Intention after Graduation: A Survey of International Students in Canada from P.R. China

Abstract

This report summarizes the findings of a survey of Chinese international students in Canada. The objective of the survey was to find out the intentions after graduation of Chinese international students in Canada. The study was commissioned by S.U.C.C.E.S.S. Business & Economic Development and conducted by Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada. The survey was carried out from February 9 to March 11, 2010.  China is the second-largest source country of international students entering Canada annually and Chinese students are the largest group among all international students studying in Canada. Some 28% of survey respondents report that they plan to return to China, 51% indicate that they would like to stay in Canada, and 14% intend to go to another country after graduation from a Canadian school. Nearly one in five respondents has an intention to start their own business either in Canada or in China. The majority (45%-48%) are potential entrepreneurs if an opportunity occurs, regardless of whether they are in Canada or in China.