A significant shift in educational priorities is emerging among Chinese middle-income families, who are increasingly redirecting vacation budgets toward short-term overseas study programs designed to prepare students for foreign universities. This trend represents a strategic investment in children’s future academic prospects, with families routinely allocating tens of thousands of yuan for these international educational experiences.
Recent data from the New Oriental Education and Technology Group’s 2025 China Overseas Study Development Report reveals a substantial increase in students choosing to study abroad after participating in overseas programs. The figures show a remarkable jump from 27% in 2015 to 43% in 2025, indicating a growing preference for experiential learning before making long-term educational commitments.
This educational approach has gained consistent momentum over four consecutive years, establishing the ‘experience first, decide later’ model as a mainstream pathway for Chinese students considering international education. The trend reflects evolving parental perspectives on vacation time, which increasingly view breaks as educational extensions rather than mere periods of relaxation or travel.
Zhu Lulu, Vice-Principal of the high school division at Wuxi Dipont School of Arts and Science, notes that education companies have responded to this demand by expanding their offerings of short-term international programs. ‘Contemporary parents demonstrate more progressive attitudes toward education, recognizing the dual benefits of exploration and academic development during vacation periods,’ Zhu explained.
These programs serve multiple purposes, from helping students assess campus environments and living conditions to providing rigorous academic preparation through credit-bearing university courses and selective research programs. Prestigious opportunities such as the Ross Mathematics Program and Yale Young Global Scholars not only enhance academic readiness but also strengthen college applications, offering tangible advantages in the competitive admissions landscape.