Words not enough to draw US students to China
- Source: Global Times
- [21:33 June 28 2010]
- Comments
GT: What are the new generation of overseas Chinese students' strong points and shortcomings? What are the major problems that Chinese overseas students often encounter?
Wang: The old generation of students usually performed well academically and went to the US because they'd been granted scholarships. They usually didn't have problems with study.
As to the new generation, science students graduated from universities like Tsinghua who do well academically usually receive full scholarships, but most of the 100,000 students are supported by their families and study in second- or even third-tier US universities and colleges.
These students are less prepared academically and psychologically and have to face many problems. Some choose too many courses in their first year but fail to pass them in the end. Some can't adjust to the US education style. Some imitate local students in using drugs and breaking laws. The current situation of Chinese overseas students is quite complicated.
To become a member of American society takes some time due to different cultural backgrounds. Zhai Tiantian, a graduate student who got arrested for allegedly threatening his teacher, is an unfortunate example of this.
Joint programs between Chinese and US universities provide better preparations for students. A good example is Humboldt College which is a joint program between US Humboldt State University and China's Xi'an International Studies University.
Sometimes I doubt whether it's worthwhile studying abroad for some Chinese students. But if you want me to name two good things about studying abroad, I'd say, first, Chinese students will have a more realistic understanding of what the US is and, second, Americans will know and appreciate China and its culture more through their interactions with Chinese students.
