Chinese Parents' Perspectives on International Higher Education and Innovation

• In Event: Marriott Roundtable Session 74
  In Roundtable Session: Images and Imaginaries: Representations and Perspectives of Higher Education

Abstract

International academic mobility (IAM) has greatly increased on the part of Chinese students, with many students choosing to attend higher education institutions abroad. This presentation offers the results of a focus group study that investigated factors Chinese parents use when considering international higher education opportunities for their students and the parents' perspectives on educational innovation. Results indicate that parents value international educational experiences, believe technological advancement and innovation are keys to the future, desire rigorous, resource-rich educational opportunities, and are concerned about finances and safety when their children attend universities abroad. Ongoing research about parents’ motivation and expectations regarding international higher education is needed since there is a continuing trend of Chinese students attending international higher education institutions.

Authors

• Kathryn Green, North Carolina State University

• Hiller A. Spires, North Carolina State University

• Pengcheng Liang, Nanjing Normal University