Why pursue higher study in China? A foreign student's view

China has since 2017 been the most popular destination in Asia for foreign students. As many as 489,200 students from 204 countries came to China to study in 2017, a 10 percent increase on the previous year, according to the Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China. These students were enrolled in 935 higher education-institutions across China in various disciplines.

As a foreign student in China, these statistics have raised a single question in my mind: what are the key factors behind China's success as the most popular country for foreign students in Asia?

You could answer this question in many different ways. I would like to answer it from my personal experience as a foreign student in China for the last two years. I have identified five reasons.

First, the quality of Chinese universities has increased in recent years. Tsinghua University is now ranked the top education institution in Asia, with a 73.4 global score, according to a September 2018 CNN report.

Most universities in China incorporate impressive academic resources, such as renowned faculty members, modern library facilities, secure accommodation, and hi-tech research centers. Classrooms in these universities are typically supported by a number of technological facilities that help teachers and students altogether.

Second, China’s economic development and its growing reputation in international politics is important. China is currently the largest economy in the world, having undergone significant development over the past four decades. Quality of life in China has gradually improved, concurrent with its economic development.

Rapid technological advancement, coupled with an excellent management structure, has made living in China more comfortable. Most of the country’s higher education institutions are located in cities, where students can shop in international supermarket franchises and travel by underground metro lines. This eases foreign students’ lives in China.

Third, the Chinese culture and language is a major draw for students from overseas. The Chinese language for example is perhaps the world’s sole remaining pictography, after Egyptian, Babylonian, and those from other ancient civilizations.

The wisdom of China’s great scholars, such as Confucius, Lao Tzu, and Sun Tzu have attracted international students for centuries. Education in China provides them with the chance to engage with Chinese culture and to explore the country’s past.

Fourth, the Belt and Road’ Initiative (BRI), an initiative that has changed the traditional idea of globalization, originated in China. From economic and geopolitical perspectives, BRI, unveiled by president Xi Jinping in 2013, is the largest megaproject in human history, comprising overland and maritime routes of connectivity. About 86 countries have joined the initiative, and billions of dollars have already been invested.

BRI hopes to encourage economic development, to enhance personal contact, and to instill cooperation among participant countries. Foreign students in China, of whom 65 percent come from BRI countries, can gain first-hand experience of BRI and its effects on their home countries.

Finally, the grants on offer in China are an important factor. Chinese Government Scholarship (CSC) students, for example, receive a monthly stipend of 2,500 to 3,500 yuan.

Grants can provide for free living accommodation in university dormitories and tuition fees for academic study. Unlike most other countries, where students often look for part-time jobs, in China, students can focus on their studies.

The author is a PhD Candidate at the School of Political Science and Public Administration in Shandong University, Qingdao, Shandong, China.