Disclaimer: PECA distances itself from the politics of China and stands firmly for the liberal democratic order, which includes, in particular, human dignity as well as freedom of speech and press. This article is solely intended to illustrate China's support for international students and to highlight the impressive stories of two ambitious students as examples.
Global Competition for Skilled Talent
In light of the global competition for skilled talent and the growing shortage of qualified workers in Germany, PECA aims to share our personal experiences to explore what Germany can learn from China in attracting ambitious young people from the Global South. Just like apprentices, students are the skilled workers of tomorrow. When our members, Loïc Lallement and Marc Ackermann, completed their exchange semester in Shanghai and Beijing, they initially assumed that China, much like its economy, would be socially isolated. However, this assumption proved to be false. During their stay, they encountered students from all over the world pursuing their bachelor's or master's degrees in China. Currently, around 500,000 international students are studying in China—potentially highly skilled professionals for the Chinese economy.
For us at PECA, this raises a crucial question: Why China and not Germany? What motivates young people to go to China, a country we perceive as authoritarian? What steps must Germany take to attract more young students from the Global South? Given the skills shortage, Germany needs foreign talent to ensure its long-term competitiveness. Therefore, we seek to understand what Germany can learn from China when it comes to attracting international students.
The Stories of Luya and Frederick
Of the 500,000 international students in China, about 50,000 are studying on full scholarships. Two of these scholarship recipients are Frederick from Panama and Luya from Zambia. These two 20-year-old men have shown remarkable discipline, courage, and perseverance to study in China. Their stories vividly illustrate why China attracts young people from Africa, Latin America, and Central Asia.
Frederick was born in David, Panama, where his parents run a restaurant. Luya is from Kafue, Zambia; his father is a dentist, and his mother is a homemaker. Both say their parents placed great importance on education. After high school, Luya and Frederick faced a critical decision. The limited educational and professional opportunities for civil engineers and architects in Zambia and Panama forced them to seek alternatives. Their ambition to reach their full potential eventually led them to the prestigious Tongji University in Shanghai.
To study at Tongji University, Luya and Frederick had to spend a year intensively learning Chinese and pass the demanding HSK-5 exam at C1 level. Since their parents could not afford the 7,000 Yuan (around 900 euros) per year in tuition fees, nor the cost of living in China, both depended on full scholarships. These scholarships cover tuition, on-campus housing, and a monthly allowance of 2,500 Yuan (about 300 euros) for the duration of their studies. In addition to meeting the language requirements, they had to pass exams in mathematics, chemistry, and physics, regardless of their chosen bachelor's program. Faced with the risk of returning to their home countries if they failed the Chinese exam or did not secure the full scholarship, they gave it their all. Today, Luya is studying civil engineering, and Frederick is studying architecture, with all courses taught in Chinese.
Why Young People Are Drawn to China
We asked Frederick and Luya why they chose China, a country perceived by many as authoritarian. Their primary motivation was the extensive financial support offered through China's numerous scholarship programs. These full scholarships cover tuition and accommodation and provide monthly stipends, removing financial barriers that might otherwise be insurmountable for students like Luya and Frederick, whose families could not afford to finance studies abroad.
Additionally, China has become a global hub for innovation and technological advancement, particularly in infrastructure. The country boasts the world's largest high-speed rail network and has completed the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge, the longest sea bridge in the world. This dynamic environment offers young engineers like Luya and architects like Frederick unparalleled opportunities for professional growth and practical experience, including internships during their studies. Thanks to the large-scale infrastructure projects and the prestigious reputation of Tongji University in Shanghai, both see themselves remaining in China for at least the next decade.
Another key factor is China's growing influence in Africa and Latin America through foreign direct investment and development projects. These initiatives are creating jobs, boosting economic growth, and strengthening ties between China and these regions, which has made China an attractive destination for ambitious young people from the Global South.
What Germany Can Learn
When asked if they had considered Germany, Frederick and Luya highlighted the lack of comprehensive financial support programs as a major obstacle. In China, financial aid allows them to fully concentrate on their studies. For Germany to compete, it would need to implement similar scholarship schemes that offset high living costs and make the country a more appealing option for young talent from the Global South.
They also pointed out the significant bureaucratic challenges in Germany, particularly when it comes to recognizing foreign qualifications and navigating visa processes. A more streamlined, transparent system could significantly enhance Germany's appeal to international students.
Additionally, both noted that China actively recruited students at their schools, offering clear and standardized application processes. By contrast, Germany seemed distant and difficult to access. To attract more international students, Germany should invest in targeted recruitment campaigns and simplify the application process to make the country more visible and accessible globally.
Luya and Frederick at PECA
PECA is proud to welcome Luya and Frederick into the team. Their stories embody resilience, ambition, and the courage to take bold risks. Through PECA, both plan to give back to their home countries by initiating economic and political development projects. Their journeys underscore the transformative power of education and its role in building a brighter future.
Luya, Civil Engineering Student from Zambia
"I see studying in Shanghai as an opportunity to give something back to my home country in the future."
Frederick, Architecture Student from Panama
"Shanghai has completely changed my understanding of possibilities. Every day presents opportunities for growth."