Degree programs

During a year of uncertainty, more Chinese families are looking to non-English-speaking European countries for their children's overseas studies, according to industry insiders.

Jiang said more such nations, including the Netherlands, Italy and Spain, have introduced college degree programs in English so that students and parents do not need to worry about language barriers.

"An advantage of these countries is that tuition is usually half the cost of that in the UK or less. It's clear that these countries have become increasingly popular this year because of the pandemic," he said.

Jiang added that some students prioritize the US because of its strength in some fields, including science and engineering, computer science, and finance, but majors such as international trade and culture at a university in an influential European country can bring more opportunities.

Hess said nearly half the world's leading higher education institutions are in Europe, and many young people preparing to go to a non-English-speaking country have already basically mastered the local language, which offers them new opportunities.

Chen Yinan, a final-year undergraduate majoring in clothing design at Shanghai University of Engineering Science, originally planned to go to the UK to study for a master's, but is now also considering France.

"I believe that for this profession, learning experience and exposure in Europe, no matter whether it is in the UK or France, will be a major plus in competition for jobs in the future," said Chen, 22, who has been learning French for the past six months.

"I've traveled to France and really enjoyed the atmosphere, freedom and their design styles."