This year, we expect to see an increase in the number of American students coming to China, including to U.S.-China partner campuses such as Duke Kunshan, New York University Shanghai, Wenzhou Ji’an University, Tianjin Juilliard School and Hopkins Nanjing Center.
However, significant imbalances in educational exchanges remain, highlighting the need for China to improve its attractiveness as a study abroad destination, which will not only enrich China’s higher education environment but also contribute to more balanced and vibrant exchanges between the people of our two countries.
To achieve this, China can take note of the recommendations in the CCG report and take steps to create a more welcoming environment for international students.
02:27
China expands visa-free travel to six new countries
China expands visa-free travel to six new countries
Second, China should strive to encourage its people’s open and inclusive attitude toward international students and create a more inclusive environment for them, which will lead to a better understanding of its people’s role in promoting cultural exchanges and create a more welcoming social environment.
Third, internationalizing curricula and expanding English-taught programs can serve the needs and preferences of international students. Chinese universities should be encouraged to develop interdisciplinary and globally oriented courses that better match the interests of American students.
Fifth, promoting cultural exchange programs and partnerships between Chinese and American universities will foster greater understanding and cooperation. Encouraging joint research projects, faculty exchanges, and student exchange programs will increase opportunities for meaningful exchanges between Chinese and American students.
While implementing these measures, China can also learn lessons from the U.S. approach to attracting international students. The CCG report highlights U.S. strategies such as offering scholarships, streamlining visa procedures, and providing employment opportunities for international student graduates. By adopting similar practices and tailoring them to China’s circumstances, China can become more competitive in the global talent war.
The easing of travel restrictions and improvements to tourism infrastructure have made China a more accessible and attractive destination. Building on these gains, China can further develop its education tourism sector, showcasing its rich cultural heritage and modern advancements to potential international students.
As the CCG report emphasizes, people-to-people exchanges not only foster understanding and friendship between nations, but are also essential to driving economic growth and innovation. By increasing the number of American students studying in China, China can tap into a diverse talent pool, foster intercultural cooperation, and contribute to the development of a more interconnected and cooperative world.
In an era of mounting geopolitical challenges, educational exchanges are a powerful reminder of the shared aspirations and common humanity that bind us. By investing in exchanges and creating a more welcoming environment for international students, China can strengthen the stable foundation of its relations with the United States and pave the way for a brighter future of mutual understanding and cooperation.
Wang Huiyao is founder of the Beijing-based non-governmental think tank, the Center on China and Globalization.
