools and the students to help ease this transition. Strategic recruiting advice lets schools find students who will adapt well to their educational culture. Pre-departure seminars and counselling allow students to formulate realistic expectations and prepare themselves for the new environment. Let iBAF help you reach your recruiting goals with suitable, successful students from China.