(Photo.thePaper.cn)

Over 440,000 foreign students have studied in Chinese universities since 2016, making China the largest destination for overseas study in Asia, according to data released by the Ministry of Education. Many overseas students spend their summer in China for internships or to learn more about the country through travel, thepaper.cn reported on Aug. 24.

During the summer, a Philippine girl named Zhuang Jiashi (Chinese name) studying at Xiamen University in southeastern China, chose to remain in China as an English editor intern at a Beijing-based travel agency. Her decision was supported by her family and now she plans to work in China after her graduation.

A Brazilian student named Brian from Zhejiang University in east China spent his time travelling around the country. He toured many cities in the Yangtze River Delta, and was heading for the Mountain Huangshan in Anhui province, east China, when he was interviewed by thepaper.cn on Aug. 23.

(Photo.thePaper.cn)

It is not the first time for Yemeni junior student Sha Weishi (Chinese name) to stay in China during the summer break. He has been studying in China for three years. His father received a doctor's degree from Shanghai-based Tongji University in the 1970s.

When the Spring Festival comes, the family will hang red lanterns, just like Chinese. This time, Sha participated in the Chinese Bridge, a popular Chinese proficiency competition, and he gained knowledge and skills through the two months' efforts.

This year's summer vacation is winding down and the fall semester is fast approaching. Now, the foreign students are making plans for their new semester.