Stages and characteristics of the development in chinese international student education over a 70-year period

Abstract

This study discussed international education in China from the perspectives of social background, policies and regulations, guiding principles, enrolment scales and admission levels. Based on the discussion, the study proposed seven development stages of China’s international student education, i.e. start-up, stagnation, recovery, exploration and development, expansion of development, regulation of the development, and improvement of quality and efficiency. The study also revealed the characteristics of international education development in China, i.e. the increasingly diverse factors driving the changes of international education policy, and the increasing number of international students, particularly those from “Belt and Road” countries and those pursuing degree education. Recommendations are given for the further development of international education in China.