In recent years, the number of German students studying in China has dropped sharply. Experts are concerned: if this trend continues, Germany may lack experts who truly understand China in the future.

01｜The number of students studying in China has drastically decreased

Jonathan Sawall, a 21-year-old student at the University of Mannheim, will study for a semester at Tsinghua University in Beijing this fall. His choice is becoming increasingly rare among German students.

According to data from the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), only 3,380 German students were studying in China during the 2022/2023 academic year. This number remained the same for the 2023/2024 academic year, while before the pandemic, more than 8,000 students studied in China each year.

By comparison, the numbers for the United States have dropped even more sharply: there were 12,000 American students studying in China in 2019, but now it's fewer than 1,000.

The two main reasons for this decline are:

  • Pandemic border controls

  • Geopolitical factors

Additionally, China is placing more emphasis on enrolling students from neighboring Asian countries, Russia, and Africa.

02｜Lack of Chinese experience brings risks

Experts warn that this trend poses a risk for Germany. Wessling, a scholar at the Mercator Institute for China Studies, said:

"We need people to go to China—not just for academic exchange, but to truly understand the country. If there is a 'knowledge gap,' we will lack experts who can deeply interpret China's motivations and strategies in the future."

She emphasized that China is an important trade partner for Germany and a key player on the global geopolitical stage. Lack of understanding of China's society, culture, and politics could put Germany at a disadvantage when dealing with Sino-German relations.

03｜Gains and challenges coexist

For students like Sawall who have decided to study in China, gains and challenges coexist:

  • Academic opportunities
    Tsinghua is a top university globally, and its courses are mostly taught in English, making the application process relatively smooth.
  • Cultural differences
    Student dormitory rules are strict, such as no visitors after 10 p.m., and some activities are restricted. These rules are unfamiliar to German youth.

Sawall has already started learning Chinese and read many books about China. He said he is well aware of the different realities he will face, but he is more excited about "experiencing a complex and diverse China firsthand."

03｜German students prefer to study in Europe or the US

Engelhardt, the DAAD Beijing office director, pointed out that compared to other places, German students are more willing to study in Europe or the United States.

These places are closer, culturally similar, and offer more freedom.

Although China has unique language, important industries, and rich natural scenery, it still seems "strange and distant" to many young people.

04｜Only by experiencing China can you truly understand it

Wessling recalls her experience studying in China during the 1980s and 1990s, which gave her valuable insights.

"China is a vast and diverse country, with different ethnic groups and the daily lives of ordinary people."

She emphasized: "Only by truly living in this country can we gain a more comprehensive understanding of China."

Original: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7542000315596276259/

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