China sends greatest number of learners overseas

BEIJING -- Some 339,700 Chinese went overseas for further study in 2011, leading the world in terms of students sent overseas with a proportion of 14 percent, according to a report.

The Report on the Development of China's Overseas Study, issued Monday by the Social Sciences Academy Press, cites growing incomes, inadequate domestic education resources and favorable policies as the source of Chinese students' enthusiasm for studying abroad.

The report notes that a growing number of students from renowned high schools are choosing to skip China's college entrance exams to continue their higher education overseas.

Figures show that 76,800 senior high school students began overseas studies in 2011.

Several countries, including Canada, Australia, the United Kingdom and France, have raised immigration standards, which has encouraged more Chinese studying abroad to return to their home country, the report said.