Abstract

During the recent 20 years after 1978, there are about 0.4 million Chinese people studying abroad in advanced-educational institutions in more than 100 countries or regions. In the past 10 years, the average population going abroad for overseas study is 25,000, which makes up the largest portion in the world. Since the process for applying is complicated, about 80% of the total will turn to intermediary agents for help. Since 2003, the people who are self-sponsored to study abroad take up 93% of the total amount, which urges the fast development of the intermediary agents.

This thesis employs analysis of how this industry came into being and was developed as theoretical foundation; and mainly focuses on the current situation of the market and the problems seen in the industry of intermediary agents for overseas study. In this thesis, the author firstly analyzes the main content of the services provided by such agents, and both the positive and negative values of hiring such agents to apply for overseas study. In the following part, the author points out several important problems existing in the industry, some of which are paid attention to but some of which are not. At last, some suggestions and advices are provided by the author, with the purpose to help students who want to hire an agent to apply for overseas educational institutions.

So far, there are only few academic studies and researches on this topic. Hopefully that through the accomplishment of this thesis, important information can be carried out, and useful theoretical basis can be provided for future researchers and the profound development of this industry.

Key words: self-sponsored overseas study, intermediary agents, educational globalization, consultant, quality of services