Homing in on brighter future

Overseas students gaining from China’s growth, abroad and in their native land

BERLIN — When Wang Xiongshi, a Chinese doctorate student, returned to China after two years, he found changes and development so astonishing that he risked falling behind.

“It surprised me that sharing bikes and mobile payments are readily available,” said Wang, who studied automobile engineering in the Technology University of Berlin.

He said a tour visit to startup parks and incubators in several cities, organized by the Chinese Communist Youth League for overseas students, also impressed him with its favorable environment for entrepreneurship.

Wang is not alone in such a “homecoming shock”.

It’s a consensus among Chinese students in Germany that gaps between China and developed countries are narrowing. China’s rapid catch-up has given them extra confiChina dence, and above all, more opportunities, both academically and professionally.

Chen Cheng, a doctorate student in ecological economics with Berlin-based Humboldt University, said: “Nowadays what you can find here also exists in China’s big cities.

“Therefore, the shock sustained by Chinese overseas students, resulting from differences in cultural and recreational activities or lifestyle, is no longer pronounced as it was years ago.”

On the other hand, it is Germany, Chen feels, that is sometimes too slow to change. “The use of PayPal is still not very convenient here, and I think Chinese respond faster to new things,” he said.

“China is constantly evolving each time I go back home, but here seldom anything has changed during my four-year stay. China is catching up at an enormous speed. We feel more confident than ever before.”

China’s speedy development and rising international standing have brought tangible benefits for overseas students in Germany.

“Since the United States withdrew from the Paris Agreement and became a leading player in the battle against climate change, many countries are eager to cooperate with China,” added Chen, whose research in the climate field is benefiting from this situation.

Moreover, an increasing number of Chinese businesses are going global, some taking over foreign companies. Chinese home appliance giant Midea Group’s purchase of German robotics firm Kuka, for example, brought employment opportunities to Chinese students in Germany because they are valued for their local know-how and language skills.

Lu Xiaozheng, head of a Chinese student association in the Technology University of Berlin, noticed a marked increase in the number of job fairs jointly organized by her association and Chinese enterprises engaged in bilateral trade in recent years.

Besides, German companies and other Germany-based foreign companies are more likely to hire Chinese students to expand their operations in China, Lu said.

Economic growth also means better job opportunities back home. Wang Xiongshi said as many Chinese enterprises excel in new-energy vehicles, there are a plethora of employers to choose from if he returns home.

Chen believes there’s never been a better time for overseas students to return to their homeland, adding that the country offers various incentives, such as the “1,000-Talent Program”, to attract researchers back home.

Meanwhile, various regions are jostling for talent. “As long as you are truly competent, there will be a stage for you to shine in China,” Chen said.

As long as you are truly competent, there will be a stage for you to shine in China.” Chen Cheng, a doctorate student with Berlin-based Humboldt University