Short-term study abroad programs are booming in China.

Many families view this as a necessary stepping stone in the process of preparing for studying abroad.

According to the China Overseas Education Development Report 2025, the percentage of students who decide to study abroad after experiencing short-term study programs overseas has increased from 27% in 2015 to 43% in 2025. The number of students participating in international summer courses has also steadily increased over the past four years, making the "experience first, decide later" approach a popular strategy among parents.

Ms. Wang Xiaoli, who lives in Shenzhen, enrolled her 17-year-old daughter in Georgetown University's three-week business program during the summer break. The goal was to help her daughter experience the admissions process, get acquainted with university life, and develop independence.

The application process was similar to applying to university, involving transcripts, letters of recommendation, and an essay. Wang's daughter quickly adapted, worked well in a group, and even won third place for her final presentation.

Ms. Wang believes the investment of 50,000-60,000 yuan was worthwhile because this experience helped her family shift their focus from "top-tier schools" to "schools that match their abilities and passions."

Not only parents, but some students also proactively seek out suitable programs. Eighteen-year-old Qian Xinyi enrolled in Sciences Po's pre-university program in France and short courses at the University of Hong Kong to explore her academic interests. Her multicultural learning experience helped her develop critical thinking, boost her confidence, and identify sociology as a future career path.

Zhu Lulu, Vice Principal of the Secondary School at Wuxi Dipont School of Arts and Sciences in Jiangsu, commented: “Summer vacation is no longer just for relaxation or extra studying, but is seen by many families as an extension of the regular school year. The boom in the education market has created countless options, from university visits and specialized courses to summer study programs at top universities worldwide, such as Yale or the Ross Mathematics Program in the US.”

However, the cost of these programs is not low. Many programs cost around $2,000 per week. In addition, students need a good level of English and strong self-management skills to truly benefit from these experiences.

Furthermore, not all programs offer value commensurate with the cost. Some programs are merely educational trips combined with tourism . Given the rapid expansion of the market, experts advise parents to conduct thorough research before enrolling their children.

Liu Yingjie, founder of Shanghai Gowell Education and former college admissions consultant in the US, said: “Campus experience programs allow students to directly experience the academic environment and university culture. Meanwhile, preparatory programs or intensive studies help students showcase their academic abilities, build self-learning skills, and increase the competitiveness of their applications.”

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