IIE-涨潮还是退潮：中国学生还想在美国留学吗？（英文）-2021.3-9页_4mb

报告摘要

ieNetwork BRIEFING Summary

Core Content

This briefing paper by Peggy Blumenthal, Senior Counselor at the Institute of International Education (IIE), analyzes the potential enrollment trends of Chinese and Hong Kong students in U.S. higher education for fall 2021, amid changing political and health environments.

Main Findings

High Interest in U.S. Education: Despite ongoing concerns, Chinese students continue to show strong interest in studying in the U.S., which remains their top educational destination.
Enrollment Trends:
- Mainland China: Enrollments declined slightly in 2019/20, but graduate student numbers increased by 3%, and Optional Practical Training (OPT) numbers increased by 2%.
- Hong Kong: Numbers have been declining for decades, and the U.S. is no longer the top destination for Hong Kong students, due to political and safety concerns.
Impact of the Pandemic:
- In fall 2020, international student enrollments in the U.S. dropped by 16%.
- Many students opted for online learning, while some deferred enrollment.
- U.S. universities offered online courses and partnered with local institutions in China to facilitate learning.

Key Concerns

Chinese students and their families have several concerns that influence their decision to study abroad:

Health and Safety: Worry about the spread of COVID-19 and the effectiveness of safety measures in the U.S.
Political Tensions: Misinformation and ongoing political tensions between the U.S. and China create apprehension.
Limited Campus Visits: U.S. campus representatives have not been able to visit China due to travel restrictions and safety concerns, affecting personal connections.
Access to U.S. Social Media: China's restrictions on U.S. platforms like Facebook and Twitter limit the reach of U.S. promotional efforts.
Anti-Asian Sentiment: Media reports of hate crimes and anti-Asian sentiment in the U.S. raise concerns about safety and integration.
Visa Delays: Delays in visa appointments and fears of a backlog continue to affect student decisions.
Standardized Testing: Delays and closures of testing sites create challenges for admissions.
Document Access: Students face difficulties in obtaining official documents like transcripts and graduation certificates due to school closures.
Online Learning Challenges: Synchronous learning is not ideal for Chinese students, and the Great Firewall and internet monitoring make online learning less appealing.
Privacy and Rights Concerns: Students are wary of discussing sensitive topics online from China.

Hong Kong Students' Situation

Political Climate: Increased influence of the Chinese Communist Party on Hong Kong universities and concerns about freedom of thought have made Hong Kong students more cautious.
Shift in Preferences: Hong Kong students are now more likely to apply to countries offering clearer pathways to permanent residency and citizenship.
Recent Trends:
- A 44% increase in applications to study in Taiwan.
- 16% and 14% increases in applications to the U.K. and Australia, respectively.
- Only 16% of Hong Kong undergrads expressed interest in studying abroad for postgraduate study, with the U.S. being the second most preferred destination after the U.K.
U.S. Appeal: The U.S. remains attractive due to its academic reputation, research opportunities, and scholarships, but political instability and safety concerns are affecting interest.

U.S. Campus Responses

Outreach Efforts: U.S. campuses are increasing their outreach through alumni and current students, and by organizing online webinars and information sessions.
Admissions Flexibility: Many U.S. institutions have adopted "test-optional" policies and are more flexible with application deadlines and requirements.
Government Support: The Biden Administration's welcoming tone and efforts to address visa backlogs and OPT approvals are being positively received.
Future Prospects: With the pandemic under control in China and Hong Kong, U.S. campuses are preparing to resume in-person recruitment efforts once travel restrictions ease.

Conclusion

Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic and political tensions, the U.S. continues to be a highly sought-after destination for Chinese students, particularly for graduate studies. For Hong Kong students, the U.S. is still an attractive option, but political and safety concerns are shifting preferences. U.S. institutions are adapting to these challenges through flexible admissions policies, targeted outreach, and collaboration with local partners in China. The U.S. remains a global leader in higher education and will continue to attract international students, contributing to innovation and academic diversity.