Yu Minhong, founder and CEO of the New Oriental Education and Technology Group and a member of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference's National Committee, estimates that the number of Chinese studying abroad each year will peak at between 700,000 to 800,000.
全国政协委员、新东方教育科技集团CEO俞敏洪预测说，中国每年出国留学的人数峰值将达到70万人到80万人。
Yu Minhong answers questions in front of the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on Friday. HE HAI'ER/CHINA DAILY
"Considering China's economic development and rising household incomes, the annual number (of Chinese studying abroad) will come to a head within five years. Then it will fluctuate in line with the annual birthrate and the economy," he said.
他说：“考虑到中国的经济发展和家庭收入的增加，中国每年出国留学的学生人数将在未来五年达到高点，之后随着每年的人口出生率和经济发展波动。”
According to Education Ministry statistics, 544,500 Chinese studied abroad last year, more than triple the 179,800 that sought out education overseas in 2008.
根据教育部的数据，去年中国有54万4500人出国留学，是2008年的17万9800人的三倍多。
He added that more than 80 percent of those who pursue education overseas return to China after completing their studies and contribute to the nation's economy.
他还补充说，超过80%的出国留学生在完成学业后回到中国，为经济发展贡献力量。
"From a long-term perspective, it is a positive thing," he said. "China's policies will continue to support overseas study and the Chinese people are aware that having more students abroad can have a positive effect on the country's long-term development."
他说：“从长远看这是好事。中国的政策将继续支持海外留学，中国人也意识到，有更多的学生海外留学对中国的长期发展有利。”