Chinese students studying in US hit record high

Students study at a US university's library [A screen shot from a video provided by EducationUSA]

The number of Chinese students studying in the US for higher education in 2013-2014 reached 274,439, a record high after 10 consecutive years of growth. It means 38,842 more Chinese students enrolled in US institutions, a 16.5 percent increase compared with the previous year. This is according to the 2014 Open Doors Report on International Education Exchange by the Institute of International Education (IIE) released on 18th November.

According the report, China remains the top country sending its students to the US. During the year 2013-2014, American universities witnessed a growth of 8 percent in the number of international students, totaling up to 886,052 – a historic high. Noticeably, about 58 percent of this remarkable growth came from China. Chinese students represent the biggest part of the international student body in the US, with over 30 percent, surpassing those from India, South Korea, Saudi Arabia and Canada.

This is the tenth consecutive year of growth in the number of international students from China shown in the Open Doors report. The average increase stands at 16.5% since the year 2005.

Another feature of the composition of Chinese student over the years is the trend in younger ages. The data in the report shows that Chinese student enrollment climbed by 18 percent at the undergraduate level, compared with 12 percent at the graduate level.

With more and more Chinese students coming to the US for higher education, demand of relevant guidance and services become pressing. Instead of relying on the expensive college placement agencies, which are booming across China, the US Embassy has offered concrete help to encourage students to "DIY" their entrance applications to American institutions.

EducationUSA, a free network supported by the US Department of State's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, is one of the places where help can be found. EducationUSA advisers provide information to students through mobile outreach with events at high schools, universities, libraries and other public venues. Besides personal interaction, EducationUSA's official website and social media platforms offer up-to-date information and guidance, including a simplified "Your 5 Steps to US Study" workshop series especially designed for Chinese students.

With new US visa policies announced recently during the APEC Summit, a further increase of Chinese students coming to the US is expected.