Why International Students Are Flocking to China

Chinese Mandarin is becoming increasingly important in international communications, so having an understanding and knowledge of the language can open many doors. In the western business world, being able to speak Chinese Mandarin is a skill that is in huge demand, and can make you a very attractive hire.

Although learning a new language may be challenging for some, it can be one of the most rewarding skills you will ever have. Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University offers a range of academic opportunities for international students, ranging from short-term and summer school courses, to full-degree programs. While courses in degree programs are taught in English and delivered by experienced academics from around the world, international students also have the chance to study Chinese Mandarin.

The Belt and Road Initiative aims to strengthen positive relations between China and 65 countries and regions across Asia, Europe and Africa. Therefore, the demand for graduates who have Chinese experience to lead key projects in the countries along the Belt and Road Initiative is considerably high.

Of the 489,000 students who furthered their studies in China in 2017, 317,200 of them were from a number of Belt and Road Initiative countries, including Iran, Indonesia, Laos, Pakistan and Thailand.

Pakistani student, Fatima Khan, has just begun her BSc Biological Sciences degree at Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University. She is very aware about the benefits of what studying in China could mean for her future career as a research scientist in genetic engineering: “The research in my field – biology – is huge here in China, and in Suzhou. There are Chinese researchers all over the world, so I would hope being able to speak the language will help me in my chosen career.”

Fatima also considers the importance of her experience: “The things that I’m learning here are going to give me an edge in my career because I’m interacting with people from all over the world. I plan to learn the language as well.”

Education is one of the biggest priorities of the Belt and Road Initiative. As a result, students and graduates who are from countries along the Belt and Road Initiative should find themselves seriously benefitting from their experience of studying in China.

Ranked 79^th in the QS Mainland China Rankings 2019, Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University is a joint venture between the University of Liverpool in the UK, and Xi’an Jiaotong University in Xi’an, Shaanxi Province, China. The university itself is located in Suzhou, a destination that combines a rich 2,500-year-old history, with a drive to become one of the most modern cities in China.

XJTLU prides itself on its international mobility prospects. Due to its close links with its parent institution, the university offers students from the University of Liverpool the opportunity to take part in a Year in China program, as well as a range of other visiting programs which are available to all international students. Students have the chance to undertake modules on Chinese society, history and politics, as well as learning Chinese Mandarin.

For more information about the range of study options available for international students at Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University, visit their website.