Abstract: Boom of studying abroad is an important cultural phenomenon in modern China. Its emergence in late Qing dynasty serves for saving and rejuvenating China. This boom can be divided into three periods, the late Qing Dynasty when over 1000 people studied abroad, the Early Republic China with over 1000 studying in other countries and since Chinas Reform and Opening up when the number reached up to 30,000 or even 40,000. Most students who come back from abroad and worked at home became elites of that time and made great devotion to revolution, reforming and construction of Yunnan and even the whole nation. Nevertheless, under the new background, facing continually surging studying abroad boom and new challenges, a clear mind is extremely needed for comprehensive consideration and summary.

Key words: boom of studying abroad, late Qing period, Republic China period, since Chinas reform and opening up, reflection