The number of American students in China is now at its lowest point in over a decade.
According to the latest data from the Institute of International Education, Only 211 Americans studied in mainland China during the 2021 to 22 school year.
For comparison, from 2018 to 2019, that number reached over 11,000—that’s over 5,200 percent decrease.
On the flip side, it seems like Chinese students are still eager to visit the United States for their education. During the 2022 to 2023 school year, nearly 300,000 Chinese students studied in the United States.
The Wall Street Journal reports that one of the obstacles deterring Americans from studying in China is the geopolitical tensions between Beijing and Washington.
Other sources showed the post-pandemic rebound in China has been slower compared to other countries.
Other factors include fear of sudden border controls that could stop them from going home. And the belief that conditions for American students in China won’t see major improvements anytime soon.