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Cultural Factors and Study Destinations of International Students

Author

Listed:
  • Hao Wei

    (Department of International Economics, Beijing Normal University, China)

  • Ran Yuan

    (Department of International Economics, Beijing Normal University, China)

  • Laixun Zhao

    (Research Institute for Economics & Business Administration (RIEB), Kobe University, Japan)

Abstract

We examine the role of cultural factors in attracting international students, using data of 102 countries from 2000 to 2015. Our results show that the export of cultural products is conducive to the increase of international students, and in particular, international students choose to study in developing countries whose official language and religious beliefs are different from their home countries, while they tend to go to developed countries with a common language. We also examine the features of international students in China and Chinese students in other countries. The policy implication from our study is that "soft power" such as a unique culture, common value and migration networks is important in attracting foreign students.

Suggested Citation

  • Hao Wei & Ran Yuan & Laixun Zhao, 2019. "Cultural Factors and Study Destinations of International Students," Discussion Paper Series DP2019-15, Research Institute for Economics & Business Administration, Kobe University.
    • Handle: RePEc:kob:dpaper:dp2019-15
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    File URL: https://www.rieb.kobe-u.ac.jp/academic/ra/dp/English/DP2019-15.pdf
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Chiswick, Carmel U., 2014. "Immigrants and Religion," IZA Discussion Papers 8092, Institute of Labor Economics (IZA).
    2. Anne-Célia Disdier & Silvio Tai & Lionel Fontagné & Thierry Mayer, 2010. "Bilateral trade of cultural goods," Review of World Economics (Weltwirtschaftliches Archiv), Springer;Institut für Weltwirtschaft (Kiel Institute for the World Economy), vol. 145(4), pages 575-595, January.
    3. Liu, Qing & Qiu, Larry D., 2016. "Intermediate input imports and innovations: Evidence from Chinese firms' patent filings," Journal of International Economics, Elsevier, vol. 103(C), pages 166-183.
    4. Elhanan Helpman & Marc Melitz & Yona Rubinstein, 2008. "Estimating Trade Flows: Trading Partners and Trading Volumes," The Quarterly Journal of Economics, President and Fellows of Harvard College, vol. 123(2), pages 441-487.
    5. Falck, Oliver & Heblich, Stephan & Lameli, Alfred & Südekum, Jens, 2012. "Dialects, cultural identity, and economic exchange," Journal of Urban Economics, Elsevier, vol. 72(2), pages 225-239.
    6. repec:spo:wpecon:info:hdl:2441/c8dmi8nm4pdjkuc9g8o0n71o2 is not listed on IDEAS
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    Cited by:

    1. Gildas Kadoukpè Magbondé, 2021. "How Sub-Saharan African Countries Students Choose Where to Study Abroad: The Case of Benin," Social Inclusion, Cogitatio Press, vol. 9(1), pages 278-287.

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    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • F16 - International Economics - - Trade - - - Trade and Labor Market Interactions
    • I23 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education - - - Higher Education; Research Institutions

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