Paper short abstract:

In my paper I will discuss migration from China to Austria and Germany by presenting case studies from my fieldwork in Vienna and Shanghai. I will show that education ambitions play an essential role in the migration strategies of young well-educated Chinese people.

Paper long abstract:

Since 1978 it has become easier for Chinese people to go abroad. Meanwhile Chinese students have become a relevant group in the countries of the global north.

I want to address this phenomenon from the perspective of individuals who migrated from China to Austria and Germany. I will draw on interviews with young Chinese migrants in Vienna as well as on my fieldwork in Shanghai and present sample case studies of Chinese migration stories.

My data has shown that education ambitions were an essential reason for migrating as well as for the ways the migrants organized their livelihood in the new location.

From early age on Chinese children are confronted with high competition and a high pressure to perform. Whereas a foreign diploma and foreign language skills don't guarantee a good job position in China anymore, they are still seen as a major factor of employability on the labour market in the growing Chinese economy.

Temporary migration for educational purposes is a major chance for young people to go abroad and normally supported by parents and universities.

During their stay the young migrants gain university education and reach a high level of German language skills. Usually it is their first stay abroad and a moment of "coming of age". Whereas for some it is just a short episode, for others it could lead to long-lasting changes of values and life plans. It might result in conflicts with the family and the young migrants in an uncertain position in-between.