Westward bound

By He Na (China Daily)
Updated: 2009-03-17 14:03

Statistics from the Ministry of Education show that in 2008 only 70 percent of 5.6 million Chinese university graduates found jobs before August, leaving 1.5 million still looking for jobs; another 6 million students will graduate this year.

Westward bound

Although the Chinese government has launched many measures to boost employment, many Chinese students are staring at a gloomy job scene at home and abroad. A study trip may provide temporary respite and, feel some students, prepare them better for the job market.

According to Neil T. Gorman DL, vice-chancellor of NTU, the number of Chinese students applying to study at the university is seeing a big increase this year.

Yang Fangfei, 24, is graduating from the Central Academy of Fine Arts and plans to study further in England after graduation.

"Students who study abroad sound much more competitive, so I have decided to apply to the University of the Arts, London, for fashion studies," says Yang.

"Since the start of the Lunar New Year, I have been inundated with calls from students and parents seeking information on studying abroad," says Xie Yue, manager of the Nanjing Jiacheng Overseas Study Service. "I hardly get to rest even on weekends."

Hai Xia from the Beijing JJL Overseas Education has had the same experience. "Our information lines keep ringing and the office is crowded with students and parents every day," says Hai.

Most are interested in opportunities in the United States, Europe and Australia, she says.

"The financial turmoil may have taken a toll on many industries, but it has turned out to be a boon for the overseas study market," says Bai Dezhang, director of the China Overseas Study Center.

The spring overseas study exhibition held recently in Beijing attracted more than 400 universities and institutes from over 30 countries around the world. The two-day exhibition saw at least 50,000 in attendance.

The steady appreciation of the yuan is also one of the factors behind the recent frenzy for overseas study.

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