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Charlotte Steffen, Patticheion Municipal Museum, CyprusAbstract
This paper examines the experiences of early Chinese students who travelled to Germany, France, and the United Kingdom between 1870 and 1930, situating their journeys within the context of global citizenship and education for peace. China's active initiative to send students abroad began during the Self-Strengthening Movement (1861–1895), aiming to acquire Western technological and military knowledge. European countries welcomed these exchanges to foster diplomatic and economic ties with China. By the early 20th century, more students sought overseas education, motivated by the promise of better job prospects and political engagement. Many joined discussions with overseas political groups like the Kuomintang, expressing dissatisfaction with China’s internal developments. Education remained the primary driver of migration, as European systems were perceived as advanced. The students’ experiences extended beyond academic achievement. Their personal and intellectual growth abroad promoted cross-cultural understanding and international cooperation. Though initially dispatched for national development, these individuals evolved into agents of global learning, exchanging ideas between China and Europe. Their contributions spanned technical, diplomatic, and social fields, underscoring education’s role as a bridge for dialogue and mutual respect. Through a series of vignettes, this study illustrates how these students shaped China’s transformation upon their return. Their legacy highlights the enduring value of international education in fostering global citizenship and intercultural dialogue—lessons still relevant for today’s world.
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Conference: ACCS2025Stream: History
This paper is part of the ACCS2025 Conference Proceedings (View)
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To cite this article:
Steffen C. (2025) Education as a Bridge for Communication: Early Chinese Students in Europe and the Foundations of Global Citizenship ISSN: 2187-4751 – The Asian Conference on Cultural Studies 2025: Official Conference Proceedings (pp. 275-280) https://doi.org/10.22492/issn.2187-4751.2025.23
To link to this article: https://doi.org/10.22492/issn.2187-4751.2025.23
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