Being Privileged but Challenged: Understanding Chinese International Students' College Choice Process

• In Event: College Access for Asian and Asian Americans Across the Global Diaspora

Abstract

This qualitative case study explores how Chinese international students navigate the U.S. college choice process. Based on semi-structured interviews with 10 Chinese international college students at a large public research university located in the northeastern U.S., along with students’ college essays, this study explains how these economically privileged students regard studying abroad as a “Plan B” substituting Gaokao (the Chinese College Entrance Examinations) and as an opportunity of accessing high quality higher education. This study argues that these economically privileged students are challenged while navigating the college choice process because of the lack of cultural support from parents and private agents, and the lack of connection with colleges in the U.S.

Authors

• Fanya Wu, University at Buffalo - SUNY

• Ren Liu, Shandong University of Economics and Finance