When African students consider where to study abroad, their first choices are often European or American universities. It was estimated that there were more than 100,000 African students studying in France alone in 2009. This is, first and foremost, a matter of language, as well as the quality and reputation of university degrees obtained in "the West." However, if African students want to have a unique educational background, they might want to consider choosing to study at an Asian university - a wise choice considering the growing importance of the East in Africa's trade and economic development. According to estimates made by Professor Adams Bodomo of the University of Hong Kong, Chinese universities hosted around 28,500 African students in 2009.

Asia is an increasingly interesting study destination. Opportunities abound in many Asian countries, including India and Malaysia, which, thanks to a distinct government strategy aimed at attracting foreign students, is an increasingly popular destination for students. China also offers its foreign students many opportunities, and is another important center for education. According to commitments made in 2009, the Chinese Government currently offers 5,500 scholarships for foreign students wishing to study in China. There are 20 special partnerships between African universities and Chinese counterparts.

According to research conducted in Beijing by Stellenbosch University's Center for Chinese Studies (CCS), these arrangements are very important to African students, as the vast majority of African students in China are funded by scholarships. These scholarships are either fully funded by the Chinese Government, or are joint scholarships that are paid for by African governments and China, with each contributing 62 percent and 34 percent, respectively.

African students travel to China to seek quality education in economics, sciences and engineering. Although they see learning Mandarin as an initial obstacle, they also understand that proficiency in Chinese may be beneficial for their future careers. In other words: African students are already seeking and seeing opportunities - and making use of them - in China.

China's universities are unlikely to outpace their Western counterparts in the near future, but they are already playing a valuable role by offering students new choices and opportunities. While Europe and North America will remain important destinations for African students, the continent also needs experts who understand Asia. Cultural and historical linkages between China and Africa have existed for many years, and are growing.

But CCS' research also shows some issues that students should be made aware of before choosing to study in China. Some students claimed that the learning style was different from Western universities. Research revealed that Chinese university courses require much more memorizing during lessons, with less time being reserved for discussions. Many students also see China as a very exotic destination, and they often remain uncertain as to how welcoming (and accessible) Chinese society is to foreigners.

Some students also pointed out some areas for improvement. One suggestion was that universities organize internships at Chinese corporations to complement a student's academic studies, showing that gaining practical experience was a high priority for the African students. And in order to ease foreign students' initial adjustment period, it might be useful to more actively engage students during their time abroad, perhaps through mutual exchange programs that allow Chinese students to visit African universities while African students study in China. This would require scholarships that allow students to study abroad for a semester while remaining fully enrolled in an African university, and making their time abroad part of their studies in their home country. This would help to better bridge cultural differences and further involve African universities. African alumni of Chinese universities might help by offering students initial guidance.

Overall, visiting and learning in other countries - China in particular - is an opportunity that African students should take. Going abroad to study is always an individual decision. Yet, it is one that should be encouraged, as globalization requires societies to learn more about their partners in other parts of the world. CA

(Sven Grimm is Director of the Center for Chinese Studies, Stellenbosch University, South Africa)

Source: Center for Chinese Studies