China’s retirees are increasingly choosing to study overseas to fulfill dreams missed during their working lives. Qiu Lianru, 66, took a short course at Arts University Bournemouth in England last year. Instead of resting, she learned fashion design, printmaking, and more while living in a dormitory. “I want myself to keep shining from the inside out after retirement,” she said. Qiu, a retired railway engineer, only pursued her overseas study dream after a bone injury forced her to rest. Zi Wenli, co-founder of an institution for senior overseas study, retired in 2024 and now helps seniors travel abroad for short courses. Her club sent nearly 300 senior students abroad in the past year. Courses last 2 to 4 weeks and cost between 20,000 and 60,000 yuan (US$2,900 to US$8,700), plus airfare. They also offer translators and teaching support. Zi receives many queries from seniors planning international study. She says many feel lost or sidelined after retirement. Most participants are women who previously focused on family over themselves and come from high-income groups. Experts note China’s ageing population is large and fast-growing, reaching over 320 million people aged 60 and above in 2025, about 23% of the total. This share will rise above 30% by 2035. Experts predict senior overseas education will be a key part of a growing senior economy. Meanwhile, China’s education system must also catch up. Li Jiacheng of East China Normal University says senior schools often only offer hobby courses. They need to create more advanced programs and hire full-time teachers to meet retirees’ thirst for real knowledge.