Optional training

A growing number of Chinese are also opting for optional practical training, the Open Doors report says.

OPT allows graduates to temporarily work in their fields of study.

The number of Chinese graduates in such programs reached nearly 60,000 in the 2016-17 academic year, an increase of 14.6 percent over the previous year and more than five times the number for 2009-10.

University of Notre Dame alumnus Li Gen applied for OPT before graduating in 2015.

"I was hoping to stay in the US longer, and OPT helped me," the 25-year-old says.

"It gives you one extra year to work for an organization or a company to gain experience and helps you to apply for an H-1B work visa."

The sociology and political science major worked at the international humanitarian agency Catholic Relief Services.

Li cooperated with colleagues from a wide variety of backgrounds to raise funds, plan events and support disaster relief. He also helped with the organization's social media platforms and learned how to use different online systems to convey messages to the constituents.

The experience not only helped him develop such skills as communication, writing and management but also helped him find jobs later.

He's currently a program coordinator at the University of Notre Dame Beijing Global Gateway.

"OPT is a great opportunity for students to gain work experience in their fields," says Chandler.

"It helps them to explore their field of work, take what they've learned and put it to use, and gain some valuable experience."

Whitaker says work experience also makes students competitive in the international workforce.

But OPT can also fall into gray area.

The duration varies among fields. Most OPT in recent years has focused on science, technology, engineering and math, which typically offer longer programs.

Some international students change majors to spend more time undertaking OPT.

Chandler encourages students to make the best personal choice.

"It's not about the name of the university, how long you get to stay, what your friends are studying or what your parents want you to study," she says.

"You need to choose what's important to you. The best choice for you is the most important."