Survey reveals spike in studying abord,America remains top choice
By admin on 2014-12-26

This year the number of Chinese students applying for studying abroad is estimated to reach 220,000, the United States still the most popular country, according to a report released last month.

The report, 2010 Survey on the Intention of Chinese Students' Study Abroad, conduct-ed by Guangzhou-based study abroad agency Education International Cooperation (EIC) Group, surveyed more than 6,000 students and parents in 13 major cities including Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Nanjing and Wuhan between October to December of last year.

The report names the US, Britain and Australia as the three most popular study abroad countries, all of which have been top choices among students and parents in recent years.

However, EIC attributes the US latest surge in popularity in part to US president Barack Obama's visit to China in November and signing the US-China Joint Statement.

"The statement highlights ‘strengthening bilateral co-operation between China and the US, which is good news to the study abroad industry," Li Guanjun, the vice president of EIC, told the Global Times Tuesday.

Among the students surveyed, 55.88 percent are applying to graduate schools, those seeking bachelor's degrees account for 25.09 percent while 12.96 look to attend high schools overseas.

When considering countries to study abroad, 26.8 percent students cite teaching qual-ity and culture as main factors, whereas 13 percent say tuition fee. Other important factors include language, immigration policies, safety and school reputation.

"Chinese students have become more savvy when choosing study abroad. They are paying more attention to their future career plan so that they can avoid wasting time, money and energy, " Li said.

The report also shows that among all majors chosen by students, business is still the most popular. About 30 percent choose such business-related majors as finance and accounting, marketing and management.

"Business schools usually have lower admissions standards and are comparatively easy for students to get into," said the report.

However, since business related majors are increasingly popular, those looking into such majors will face more competition in the future, Li noted.