出国留学，一般指一个人到另一个国家继续接受教育的行为。出国留学能够丰富知识、开阔视野，同时也可以培养人的独立性。如今，中国已成为世界上最大的留学生生源国(source country),从1978年至2012年, 中国的留学生大约有265万人。而且未来每年将以30%的速度继续增长。很多中国人担心这种持续的留学热会造成人才流失(brain drain)。但更多的人对此持乐观态度，认为随着全球化的推进，留学生将成为外国人了解中国的窗口，并在一定程度上有助于宣传中国的文化。

　　Generally speaking, studying abroad refers to the act of pursuing education in another country. Studying abroad can not only enrich people's knowledge and broaden their horizons but also cultivate their independence. Nowadays, China has already become the largest source country of overseas students. The number approximately reached 2.65 million from 1978 to 2012 and would increase continuously with a speed of 30% each year in the future. Many Chinese are worried about the continuous craze, for it may lead to brain drain. However, more people hold an optimistic attitude towards it, believing that with the development of globalization, these overseas students could serve as a window for foreigners to learn more about China and help publicize Chinese culture to some extent.