Guangzhou (CNS)--The main purpose for many Chinese students to study in the UK is to broaden their worldview and create more advantages for themselves in China's job market. "The one-year degree for British universities is two years shorter than in China. Although I can't apply for a Post-Study Work (PSW) visa, which allows international students to work in the UK for two years after graduation, I still decided to study in the UK to improve my chances of getting a job when I get back," said Mai Wanjun, who is registering for a Master's program at the University of Surrey.
A meeting to prepare students for study in the UK is held in Guangzhou on July 9. Wu Yundi and Li Mingjia, alumni of the London School of Economics and Birmingham University, shared their experiences with the students and made several useful suggestions.
Though the British government will abort the PSW visa system by next April, the students still value the overseas experience they will be getting and remain excited about their trip.
Wan Liang, a student of art in Shanghai, is going to take international fashion and trade courses at Nottingham Trent University. "The UK is advanced in fashion education. The opportunity to be exposed to an international atmosphere attracts me greatly. I am also looking forward to the academic sphere," said Wan.
"The one-year, 11,000-pound tuition is expensive. However, if economically capable, I would like to make the investment for the benefit of my daughter," said Wan's mother, Ms. Ye.
Yan Zhen just graduated from high school and is preparing to study Accounting and Finance at the University of Essex, close to London. "I am a fan of British culture and really anticipate getting a lot from my studies and life in a prosperous international financial center. Another favorable fact is that the three-year undergraduate program gives me an advantage in my application for future jobs."
The cancellation of the PSW policy actually saw a reversed trend of growing applications for study visas. "Statistics show, in 2010, the British Border Agency had issued 44,000 student visas in China, 26% more than the previous year. The trend will continue this year, according to the information given by overseas study agencies and British universities," said Jin Lian, an official at the Cultural and Education Section of the British Consulate-General.
Jin concluded several reasons for Chinese students' preference for British studies: (1) the quality of British college education is globally recognized and has gained the trust of Chinese parents and students; (2) the shorter term of college education adds to its attractiveness; (3) the UK provides world-class educations for Finance, Media, and Engineering majors; and (4) the depreciation of the British pound also adds to its popularity.
