Qualitative research on the impact of education in China on graduates of foreign students from Central Asian countries

Abstract

China provides various scholarship programs to countries along the Belt and Road route. In this regard, the number of young people from Central Asia and developing countries willing to study in China is growing. The current trend in the training of young specialists in China raises the question:  How does the experience gained while studying at universities in China affect on the lifestyle and activity of graduates from Central Asian countries? The purpose of our research is to to help us understand  the role of Chinese higher education in the training of young specialists from Central Asian countries. The study used qualitative analysis as the main method for obtaining answers. The online interview method was used..The mini-research participants were 16 graduates from Central Asian countries: Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan. At the analytical stage of the research, the “Grounded theory” method of Strauss Corbin was applied. As a result of the study, four directions were identified that indicate the impact of education in Chinese universities on the life and work of graduates from Central Asian countries: (1) Cross-cultural integration; (2) Self-knowledge and self-formation in the environment of an international environment; (3) Language capabilities: improving language skills in learning Chinese and other languages; (4) Impact on employment. The authors of the study found that getting an education in China for graduates from Central Asian countries provides a flexible opportunity for employment in an international environment or in business. On the other hand, it contributes to the preparation of integrated leaders with experience of cross-cultural cooperation. Research supported by Postdoctoral Program of International Training for Young Talents in Guangdong Province and Guangzhou University School of Education. Keywords: education in China, graduates, Central Asian countries, international education, impact.