NewMore Chinese students look to study in ‘welcoming’ Britain after the two countries herald ‘golden era’ of Sino-British ties
Chinese families continue to find appeal in Britain’s safe environment and top-ranking universities despite depreciating yuan and talk of tuition fee increase
More Chinese students are expected to enroll in British universities as ties warm between China and Britain.
“I felt so welcomed when I saw on TV how President Xi Jinping was treated during his visit to Britain,” said Huang Xuemei, a 45-year-old mother, as she collected fliers at stalls promoting British institutions at the China Education Expo in Beijing over the weekend.
Xi and his wife Peng Liyuan were given a royal welcome on their first state visit to Britain last week as the two countries heralded the start of a “golden era” in Sino-British relations. The couple stayed at Buckingham Palace as personal guests of Queen Elizabeth II, who also hosted a state banquet in Xi’s honour.
“I don’t know if they did this from the heart or if it was just for political purposes, but I feel that we are welcome in Britain,” said Huang, who was looking for a university for her 17-year-old daughter.
“Germany used to be our top choice because Germans are friendly to the Chinese. Now Britain is a good option as well.”
Britain has long been one of Chinese students’ top overseas destinations, with Chinese making up the largest group of international students in the country. Last year, 87,895 Chinese students were studying there, 58,810 of them newcomers, according to Britain’s Higher Education Statistics Agency.