China Youth Daily: Graduates studying abroad rate cannot be used to quantify "patriotic" universities | study abroad rate | graduates

Nowadays, as universities are in the stage of enrollment and admission, the study abroad rates of graduates from some well-known domestic universities have been used as articles by some "self media". Some people also cited false data and listed a large number of college graduates choosing to study abroad as one of the "charges". For this reason, the "Tsinghua University Student Journalist Team" quoted the official report on the employment quality of graduates released by the university to refute the rumor: "The proportion of graduates from the 2018-2022 cohort going abroad for further education is only 16.5% of the total number of graduates, and it has been declining year by year, with only 7.1% in 2022."

The refutation of false statements circulating online by student media is a reflection of the spirit of seeking truth from facts and a result of defending the honor of the alma mater. However, it should be pointed out that the "study abroad rate" is not the most critical indicator for evaluating a university's educational philosophy and achievements. Whether students study abroad or not has nothing to do with whether they love their country. Judging the level of university education based on the study abroad rate may only be for the sake of traffic and patriotism. College students and their families should not bear any moral pressure when choosing whether to study abroad; As the main body of education, universities do not have to feel guilty about the large number of graduates studying abroad.

It should be acknowledged that in an era when higher education in China is far from world-class level, studying abroad is a shining path choice in the eyes of society. A "super best-selling book" that records Chinese girls attending Harvard University has been revered by many parents. Nowadays, with top universities in China catching up with world-class standards and the actual threshold for studying abroad gradually decreasing, the public's evaluation of studying abroad is becoming increasingly rational.

The factors that determine a young person's choice of education path are multifaceted, including both metaphysical inner calls such as ideals, emotions, and a sense of responsibility, as well as practical factors such as personal abilities, career planning, and family influence. In the past period of time, the high study abroad rate of some top domestic university graduates does not necessarily indicate that that generation of students is "unpatriotic"; Some schools have fewer graduates choosing to study abroad, which does not necessarily mean that their students are more patriotic. Patriotism is not a data indicator used for comparison, let alone quantified by the study abroad rate.

From a historical perspective, with the introduction of Western learning to the East as the beginning, generations of Chinese students studying abroad have made historical contributions to the struggle for national independence, people's liberation, and national prosperity. Among them, some international students return home quickly after completing their studies and engage in the hot practice of national construction, becoming pillars of modernization; Some international students also utilize advanced technology and environment from abroad to stay in the local area and achieve success. Among them, there are many people who use their influence after success and fame to provide advanced technology, experience, and funds to the motherland.

Whether a person loves their country or not does not necessarily depend on where they live and study. To promote the spirit of patriotism, it is necessary to unite patriotic individuals and allow patriots from all walks of life to share the glory of building a strong country and rejuvenating the nation. Whether on the front lines of various industries in China, directly sweating for national development and construction, or caring for the motherland in a foreign land, it is a manifestation of patriotism. Standing at the border outpost and practicing the oath of "not giving way to every inch of the country's mountains and rivers" is patriotism; Living in a foreign land, standing up when the motherland needs it, is also patriotic.

"Supporting study abroad, encouraging return to China, freedom of movement, and playing a role" has been a study abroad policy pursued by China for many years, and it is one of the manifestations and ways of high-level education opening up to the outside world. To achieve exchange and mutual learning among world civilizations, it is also necessary to cultivate international talents with an open and inclusive attitude. The system of public scholarship for studying abroad is still a major measure of China's talent development strategy. As always, it supports outstanding students to study abroad, reflecting the foresight and wisdom of educators and decision-makers. For the majority of self funded international students, the government also creates various convenient conditions for them to study and live abroad, providing policy support for their return to China for employment, entrepreneurship, and further education.

At the beginning of 2020, when many overseas students and Chinese who stayed in the local area after graduation heard that the motherland was hit by the COVID-19, they had the money and strength to send the scarce epidemic prevention materials to the country at that time, provide information and technical support, and also refute the false rumors about the Chinese epidemic abroad, demonstrating the pure heart and patriotism of overseas students. As a generation that faces the world head-on, many international students, after being exposed to the outside world, have more confidence in the development prospects of their motherland and are more enthusiastic about returning to their home countries to participate in construction.

The door of China's opening up will not be closed, but will only grow bigger and bigger. This open door includes not only the material doors of trade, technology, and capital, but also the doors of culture, education, and mentality. According to data from the education department, since 2012, more than 80% of all types of overseas students in China have chosen to return to their home country for development after completing their studies. "Studying abroad" does not mean staying in the local area, let alone forgetting the motherland. Engaging in moral kidnapping against some college students who have plans to study abroad is undoubtedly short-sighted and narrow-minded prejudice.