Dutch higher education and Chinese students in the Netherlands

Abstract

The number of Chinese students in the Dutch higher education sector has grown rapidly. In 2014 the number of Chinese BA and MA students reached 4638, or about 7 percent of the population of international students in the Netherlands. The number of formally employed PhD students in that year was 427. After the Germans, the Chinese have become the second largest group of international students. Dutch HBO schools (‘universities of applied sciences’) used to attract about half of all Chinese students in the Netherlands, but their share has been dropping perceptibly in recent years. The presence of Chinese students has become a structural aspect of the Dutch higher education sector. In the competition for student talent from China, the Netherlands lose out to top-ranked universities in the English-speaking world. Nevertheless, the Netherlands has proven to be quite successful as one of the most English of all non-English-speaking countries with a very wide range of study programmes in English. When looking at the relative costs of studying abroad the Netherlands occupies a middle position. As a result, Chinese students often come to the Netherlands as an excellent second-best choice. Self-development and exposure to foreign cultures are the most important reasons to study abroad. Another consideration is the hope of gaining a competitive advantage in the Chinese job market upon return. Students view the Netherlands as safe, egalitarian, and open to different cultures. This appreciation of certain aspects of Dutch society is also a reflection on satisfaction with some social changes inherent to China’s rapid modernization. Students appreciate the fact that Dutch education puts more emphasis on skills and the use of knowledge. Contacts with international students is an important aspect of positive experiences of Chinese students. Relations with Dutch students seems to be less common. Students encounter problems with a language, different customs, integration, and even prejudice in Dutch society. Many students also report being uncomfortable being exposed by questions and criticisms of Chinese politics. These tensions could potentially harm the image of the Netherlands in China and affect student inflow. Chinese bachelor’s students perform relatively well in comparison with Dutch and many other international students. A relatively high percentage successfully completes their education and mostly within the nominal study time. In comparison with students from other non-EEA countries the stay rate for employment reasons after graduation is relatively low and continues to drop. Most Chinese students are enrolled in programmes in the field of business, science, and engineering. As a result, most of the graduates who stay find work in financial services, trade, business, communication and hospitality. Only students in technology and science stay relatively less often for employment after graduation.Asian Studie