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A number of factors could account for the change in the chart, but the following are the most critical ones. First, thanks to the policy of reform and opening-up, the nations economy has been developing at a considerably high speed in the past decades. Therefore, the people have more extra money for education. Secondly, other relevant state policies and the boom of higher education provide students with more opportunities to pursue higher degrees. Last but not least, the increasingly fierce competition forces college students to further their study in order to gain more edge of competition. In a word, this chart is a perfect indicator of Chinas fast expanding higher education. Although many problems have arisen in the process, we have every reason to believe that they can be solved in the near future with effective measures taken. 10. Studying Abroad: Hardships and Rewards The recent years have seen a dramatic increase in the number of Chinese studying abroad. Obviously, studying abroad has its rewards. In the first place, a student can have access to advanced science and technology as well as desirable working conditions which might not be available at home. In the second place, he can be exposed to entirely new ideas and trends. Last but not least, by living and studying in a foreign country, one can improve his foreign language much faster than at home. However, just as every coin has two sides, studying abroad may also confront one with a series of hardships. For one thing, learning a foreign language is far from an easy thing at the beginning for most people. For another, a completely new environment with different customs and habits may also be a barrier to overseas students, especially to the young. An added difficulty lies with finance: it can cost a lot to study abroad. | 
