With China’s population of people over 60 surpassing 300 million, supporting a fulfilling life for the elderly has become a major focus for both families and the nation. But how are today’s retirees redefining what it means to grow old? Supported by AI technology, global mobility, and a growing elder-friendly culture, many seniors in China are choosing to break away from tradition—and some are doing it by heading back to school overseas.
This article is part of the “Old Age, New Trends” series, which explores the evolving lifestyles of Chinese seniors. From creative new social behaviors to booming eldercare services and the rise of the silver economy, the series highlights how aging in China is being redefined as part of the country’s ongoing modernization. One surprising trend? A growing number of seniors are packing their bags to study abroad.
Chasing Dreams After Retirement
While many Chinese workers were wrapping up the Qingming Festival holiday in early April, 57-year-old Yi Ya was preparing for her next big adventure. Later this month, she will travel to Auckland, New Zealand for a short-term study program. Then, in May, she’ll continue on to London and Dublin, combining sightseeing with classes.
This isn’t Yi’s first academic journey. Just four days after retiring two years ago, she flew to Malta to begin an English immersion program—becoming the oldest student in her class.
“Learning has always been my dream,” Yi told Global Times. “Now is the perfect time to study abroad. It’s truly wonderful to return to student life after retirement.”
She’s not alone. Another senior, 56-year-old A-Ying (pseudonym), recently moved to Japan with a student visa. She’ll be studying at a Japanese language school for the next two years.
Both Yi and A-Ying represent a rising group of Chinese retirees choosing to study overseas—some for weeks, others for years. While young international students often aim for degrees and career advancement, these “silver-haired students” are looking for something else: enrichment, travel, and the joy of learning.
“Retirement isn’t just about square dancing,” A-Ying said. “It should be vibrant and diverse. Studying abroad can be a big part of that.”
Long-Held Aspirations, Finally Fulfilled
Before retiring, Yi worked in a management role at a financial institution in Guangzhou. As her workload lightened in the final months of her job, she began thinking about what retirement might look like—and studying abroad immediately came to mind.
“Going overseas to study was always a dream,” she said. “I didn’t have the chance when I was younger. But I figured, after retirement, I could combine study and travel in one.”
She began researching programs, applying for visas, and planning logistics. Just four days after retiring, she landed in Malta for a three-month English course, which cost around 60,000 yuan (about $8,100). Though she had studied English in college, she had rarely used it since.
She was placed in an A1 beginner class. At first, the language barrier was tough. She couldn’t even figure out how to turn on the hot water in her student apartment. But being immersed in an English-speaking environment helped. By the end of the course, she could hold basic conversations.
“It’s not as difficult as I imagined,” Yi said. “Now that I’ve picked it up again, I’m surprised how much I enjoy it.”
For A-Ying, who is studying in Japan, the language barrier has also been a challenge—but she prepared for it. Before departing, she spent nine months studying and passed the JLPT N3 exam.
“I’m proud of myself,” she said with a smile.
She had been unsure about how to spend her time after retirement, but after considering her son’s job in Japan and her frequent visits to the country, she made up her mind. “I missed out on studying abroad when I was young. Now I want to live that dream.”
A Growing Trend
While the number of young Chinese studying abroad has slowed in recent years, a surprising new group has emerged: retirees. A 2019 study showed that only 3% of overseas study program participants were over 50. By 2023, that number had surged to 20%, according to Women Today Weekly.
This has led to a boom in services catering to older learners. In major cities like Shanghai and Beijing, study abroad agencies are designing programs specifically for seniors. Destinations include Europe, Australia, and Japan. Some agencies say they have clients in their 70s.
A Shanghai-based provider told Global Times that their programs range from two weeks to a year, with packages covering tuition, accommodation, meals, and insurance.
Peng Xizhe, director of the Fudan Institute on Ageing, said the rise of the “silver-haired education” market reflects deeper cultural shifts.
“It’s not just a new economic opportunity,” he said. “It shows how today’s seniors seek intellectual stimulation and spiritual growth.”
Stories of Global Learning
On Chinese social media platforms, stories from “silver scholars” are gaining popularity. One woman in her 50s shared how she and her husband applied to study archaeology at Leiden University in the Netherlands. Another woman in her 60s has been taking liberal arts courses at a private university and computer science classes at a community college in the U.S. since 2023.
Yi is also an online content creator. She shares her experiences under the handle “Yue Zou Yue Yuan” on platforms like Xiaohongshu and WeChat. Her posts attract many curious followers, especially retirees eager to try something similar.
A-Ying has also received countless messages. But she reminds others that planning is essential. “You need family support, enough savings, and to think about how it affects your household,” she said. “Some schools have age-related application criteria. You need to be prepared.”
More Than Travel: A Lifelong Journey
China’s silver economy is projected to reach 30 trillion yuan ($4.1 trillion) by 2035, according to People’s Daily. Education is emerging as an important piece of this economy, offering more than just entertainment—it’s a path to personal growth.
Peng believes these programs are a healthy sign. “There’s a Chinese saying: ‘Live and learn,’” he said. “Seniors today want to stay sharp, stay curious, and keep up with the times.”
Still, he warns of practical concerns. Health and safety are essential. Seniors should buy comprehensive insurance, follow local laws, and be mindful of medical needs.
Currently, study abroad programs for seniors typically cost between 20,000 and 70,000 yuan, covering tuition, housing, meals, and basic insurance. Other costs like flights and visa fees are extra.
For Yi, every program she’s joined has been worth it. Since retiring, she’s studied in four different countries. She even believes her three-month Malta program was more cost-effective than simply traveling the country.
“More than just sightseeing, I got to immerse myself in a new culture while learning,” she said. “Studying abroad makes me feel alive again.”
