THE number of Chinese children studying overseas has decreased in recent years as parents become “more rational” and local schools offer more choice.

At the China International Exhibition Education Tour yesterday, the 12 booths set up by high schools from the United States, Canada, United Kingdom and other countries attracted interest from just 20 families in the whole of the morning session.

“The disappointing turnout was partly due to the fact that the show was held on a Tuesday, instead of at the weekend,” said Huang Yi, deputy manager of Shanghai-based educational agency EduShanghai International Co.