Specialist Training and Career Intentions of International Medical Students Coming from Asia and Africa
Author:Wen Li, Hong Sun Author Unit: School of International Education, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
Abstract：This study aims to better understand the perceptions about specialist training and future career intentions
of international medicals from Asia and Africa. We sequenced the factors affecting their attitudes by
relevance, and analyzed the factors push and pull effects. The critical factors influencing choice of training
destination and permanent destination were identified from systematic research and analytical work,
involving preliminary interview and data analysis. A questionnaire was developed and employed to gathered
insights from 110 students. SPSS 19.0 was used for data analysis. Findings suggested scholarship, education
opportunities, and cost issues were top factors influencing their choosing China as training destination, while
recommendations and career development attracted them to home country or a third country. As for the
permanent destination decision, patriotism, family attachment, and religious cultural background were vital
factors for them to return home, and visa and employment policies were great obstruction compelling them
to leave China. To attract more international students to continue their further education or training in China,
medical schools should leverage on scholarship program and education opportunities, and work hard to raise
prestige; to increase “long-term brain gain”, government should carry out visa and employment policies more
beneficial for foreign skilled professionals.
Keywords：Brain gain; Education policy; International students; Medical education; Specialist training; Career choice
Download information [SIZE：611.95 KB Amount of downloads： second]
