[![enter image description here](https://i.stack.imgur.com/pj2Bn.png)](https://i.stack.imgur.com/pj2Bn.png)

In the [above table](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_student#Destinations_of_foreign_students), we see that 4/10 countries are from the anglosphere. I am surprised to see **Ireland** and **New Zealand** not making into the list despite having well-developed economies and higher education sectors.

**Switzerland** and **South Africa** are also missing pieces.

**China** and **Japan**'s popularity surprised me as China is not a developed country and doesn't have that many jobs to offer, and Japan has an unfriendly immigration policy.

Why are some countries more popular destinations for higher education than the other?