Studying overseas and employability: perceptions of Chinese international students at an English University

Abstract

To be educated in the UK or another 'western country' is a common trajectory for younger generations from Chinese middle-class families. At the same time, attracting international student’s and increasing mobility has become a generalised mission for higher education institutions. For Chinese international student's, studying and living in the UK costs a considerable amount (compared with their disposable income). Therefore, the cost of studying at university has an impact on student's expectations for their educational outcomes in terms of achieving a higher level of status in the graduate labour market. Given the importance of the economic return of investment in overseas study, this research examines the value of the international study via the lens of employability. It asks, how do Chinese students understand the relationship between study abroad and their future employability? It explores the extent to which Chinese students perceive their study to be directly related to their employability and how they shape their experience accordingly to their perceptions. This study has the following significance concerning international students and self-perceived employability. Firstly, this research identified three vital issues valued by Chinese international students concerning their educational trajectory. Participants highlighted that their master studies bring them essential skills such as 1) subject-related skills and English proficiencies, 2) qualifications including a master level degree and other certificates related to their subject area, and 3) working, networking, attending events experience. Secondly, this research highlights students’ responses to perceived employability and management of their employability when they prepare for a graduate job. It articulates differences in graduate capitals that lead the individual to see their future career and access to a job differently. This difference also shapes the way in which they prepare for graduate jobs. Thirdly, this research provides a holistic view of the UK-educated Chinese master student's educational trajectories. Methodologically, this research applied a retrospective method, used stimulated recall interview strategies. To reveal and capture a Chinese student's experience, the researcher conducted photo-elicitation interviews. A four-layer data analysis approach was established according to the participant’s responses, revealing participant's sense-making in photograph selection, photograph designation, the informative and symbolic meaning of the photograph. In so doing, it provides an alternative way of understanding employability by incorporating the international student's perspective.