Open AccessImpact of US-China Trade War on Graduate School Selection
Author(s) -
Brian A. Swanson,
Mary K. Swanson,
Huan Wang
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
journal of marketing communications for higher education
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 2577-6568
DOI - 10.6017/jmche.v1i3.12843
Subject(s) - china , interview , study abroad , trade war , politics , affect (linguistics) , psychology , political science , public relations , marketing , business , pedagogy , law , communication
In 2018, tensions between China and the US became increasingly heightened through escalation of the US-China trade war. This case study examines the impact of this trade war on Chinese students’ desired study abroad location. Through surveying 596 Chinese students and interviewing 40 Chinese students planning to study abroad. The article examines to what extent the trade war influenced their decision regarding which country they desired to pursue further education. Additionally, the case study explores closely related issues designed to better understand how the student is affected by the Chinese media environment. Highlighted issues include whether the trade war will affect the students’ purchases of foreign-made consumer goods, how students obtain their news regarding the trade war, and to what extent students’ views differ from their parents. Findings indicate that these political events have not had a significant impact on educational preferences, but have influenced consumer good choices. The research also re-examines student motivating factors and suggests specific strategies to maximize Chinese student enrollment in foreign higher learning institutions.