More midcareer Chinese professionals studying abroad

It is quite common nowadays to see experienced talents heading back to the classrooms. [Photo/China Daily]

The proverb "you are never too old to learn" quite aptly reflects the current situation in China where an increasing number of individuals are taking a sabbatical from work to further their studies overseas.

"I firmly believe that I've made the right decision to return to school. This is a place where I can be calm and clearly think about my future plans following this second overseas study stint," says Pan Li, who is studying finance in Oxford University in the United Kingdom.

Pan, who already has a bachelor's degree in human resources management from the University of Chicago, was in the workforce for about four years before joining a Global 500 company in Shanghai last year.

However, disenchanted with having to "work like a robot all day", Li decided to quit after just three months in order to further her studies.

"It is quite common nowadays to see experienced talents heading back to the classrooms. People like us have a clearer objective in doing so. I am studying again so that I can obtain a higher-paying job," says Pan.

The 30-year-old is not alone as an over-aged student in the university. She has already found a group of fellow Chinese white collar workers who have similarly decided to expand their knowledge in their respective fields of expertise.

According to statistics by EIC education, more than 4 percent of their clients who have successfully applied for their courses in 2013 were aged over 25 years, and this percentage has continued to grow over the years.

"The increase in the number of applicants who have working experiences represents a natural change in attitudes among more ambitious Chinese young people who are seeking better jobs with higher salaries," says Lu Jie, an overseas study consultant at EIC Education.

Research results from EIC Education, which boasts more than 20 years of experience in the overseas education sector, also showed that the quality of overseas students will continue to increase as more universities set higher standards and requirements for applicants.

"Well-educated and experienced applicants have clearer plans in mind as compared to their teenage counterparts. They are usually more independent and keen to take up business management courses such as an MBA," adds Lu.

The research also revealed that most of these older students will return to China to put their knowledge into practice following the completion of their studies.

One such individual is 34-year-old Wen Jing, who is currently pursuing her PhD in architecture design in Sheffield University in the UK. Formerly a graduate of the China Central Academy of Fine Arts who majored in landscape design, Wen believes her second education stint marks a turning point in her life.

"I think it is the right time for me to leave behind the busy work life and rediscover my passion for architecture. All the lecturers and readings in university now are helping to keep me focused on my craft," says Wen, who has seven years of experience as a landscape architect.

"Of course I will go back to China after this refreshing one-year experience. I believe it will help me with creating more innovative ideas in launching my own projects in my home country which is full of opportunities."