Study in China increases among students at Purdue, nationwide

According to university figures, the number of Purdue students going to China has more than doubled in the last few years. In 2003-04, 18 students studied in China. The next year, 23 Purdue students studied in China. In the 2005-06 year, the number rose to 43. In 2006-07, it is expected that about 100 Purdue students will study in China.

Nationwide, participation in all study-abroad programs is increasing, with the number of students going to traditional destinations such as Western Europe and Australia continuing to grow slowly, as it has for decades. However, the numbers of American students going to Asia have been rapidly increasing in recent years, according to a recent report.

Last fall's Open Doors report on international education found that the number of students from United States institutions studying in China has increased by 90 percent during the last reporting period.

The report is compiled each year by the Institute of International Education, a major U.S. not-for-profit educational and cultural exchange organization.

"The increase shows that students appreciate the significance of China's rise as a world power, and it also reflects Purdue's response to China's rise," said Brian Harley, director of Purdue's Office of Programs for Study Abroad.

"Purdue now offers 16 study-abroad programs in China, some run by Purdue faculty and others by co-sponsoring study-abroad providers. Few American universities offer so many options in China."

The Krannert School of Management alone offers three programs in China, including one for graduate students.

More student participation in Chinese programs fits well with the goals of Purdue's Asian Initiative, said coordinator Matthew Sikora.

The goal of this initiative, now in its second year, is to develop Purdue's connections with top Indian and Chinese universities and to respond to the increasing importance of these two countries on the world stage.

The initiative was created with support from Purdue's Office of the President to encourage research collaborations, recruitment of international students, study-abroad opportunities for Purdue students, alumni development and fund raising in China and India.

"As China and India continue their emergence as global leaders in the 21st century, Purdue will continue to capitalize on our strong ties in that region for the benefit of students, faculty and the university as a whole," Sikora said.

In addition to the programs International Programs offers, about 280 students are studying the Chinese language in Purdue's Department of Foreign Languages and Literatures. The department also offers classes about Chinese culture, calligraphy, business Chinese, classical Chinese and Chinese literature.

Writer: Kim Medaris, (765) 494-6998, kmedaris@purdue.edu

Sources: Brian Harley, (765) 494-2383, bharley@purdue.edu

Matthew Sikora, (765) 494-9399, mvsikora@purdue.edu

Purdue News Service: (765) 494-2096; purduenews@purdue.edu

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