Foreign degrees grow in popularity

Chinese universities offer new options as globalization takes hold

When African students consider where to study abroad, their first choice is often Europe or the United States. In France alone, there were more than 100,000 African university students in 2009. First and foremost, this is a matter of language and of the quality and reputation of a university degree obtained in the West, and these valid reasons will continue to play an important role in students' choices.

However, if students want to work on a different profile, the choice of an Asian university might also be worthwhile, not least because of the growing importance of the East in Africa's trade and economic development.

According to estimates by Adams Bodomo, director of the African studies program at Hong Kong University, China hosted about 28,500 African students in 2009.

Asia is an increasingly interesting study destination. Opportunities loom for instance in Malaysia, where the government has a distinct strategy to attract foreign students, and also to a more limited extent in India.

And, of course, China is a big option. At present, the Chinese government offers 5,500 scholarships for study in China, based on commitments made in 2009. There are also 20 special partnerships between African and Chinese universities.

According to research by the Center for Chinese Studies at Stellenbosch University, these arrangements are practically essential for African students, as the vast majority are funded through scholarships, either by the Chinese government alone (62 percent) or jointly with their home government (34 percent).

African students seek good education in economics, sciences and engineering in China. They see learning Mandarin as an initial obstacle, but also as an opportunity to further their career. Once a language is mastered, it is one of the greatest assets a student can take home.

In other words, African students do seek and recognize opportunities - and make use of them.

China is becoming a more interesting destination and adds to the variety of choice for students. It is unlikely to outpace Western universities, yet it complements them and brings new opportunities.

While Europe and North America will remain important destinations, there is also a need for Asia expertise in Africa, and cultural and historic links persist.

However, the CCS research also heard more cautious assessments about studying in China. Some students claimed that the learning style was different from Western universities and that much more memorizing was required, with less room for discussion.

Also, China is often still seen as a very exotic destination, and students on the African continent are not sure how welcoming or accessible Chinese society is to foreigners.

Some aspects for improvement were pointed out by our CCS interviewees. One suggestion was to organize internships in Chinese corporations during studies. Practical experience was clearly high on the priority list of the African students we spoke to.

Also, to lower or overcome initial hesitations about studying in China, it might be useful to consider more exchange programs - Africans going, Chinese coming. This requires scholarships suitable for visiting semesters, which would also help bridge cultural differences.

African universities have a task to perform here, too. Increasing numbers of African alumni of Chinese universities can provide better advice to perspective students.

Overall, China is an opportunity that African students should take. Going abroad is always an individual decision, but it is one to be encouraged. Globalization requires societies to build knowledge of their partners around the world.

The author is the director of the Centre for Chinese Studies at Stellenbosch University in South Africa.

(China Daily Africa Weekly 06/21/2013 page9)