Chinese Study Abroad to the US Decision Tree

By Michael Q LarsonCenter Director

ELS Language Centers/Santa BarbaraDelicious.com/NAFSAChina

Overview

• Introducing Chinese Students• The Decision Tree• Academic Considerations• Economic Considerations• Discussion

Introducing Chinese Students

Chinese Education System

•Confucius （孔子）•Civil Service Exams•6 years primary, 3 years middle, 3 years high school

Family Involvement

Numbers

•2008 – 2009: nearly 100,000 Chinese Students in USA•21% Year-on-Year Growth

Programs

UndergradGradOPTOther

Chinese Ideal Tertiary Education

Chinese Universities

Decision Tree

Typical OutcomeEconomicsAcademicsDecision

Makers

Student and Family

Strong

Wealthy

Top Private US U

Top Public US U

Top Public Chinese UNot Wealthy

Weak

Wealthy

Non-top Private or

Public US U

Private Chinese U

Not Wealthy None/Tech school

Academic Considerations

GPA

Gao Kao （高考）

English Proficiency

SAT / ACT / GRE / GMAT

Test Preparation Schools, Books

Economic Considerations

Savings

Scholarships

Additional Costs

•Room and Board•Language Training•Transportation•Insurance

Typical OutcomeEconomicsAcademicsDecision

Makers

Student and Family

Strong

Wealthy

Top Private US U

Top Public US U

Top Public Chinese UNot Wealthy

Weak

Wealthy

Non-top Private or

Public US U

Private Chinese U

Not Wealthy None/Tech school