She intends to gain her nursing degree then return to China to work. I don't know the reason why she didn't consider doing it in China, but that's irrelevant now because she's here, and here for that reason only.

Her family have paid the fees in advance ($25,000-$30,000), so she really has to work hard. I don't know if they lose their money if she fails.

The university where she's studying has an excellent name overseas (and in Oz), and it attracts students from all over the world. Maybe that was part of the reason, I don't know. Maybe degrees obtained in English speaking countries have greater standing where she lives; maybe they guarantee employment at the best establishments.... I don't know, but I do know it's probably not a good time to ask her about it now. Not when we're going through this traumatic period.