Research on the Influencing Factors of the Scale and Structure of International Students from Belt and Road Countries in China
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.65514/m76hqq41Keywords:
Study in China; Belt and Road; Trade in Higher Education ServicesAbstract
With the deepening of the Belt and Road Initiative,the number of international students from participating countries studying in China has been continuously expanding. How to further expand the scale and enhance the quality of these students has become a key priority of China's international education strategy. Using data from 53 Belt and Road countries between 2005 and 2018,this paper empirically analyzes the factors influencing the scale and structure of their students studying in China from economic,socio-cultural,and educational perspectives. The results show that the differences in economic development levels between China and source countries,as well as bilateral trade cooperation,are major economic factors. The signing of bilateral agreements on mutual recognition of academic degrees and qualifications,and the teacher–student ratio in higher education,are significant educational factors. Moreover,the existence of a common border and the distance between the two capitals are important socio-cultural factors. Degree students are more influenced by economic and educational factors,whereas graduate students are more concerned with bilateral mutual-recognition agreements and the quality of higher education faculty. To promote the high-quality development of studying in China among Belt and Road countries,the Chinese government should continue to strengthen scholarship programs,promote mutual recognition of academic qualifications and degrees,and improve the quality of higher education.
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