RIEB Discussion Paper Series No.2019-15

Title

Cultural Factors and Study Destinations of International Students

Abstract

We examine the role of cultural factors in attracting international students, using data of 102 countries from 2000 to 2015. Our results show that the export of cultural products is conducive to the increase of international students, and in particular, international students choose to study in developing countries whose official language and religious beliefs are different from their home countries, while they tend to go to developed countries with a common language. We also examine the features of international students in China and Chinese students in other countries. The policy implication from our study is that "soft power" such as a unique culture, common value and migration networks is important in attracting foreign students.

Keywords

Cultural factors, International students, Cultural goods exports, Migration networks, Chinese students abroad

JEL Classification

F16, I23

Inquiries

Hao WEI
Department of International Economics, Beijing Normal University

Ran YUAN
Department of International Economics, Beijing Normal University

Laixun ZHAO
Research Institute for Economics and Business Administration,
Kobe University
Rokkodai-cho, Nada-ku, Kobe
657-8501 Japan
Phone: +81-78-803-7036
FAX: +81-78-803-7059