As China’s population aged 60 and above exceeds 300 million, the pursuit of a fulfilling retirement has become a significant focus for both families and policymakers. Departing from conventional retirement routines, an increasing number of Chinese seniors are choosing to study abroad, embracing diverse lifestyles fueled by modern technologies, multicultural engagement, and tailored social services.
During the recent Qingming holiday, while many returned home for family reunions, 57-year-old Yi Ya prepared to embark on an international educational journey. Later this month, she will attend a week-long program in Auckland, New Zealand, followed by language and cultural courses in London and Dublin. Yi Ya is no stranger to overseas study; shortly after retiring two years ago, she traveled to Malta for a language immersion program, becoming the oldest student in her class.
“Studying has always been my lifelong dream,” Yi Ya said. “Retirement is the perfect time to realize it. Returning to student life after decades feels truly rewarding.”
Similarly, 56-year-old A Ying (a pseudonym) recently arrived in Japan with a student visa to pursue a two-year Japanese language course. Both women represent a growing demographic of “silver-haired students” who attend overseas programs, ranging from short courses to formal degrees, often alongside much younger peers. For many, studying abroad after retirement is a way to fulfill postponed aspirations and enrich their golden years.
“Retirement should be vibrant and varied, not limited to traditional pastimes like dancing in the park,” A Ying told the Global Times. “Studying abroad is part of that new chapter.”
Before retirement, Yi Ya was a financial manager in Guangzhou. As her work pace slowed six months prior to retirement, she planned her overseas study carefully, selecting destinations, programs, and handling visas well in advance. Her initial three-month English course in Malta, which cost over 60,000 RMB (about 8,172 USD), proved challenging at first due to language barriers. “I couldn’t even figure out how to turn on the hot water in my dormitory,” she recalled with a laugh. However, immersion helped her quickly improve, and after three months, she could manage basic conversations.
A Ying faced a steeper linguistic hurdle in Japan but prepared extensively, completing nine months of study and passing the JLPT N3 proficiency test before departure. Inspired by her son living in Japan and past visits, she decided to experience student life she had missed in youth.
According to a March report in the Straits Times, while younger Chinese students’ enthusiasm for studying abroad is waning, interest among middle-aged and older adults is on the rise. Yi Ya explained the difference lies in motivation: younger students focus on career outcomes, whereas older students cherish the joy of learning itself. “For us, studying is like planting flowers in the garden of life — it’s about enjoying the moment.”
Data indicate that in 2019, only 3% of overseas study participants were aged 50 and above, but this figure is expected to rise to 20% by 2023, according to Hunan’s Today’s Women Weekly. The senior study abroad market in China is rapidly expanding, with agencies in major cities offering tailored programs lasting from weeks to a year, covering destinations such as Europe, Australia, and Japan for participants up to 70 years old.
Peng Xizhe, director of Fudan University’s Institute of Aging Research, described this trend as both an economic opportunity and a reflection of seniors’ strong desire for enriched spiritual and intellectual lives. On social media, many senior students share their study experiences, inspiring peers nationwide.
Yi Ya, born in the 1960s and part of a generation benefiting from China’s education expansion and economic reform, sees overseas study as a natural extension of her lifelong curiosity. She regularly documents her journeys under the name “Walking Farther,” drawing interest from retirees seeking advice on study duration and application processes. A Ying also emphasizes the importance of thorough preparation, including financial planning and family support, warning that some foreign institutions impose stricter requirements on older applicants.
Looking ahead, a May 2024 People’s Daily report projects China’s silver economy to reach approximately 30 trillion RMB (4.1 trillion USD) by 2035. Experts foresee personalized senior education, including overseas study, becoming a key component of this burgeoning market.
Peng noted the cultural significance of lifelong learning, quoting a Chinese saying: “Live and learn until old age.” He also cautioned that seniors should prioritize health and safety by securing comprehensive insurance and adhering to local regulations during their studies.
Typical costs for senior study abroad programs range from 20,000 to 70,000 RMB, covering tuition, accommodation, meals, and insurance, with participants bearing additional travel and visa expenses. Yi Ya regards her Malta program as more enriching and cost-effective than leisure travel, highlighting the value of language acquisition and cultural integration.
Photos shared by Yi Ya reveal a spirited and youthful approach to retirement. “Some may find it unusual for someone my age to invest so much in studying abroad instead of more traditional activities like babysitting grandchildren,” she said. “But I believe in loving myself and treating life as a grand adventure.”
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