"I think the cost of my daughter's education is a long-term investment and will eventually get returns when she is able to find a job she is really interested in and good at," Zhuang said.

Cheng Wei, owner of the Shanghai Beizhili Tire Sales Co, sees company revenue hit about 300 million yuan every year.

He sent his daughter Cheng Sijia to study at Smithville District Christian High School in Canada three years ago when she was 16. Tuition fees were about C$20,000 ($18,200) every year, while living costs were about C$15,000.

Teng Zheng, deputy general manager of the Shanghai CIIC Education International Co, a consulting company for overseas education, sees a shift in attitudes on the subject.

"Nowadays, a growing number of Chinese students are going abroad to receive an education, and their motives have changed.

"In the past, many parents just blindly sent their children abroad. But now, their requirements are more precise, and they pay greater attention to school rankings, majors, location and the local environment," he said.

Teng confirmed that the UK, North America and Australia are the most popular destinations. "Generally, engineering, economics and business studies are the most popular among Chinese students. But for students who plan to emigrate or stay after graduation, they think more along the lines of the local employment market," he said.

Questions:

1. How are Chinese parents viewing foreign education for their children?

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