Inward student mobility in China: A reappraisal of the common good contributions and the inherent challenges

Abstract

This paper examines inward student mobility in China through the lens of common good, supplemented by cultural diplomacy, exploring its national and global impacts. Through document analysis of 15 policies and interviews with 15 university administrators and international students, this study demonstrates the multidimensional, participatory, interactive and beneficial features of inward student mobility, which yields a wide range of individual, institutional, national and global goods. Four global common goods are identified, including the cultivation of global citizens, expansion of global scientific networks, wider sharing of educational resources, increased cultural exchanges and deeper mutual understandings. National common goods, such as improved policies and practices, positive effects on economy, the expansion of countries’ and cities’ international influences, as well as talent resources and mutual cooperation networks, are also highlighted, with links to cultural diplomacy. However, challenges remain, including the gap between policy and practice, integration issues for international students, and the uneven distribution of resources and opportunities. Despite these, the study concludes that inward student mobility holds potential for reciprocal benefits at multiple levels, though further alignment between policies and practices is needed to enhance global common goods.