I'm an American who studied at universities in China. The Chinese system was cheaper and set me up for success after graduation.

"Many of the international students I talked to in the US told me how hard it was to integrate and find a pathway to work after school in New York. In China, I noticed there's a pathway for international students who want to stay, particularly those who have developed strong Mandarin skills. The Chinese government and universities are actively trying to entice international students to come to the country, while also investing in ways to retain graduates."

"I completed my undergraduate degree in political science at a state university in New York and studied abroad in Wuhan, China, during the summer of 2015. Ten years later, in 2025, I returned to Shijiazhuang, China, while completing my second graduate degree in global health, interning at a medical university. Experiencing Chinese universities at two distinct points in my life, a decade apart, gave me a rare view of how the system operates and how it has evolved."

An American who studied in both US and Chinese universities in 2015 and 2025 observed significant differences between the two systems. Chinese universities provide structured pathways for international students to remain and work after graduation, particularly for those with Mandarin proficiency, while US universities offer limited post-graduation opportunities. The Chinese government actively recruits and retains international talent through university partnerships. Campus culture differs substantially, with Chinese institutions creating integrated environments for international students. The number of American students studying in China has declined significantly since the pandemic, though African students remain heavily invested in Chinese educational and professional systems.

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