English Immersion in China as a Case of Educational Transfer

Abstract

The English immersion program in China is a case of educational mode transfer from foreign language immersion in North America. This article analyzes the process of the transfer from the perspective of comparative education, using the model of “four stages of educational borrowing.” First, it revisits the recent research on educational transfer and briefly introduces the model. Then, it highlights the stages of English immersion program transfer in China. Finally, it concludes that the transfer initiated actively by innovative Chinese scholars, occurs at local and micro levels, with structural context factors and supra-national and sub-national actors playing significant roles in the process. It argues that the model may be applicable in analyzing other educational modes with some adaptations when necessary.

Keywords

China / English immersion program / educational mode transfer