Students inquire visa information at the US Embassy booth at the 2011 China annual International Education Expo on Oct 15 at the China World Exhibition Hall in Beijing.[Phto/Chinadaily.com.cn]

A woman reads introduction pamphlet of a uinversity at the 2011 China Annual International Education Expo on Oct 15 at the China World Exhibition Hall in Beijing.[Photo/Chinadaily.com.cn]

Beijing - About 2,000 representatives of more than 500 higher education institutions from 36 countries and regions promoted their educationa programs at the China International Education Expo, sponsored by the China Education Association for International Exchange, in Beijing on Oct 15.

Education officials met with interested Chinese students and parents to provide information on their curriculum, admission requirements, local life, accommodation, career prospects, visa requirements and scholarship policies.

As enthusiastic Chinese students swarmed to apply to study abroad, overseas educational institutions also expressed their eagerness to recruit talented Chinese students.

A school representative answers questions from a Mother and her daugher who wants to study in the US at the 2011 China Annual International Education Expo on Oct 15 at the China World Exhibition Hall in Beijing.[Phto/Chinadaily.com.cn]

Trent E. Boggess, dean of the College of Business Administration in Plymouth State University, thought the Chinese students can enhance the competitive edge of their US counterparts during the exchange. 

"I can no longer afford to educate students who don’t know anything about Asia, and in particular, about China; and I am very anxious to bring Chinese students to my university."

Trent E. Boggess, dean of the College of Business Administration in Plymouth State University, answers questions from Chinese students at the 2011 China Annual International Education Exposition on Oct 15 at the China World Exhibition Hall in Beijing.[Phto/Chinadaily.com.cn]

Brian Exelbierd, director of Graduate and Executive Programs in University of Delaware also voiced similar views.

"Study abroad will be conducive to facilitating the cultivation of multicultural sensitivity, which is an indispensible attribute for 21st century talent competing in a global arena."

Brian Exelbierd, director of Graduate and Executive Programs in University of Delaware communicates with a Chinese student on admissin requirements of the Unversity at the 2011 China Annual International Education Expo on Oct 15 at the China World Exhibition Hall in Beijing.[Phto/Chinadaily.com.cn]

An increasing number of Chinese families regard sending their children to study abroad as a necessary family educational investment, but for some students from poor families it can prove difficult.

"Money is a big problem,” said a sophomore girl student, “but I will try my best to acquire scholarships to finance my overseas study.”

The Expo themed “face-to-face with the future” will also be held in Qingdao, Xi’an, Shanghai, Wuhan, Chengdu and Guangzhou from 17–30 October, 2011.