Adjusting and Restructuring of Chinese Language Schools in Europe: A Micro Perspective
Abstract
Chinese languages schools (CLSs) in Europe have witnessed its evolution and expansion in the past decades, but how to survive the impact of Covid-19 pandemic is a guideline for decision making of CLS Principles. This paper is aimed at an investigation of current situation of CLSs in Europe in recent years, especially since the outbreak of Covid-19 pandemic after an overview of the history. From a micro perspective, it provides a qualitative analysis by interviews of 17 Principles of 15 CLSs from eleven European nations. It is revealed that a new adjustment and restructuring stage, no matter in the number of CLSs or of students, is on-going in recent years after its booming growth since the 21st century. Few new CLSs were establishes and small CLSs were merged or have been perishing with the expansion of larger ones, and some CLSs cut off or swing higher grades to deal with challenges of competition and impact of Covid-19 pandemic in recent years. Positive factors for the adjusting stage include the urge from positive attitude towards Chinese language learning, structural change of jobs among overseas Chinese communities, being motivated after more affordable travels to China and an easier access to top universities in China for overseas Chinese children. But the weakening language environment of overseas Chinese families and communities in Europe, property of extracurricular activities, geographically closeness between Europe and North America, and some prevalent negative opinions on higher education depress the expansion of CLSs. The findings have important implications for future heritage language education and adjustment and development of CLSs in Europe.
