Because of the size and the variety of higher educational institutions in China, the quality of any given institution and its programs, even when accredited, is hard to determine. The most expensive institution is not necessarily the best, nor is every program at a highly regarded university necessarily of the same high quality.
Some factors that can affect the quality of the education available, particularly to undergraduates, include:
Class size: Are all classes are taught in a lecture format, with one professor lecturing the course information to a hundred or more students? Or are there smaller discussion seminars available to students? This is an important consideration for international students, for it can be difficult to get questions that you have answered if many of your courses are all lectures, with little to no opportunity for clarification and intensive study in a smaller group with a professor or teacher’s assistant.
Opportunities for independent research and direct work with faculty: The available opportunities to do your own research and to work one-on-one with department faculty are an important consideration for both undergraduate and graduate students. Are there service learning opportunities and research programs? Is there an honors program for students who excel in their area of study? Is the technology at the school current, and will it allow you to do the necessary work you need to be successful as a student?
Educational background of the student body: How selective is the institution in admitting students for enrollment? Do they have ‘open enrollment,’ whereby most any student can join their program, or are they selective, competitive or highly competitive? Again, our Research Tools to Guide Your Search section will provide you with helpful resources that you can use to determine a school’s selectivity.
