Each year, the UK welcomes around 180,000 Chinese Masters Students alone! The increased employability and knowledge of other markets and cultures all enhance the value of overseas education in an English-speaking country. Because overseas students are seldom entitled to grants and subsidies, a huge number of Chinese students inject a lot of wealth into the areas they reside in. From tuition fees to accommodation to groceries, travel and entertainment. That’s a lot of students with significant spending power. Then consider the injection of Chinese culture they bring with them. Restaurants, events and the likes all enhance our university communities.
So for Chinese students selecting the UK to study, this bears a huge financial commitment for their families. It must be a bracing culture shock, too. So then, why shouldn’t this happen more the other way around? Despite recent post-COVID stumbling blocks, the Chinese economy has boomed over recent years, and the country’s influence has ramped up a notch or two. So that means that the Chinese language is now a top-three global language. Well, as it happens, this is a scenario playing out more and more, as China welcomes an increasing number of overseas students into its education system each year. With over 3,000 universities and colleges throughout the most populous country in the world, lately, we’ve been seeing Chinese universities make their way into the global rankings. As an example, topuniversities.com’s World University Employability Ranking table’s top ten features two Chinese universities: Beijing’s Tsinghua University at number 6 and the University of Hong Kong stands at number 10.
“Step outside of your comfort zone”, they say, and that’s exactly what thousands and thousands of Chinese students do each year when they go overseas to European and American universities to study. So why not adopt a similar philosophy if you’re British? Not only is the Chinese education system one of the best in the world, but the overall benefits to be had from studying in China are greater than you might initially think. Here are just some of the benefits of studying in China:
Tuition Fees
In the UK, British students pay hefty tuition fees. Some means-tested fees are reduced, but there’s no such thing as a free or cheap education anymore. And we all feel the burden as the cost of living skyrockets in the UK, especially since (swear words approaching) Brexit and the war in Ukraine.
In China, tuition fees are remarkably lower. In some cases, you might expect to pay a fifth of what you’d be paying in the UK. Tier one cities will be higher, but tier two cities will surprise you.
The Chinese Education System
The Chinese education system is not standardised and varies from province to province. But its generally quite good. Go to wealthier provinces like Zhejiang, which boasts great universities in Hangzhou, Wenzhou and Ningbo, and you’ll be studying within well-funded, modern learning establishments for a lot less money.
Universities are well-kept, orderly and clean. The main difference is possibly the teaching style which tends to be less group-structured and a little more ‘drilling’ based. Students can be less challenged, not as willing to contribute to debating and adopt less lateral thinking. However, these are things that you can of course contribute and excel in. But other than that, you’ll enjoy a quality, well-planned curriculum, professionally delivered lessons and by generally passionate teachers. Teachers in China are respected, get paid comparatively handsomely and enjoy a comfortable standard of living. In other words, it’s a good job in China.
Cost of Living
So after tuition fees are considered, accommodation comes next. Student accommodation is abundant, modern and affordable. But if you want to go it alone, you can expect to rent a two-bedroom apartment in a good area for under £200 per month. In a city the size of London. And we all know that a similar property would set you back six times that in the UK’s capital, before any other overheads.
Most grocery shopping items are cheaper, except strangely, cosmetics and bathroom items which tend to cost more than in Europe.
Dining out will not only expand your palate’s diversity but will be far kinder on your wallet, too. A comparative meal out in a tier two city (maybe tier 3), like Wenzhou, will cost around one-third of its UK counterpart. Broad statement alert: The Chinese take food seriously. They eat well and expect quality dining and service. Keep clear of the tourist track and you’ll enjoy authentic, great-value food at superb prices.
Travel is crazily affordable, thanks to the transport system remaining state-owned. Busses, trains and undergrounds are modern, cheap and reliable. Add great air conditioning, and what more do you need?
Chinese Insight
The world’s factory, the second-largest economy, a diverse and different-in-any-ways culture, yet a country on the rise that echoes some familiarity with the US. That’s a juxtaposition you might notice. American culture is everywhere in China, from the dance to music, and English writing on clothing, cars and fast food joints, yet the media goes out of its way to portray America as evil at every opportunity. Understanding how business relationships, Chinese culture, travel, law and politics work can only be a huge, mind-expanding benefit.
Understanding Chinese social and business cultures is a real benefit too! Business is China is conducted in a more ‘guanxi’ or ‘relationship’ manner and, believe me when I say that this is an unbiased comment: There is no hospitality like Chinese hospitality. Chinese hosts look after you. It will be a challenge to pay for a meal. It can even get combative. But you’ll soon learn little tricks to pay your way, like pretending to go to the toilet, except with your phone, in no time.
So if you’re considering your next move academically, think outside the box. Why bankrupt yourself in the UK when you could save thousands and thousands of pounds by studying in China? But what about the language, I hear you ask. 1: Learning Chinese is not as challenging as people often say. It’s a homogenous language with one set of grammar rules, and 2: A lot of professional lectures are conducted in English. Plus, at the university level, there are a lot of English-speaking students and lecturers. But come on, learn Chinese! It will benefit you throughout your life.
Global Connections
Chinese universities attract students from all over the country, but from a lot of Global South countries, too. So expect to make some good connections, not only in China but with people from India and also Pakistan. There are a lot of students from African countries and you might encounter the odd American for good measure, too.
Life is all about networking, right? Chinese universities and the surrounding areas will provide you superb opportunities to connect with potential affiliates, clients and suppliers, or even just some great friends.
Better International Understanding
As per the last section, seeing and understanding world events from another perspective is balancing. Meeting people from diverse and varied countries is mind-expanding, as well as educational and enjoyable. After your Chinese education, you’ll be internationally employable, having proved your ability to adapt and flourish in very different lands and situations. And you’ll possess internationally-recognised qualifications. So perhaps looking outside your comfort zone is a good thing? I think so. Look into Chinese universities. The benefits are vast.
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