Shanghai, China — July 2024 — Educatius and MetLife China are proud to announce the release of a co-authored white paper focused on the resilience of Chinese students studying abroad. This landmark publication, based on Educatius’ research and its comprehensive Global Youth Resilience Index, sheds light on the psychological resilience of youth aged 16-20 across nine countries, including China. The Global Youth Resilience Initiative by Educatius is a concerted effort to support the mental well-being of students on international high school programs through resilience training designed by mental health professionals.

Educatius is MetLife’s partner on MetLife China’s EduCare initiative, which aims to provide robust support for Chinese students who aspire to study abroad.

Key Findings and Data Highlights

The white paper reveals insightful data from a survey of over 4,000 youths, with significant participation from Chinese students. The survey underscores the resilience of Chinese students related to international education, highlighting their ability to overcome adversity and adapt to new cultural environments.

Global Youth Resilience Index

The Global Youth Resilience Index by Educatius provides an in-depth analysis of factors contributing to the resilience of teenagers worldwide. This initiative aims to support the mental well-being of students by enhancing their resilience through targeted training and support programs for students, host families, and staff.

One of the core findings of the research is that international exposure significantly boosts resilience. Students who studied abroad showed higher levels of confidence, emotional insight, and social skills. For instance, 55% of Chinese participants reported wanting to study abroad, indicating a strong desire for international exposure, which is linked to higher resilience​.

“Chinese students often face unique challenges such as language barriers, cultural shocks, and academic pressures. However, these challenges also contribute to building strong psychological resilience, enabling them to thrive in new environments,” according to the report.​

Educatius’ Global Youth Resilience Initiative includes a series of interactive resilience training sessions for international students, complemented by training for their host families, natural parents, and Educatius’ global support staff. These sessions are crafted by teen mental health professionals to bolster the well-being of students​.

Data Highlights

Social Media Use: The study found that excessive use of social media, especially at night, is linked to lower resilience factors, while moderate use is associated with higher emotional insight​.

Travel and Independence: Participants who traveled abroad without their family members showed higher confidence, better social skills, and stronger connections with their friends and family​.

Comfort with Foreign Languages: 46.7% of Chinese participants reported feeling comfortable expressing themselves in a foreign language, reflecting the positive impact of international education on language skills and confidence.

Conclusion

The release of this white paper marks a significant step in understanding and enhancing the resilience of Chinese students at home and studying abroad. By providing comprehensive support through the Global Youth Resilience Initiative, Educatius and MetLife China are committed to nurturing the next generation of resilient global citizens.

Educatius’ global survey was based on the MCRI’s Adolescent Resilience Questionnaire (ARQ) and conducted by the YouGov analysis institute using CAWI methodology.

References:

ARQ: Gartland D, Bond L, Olsson CA, Buzwell S, Sawyer SM. Development of a multi-dimensional measure of resilience in adolescents: the Adolescent Resilience Questionnaire. BMC Med Res Methodol. 2011;11(134):1-10.