A Limited Engagement: Mainland Returnees from Canada

Abstract:

International student exchanges and overseas education can play an important role in building bridges between countries. By living and studying abroad, citizens of one country can learn to understand another culture and develop favourable views of their host country and its people. If they return home, they may rely on ties established during their time overseas to make a living; increased trade may result. If they are academics or researchers, scholarly exchanges may follow their paths. And even if they stay in their host country, they may engage their home country in some meaningful manner, strengthening ties between their home and host country. This report looks at how mainland Chinese who went to Canada to study facilitate exchanges between China and Canada.  It examines how these returnees feel about Canada in general and about their educational and work experience in Canada. Do academic flows into Canada and the subsequent “reverse brain drain” back to China enhance Canada’s “soft power?” Do they recommend others to go to Canada and if so, why?  Also, how extensive are interactions between returnees and Canada?  Do those who do not return also serve as bridges across the Pacific? Finally, how important is the Canadian experience to a returnee’s life? Does overseas study enhance Chinese youths’ job opportunities after they return, or do returnees from Canada confront a more serious unemployment problem than returnees from other countries?