Examining the state of internationalization of higher education and public diplomacy in China

Abstract

Over the previous years, China has successfully attracted a huge population of international scholars to its tertiary education system as a response to the global trend of internationalization of higher education. Given this high increase in numbers, this article seeks to explore the trend of China’s internationalization of higher education, diving into the interplay of diplomatic relationships shaping the sector and the international student experiences in the country. The article draws on empirical and literature review studies from reputable databases such as Scopus to fill the dearth of knowledge in the area. The findings of the research reveal that language abilities affect the international student’s experience in the classroom, including low engagement levels and academic progress. On the other hand, international students are socially disconnected and immersed in the local communities, with the lack of Chinese proficiency being a major driver. Based on the findings, the study calls for mutual understanding between foreign students, local scholars, and Chinese faculty staff to resolve these issues.