A comparative study of education aid policies of the World Bank and the Canadian International Development Agency in Chinese higher education: A synthesis of different perspective

This comparative study of education aid policies of the World Bank and the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) in Chinese higher education provides readers with an understanding of the assumptions under which these two organizations have operated in China and with a synthesis of diverse perspectives of Canadians, Americans, and Chinese.;This thesis examines the development of education policies in the World Bank and CIDA, outlines the contributions these two different organizations have made to the development of higher education in China, and identifies issues which western and Chinese participants felt needed to be addressed in future programs. To carry out these three tasks, the author undertook an extensive review of literature relating to the organizational and operational structures of the two institutions, the development of their educational aid or lending policies and their theoretical framework. The author also conducted in-depth personal interviews to obtain different perspectives from Chinese, Canadian and American participants. The development of the Chinese education system is outlined in order to provide a better understanding of the environment in which the World Bank and CIDA have offered assistance.;This thesis also devotes a chapter to the present status of the projects under study for the purpose of illustrating contributions made by the World Bank and CIDA in assisting the development of Chinese education, and also of preparing the groundwork for a better understanding of different perspectives synthesized in the following chapters on four major issues: (1) the effects of foreign assistance on Chinese higher education, (2) the importance of implementation mechanisms, (3) the impact of world politics on China projects, and (4) the selection and application of western knowledge.;In the final chapter, the author's conclusions emphasize three points: (1) the significance of high tech teaching and research equipment, (2) the importance of human resource development, and (3) political influences and conditions attached to the projects. These three points crystallize the concerns expressed by both the westerners and the Chinese who participated in this comparative study. The final concluding remarks provide evidence on the preliminary impact of equipment and HRD efforts on China's research capacities, an analysis of enrollment expansion and of the implication of its fast-growing economy and improving diplomatic relations with western nations. These measures indicate that China is fully aware of the change in the political climate and its economic advantages, and is ready to engage in new multilateral and bilateral programs.