According to the UConn’s Office of Institution Research, There were 589 international undergraduates enrolled in Storrs campus for Fall 2012. However, the most of the international students came from China. There were 276 Chinese students, which was almost a half of the total number.
Because the Chinese economy is becoming better and better, there are many families that can afford the tuition for studying abroad. Because of the better education in universities through the US, the United States education system attracts many Chinese students. However, the most important reason is because of the large amount of the population in China.
Iris Ying, a senior Mathematics major student who came from China.
” In my opinion, I think in China, there is the better basic education, however, United States has the better education when it comes to universities. Another reason why I chose to study abroad is that I wanted to leave my parents, I think leaving them is a good way to grow up.”
Iris’s mother also provided some information from parents, and her mother told me: ” In fact, we are very worried that our daughter is studying abroad alone. But, she is 21-years-old now, so she needs to face some problems by herself. Studying abroad is a good way to learn more knowledge and experience the other cultures.”
There is an article named Why Chinese&Asians Study Abroad on US Educational Opportunities, Young Lee (reporter) asked a few questions to Lihong Ni, an experienced educator who works with Chinese and Asian students applying to study abroad. For the reason of Chinese&Asians study abroad, Lihong said:
“First, there are kids who simply want the best education possible. These are super achievers who generally want to get into the top American Colleges. Their parents are usually very successful and have high hopes for their children.Secondly, there are those who are concerned their children aren’t going to get a good enough GaoKao to get into a top 10 Chinese or Asian university. These tend to be struggling children of very successful business people who see studying abroad as a way to get a fresh start. Last are those who want a bigger world view. Sometimes it’s the kids, sometimes it’s the parents. This category varies quite a bit more since the students and parents usually don’t know as much about the US education system and the complexities and costs involved. ”