Opinion: What's the fuss about studying abroad?

In this era of globalization, it is only natural that an increasing number of Chinese would prefer to go abroad for higher studies, because apart from acquiring knowledge they can also widen their horizon of thinking. The "go global" strategy of Chinese enterprises on the back of the country's fast economic growth has created opportunities for an increasing number of Chinese to work overseas, some of whose children have accompanied them. This development too has contributed to an increase in the number of Chinese students studying overseas.

According to Ministry of Education data, the number of Chinese students who went abroad for studies last year was 413,900, a year-on-year increase of 3.58 percent. But the increase was less than the two-digit growth registered in the five previous years. On the other hand, the number of foreign students coming to China for studies has been increasing over the years. In 2012, 35,719 foreign students came to China for studies, an increase of 12.21 percent year-on-year.

As economic and cultural exchanges become increasingly frequent throughout the world, the cross-border flow of students is expected to increase further. It is the inevitable result of an open global economy and should be encouraged.

Nowadays, many employers regard overseas educational diplomas and wider knowledge of the world among job seekers as additional qualifications. Given its rigorous examination-oriented model, China's education system has long been criticized by many experts. But that does not mean the education acquired in China is good for nothing. In fact, the strict basic education Chinese students receive in the early years, such as basic math, is believed, even by foreigners, to lay a solid foundation for later education.

With the continuous rise in China's comprehensive national strength, we should view the increase in the number of Chinese students going abroad for studies with an open mind. And we should have confidence in the foundations of our nation and appreciate the fact that it has been continually making efforts to improve the different facets of society.

The author is a senior writer with China Daily. wuyixue@chinadaily.com.cn