Brain change: what it means to the US as Indian students overtake the Chinese in hi-tech talent pool

In New York University, Professor Teboho Moja teaches her students about the trends of international education. She used to say that China sent the most students to the US, followed by India. However, things have changed. For the first time in over a decade, India has surpassed China in the number of students coming to the US. The latest figures from the US Department of Homeland Security reveal that there are now over 320,000 Indian students with active visas in the US, compared to around 254,000 Chinese students. The majority of these students are enrolled in college programs. Over the past ten years, the number of Indian students in the US has doubled, with a significant increase to 64,300 in 2022 alone, while the number of Chinese students has decreased to 24,796. Professor Moja points out that Indian students are stepping into roles that were previously filled by Chinese students, especially in graduate education and in the tech industry. This trend is not limited to the US; it's also happening in the UK, where Indian students have received more student visas than Chinese students in recent times. Chinese students have historically made substantial contributions in Western countries, particularly in the US. For example, Wong Tsu, Boeing's first aeronautical engineer, was a Chinese MIT graduate. However, due to negative attitudes towards Chinese individuals and better job opportunities in China, the US is becoming less attractive to top Chinese university students. This shift means that the US will increasingly depend on students from India and other nations to maintain its edge in scientific research and high-tech industries. The impact of this change on America's global standing is still uncertain. There are both similarities and differences between Indian and Chinese students. A common perception is that Indian students excel in leadership, while Chinese students are strong in problem-solving. Some scientific studies seem to support these views, but many experts warn against taking these findings too far, as they could lead to stereotypes. A study conducted by scientists from the Suzhou Institute of Biomedical Engineering and Technology and the Chinese Academy of Sciences examined brain differences between Chinese and Indian students. They used MRI scans to compare brain structures, such as grey matter volume and cortical thickness. The study found some differences, but the researchers emphasized that this was not about determining intelligence. Brain structures can be influenced by various factors, including culture and lifestyle, and should not be used to claim superiority of one group over another. More research from different countries has found variations in brain shapes and sizes among ethnicities, but these findings must be approached with caution to avoid discrimination. Since China's economic reforms began, millions of Chinese students have studied abroad, with a significant number earning doctoral degrees in the US. However, it's becoming more challenging to attract young Chinese talent to the US. Some believe that Indian students are better communicators but may be less inclined towards hands-on work. In contrast, domestic US students often pursue high-paying careers, leaving technical jobs to be filled by Chinese professionals. Observations suggest that Chinese students are perceived as hardworking and reliable, while Indian students are seen as better communicators but not always as dependable in practical tasks. Despite the decline in Chinese students coming to the US, Indian education is being recognized for producing top executives and entrepreneurs, particularly in Silicon Valley. Educators who have worked with both Chinese and Indian students acknowledge their intelligence and work ethic. They note that Chinese students may be more reserved, while Indian students adapt more easily to American culture, partly due to their proficiency in English. In an article, Wu Guo highlighted the significant presence of Indian-Americans in leadership positions in the US, surpassing that of Chinese-Americans. As international students continue to be a focus of attention, the decrease in their numbers could impact university finances and the broader economy. Some scholars remain optimistic about America's ability to attract global talent and fill any gaps. However, experts like Bhandari emphasize the importance of recruiting a diverse international student body, not just focusing on India. She suggests that the US should also look to other regions with untapped potential, such as South Asia and Africa, to broaden access to education for students from these areas.