Internationalisation of medical education in China: A 10-year overview of students’ outward mobility

Abstract

ABSTRACT Internationalisation of medical education is critical under globalisation. Using micro-data from a medical university, this study launches a longitudinal quantitative study on students’ outward mobility to identify the international level of medical education in China. The number of student participation in cross-border programmes is the index to the character of mobility. Descriptive statistics was applied using Microsoft Excel. The results showed a rising tendency of medical students’ outward mobility however a low level. Undergraduates were more likely to participate in outward activities than graduate students. They demonstrated greater interest in short-term programmes than long-term course studies and research programmes. Compared with the US and the UK, traditional destinations like Australia and other European countries were not as popular. Developed countries and regions in Asia were emerging destinations, while developing countries were ignored. University played a central role in financing students’ outward mobility.