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Abstract:
As the backbone of nation states, the quality of education reflects the level of sophistication of workforce and of socio-economic development in a country. In China, the high educational standard coupled with the vibrant economy has attracted a huge pool of experts from every corner of the globe. This pool of experts is today busy reshaping the national face of the country by using advanced managerial strategies and techniques. The rapid educational development is the key force behind the progress in science and the successful creation of a robust socialist economy in China. The Chinese government has gone the extra length to create one of the highest educational standards in the world. As Chinese universities today rank among world-class universities in attracting foreign students, which has lead to a sustained pool of foreign students in learning and understanding of different languages and culture, the transfer of technologies and scientific know-how and the improvement in diplomatic ties. However, even though with the high in flock of foreign students in various Chinese universities most universities are yet to benefit as foreign students are less interested in seeking admission in low ranking/ rural cities universities. This article therefore seek to understand why most foreign students prefer some Chinese universities over another and discuss es how and what is needed to be done by the international students office (ISOs) and Chinese government to help attract and retain foreign students in their various institutions. The analysis is base on the experience of the lead author in the course of serving as Office Assistant in the ISO of Sichuan University of Science and Engineering. Based on the questioner survey, we were able to understand the necessary choice factors that lead foreign students to choice one university over the other. As a consequence, it highlights the issues of low and high intakes of foreign students in different universities across China. The study finally recommended pragmatic solutions for low-intake universities to increase on foreign student population.
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