Should Chinese Student Study Abroad
Should Chinese Students Study Abroad?
With sustained economic growth in China, the option to study abroad has become more affordable for increasing numbers of Chinese families. For example, China Daily reported in 2007 that the number of students choosing to study abroad has increased by 11 percent over the last five years till 2007. However some problems occur when choose to study abroad destination, whether it is one-semester exchange or full-time engagement. Some of these problems include culture shocks and loneliness, language difficulties and financial hurdles. First, we will discuss the three arguments raised by the opponents against studying abroad. Second, we analyze corresponding counter arguments referring to research conducted by the International Education of Students (IES). Finally, the feedback from the alumni who experienced oversea studies will strengthen the stance on the obvious advantages of studying abroad.
Though it is widely believed that it is beneficial for students to have an oversea education in developing students’ capacity (Bodycott 359), many opponents are skeptical about it. They claim problems of studying abroad are many, including language difficulties, homesickness and financial hurdles. In terms of language difficulties, they argue that most Chinese students have too poor language skills to handle the oversea life. According to Marilyn & Renee (qtd in Zhang & Brunton 126), the disadvantage in language skills directly influences the performance in academic activities and contributes to the lowered score of self-esteem. It is suggested that the students’ fluency in English may impact on cross-cultural relationship (Ward 544). In this respect, Toyokawa also finds that the poor English of an international student will result in a worsened situation of social interactions (qtd in Zhang & Brunton 127).
However, language difficulty cannot be a reason for Chinese students to quit international education. Firstly, most
With sustained economic growth in China, the option to study abroad has become more affordable for increasing numbers of Chinese families. For example, China Daily reported in 2007 that the number of students choosing to study abroad has increased by 11 percent over the last five years till 2007. However some problems occur when choose to study abroad destination, whether it is one-semester exchange or full-time engagement. Some of these problems include culture shocks and loneliness, language difficulties and financial hurdles. First, we will discuss the three arguments raised by the opponents against studying abroad. Second, we analyze corresponding counter arguments referring to research conducted by the International Education of Students (IES). Finally, the feedback from the alumni who experienced oversea studies will strengthen the stance on the obvious advantages of studying abroad.
Though it is widely believed that it is beneficial for students to have an oversea education in developing students’ capacity (Bodycott 359), many opponents are skeptical about it. They claim problems of studying abroad are many, including language difficulties, homesickness and financial hurdles. In terms of language difficulties, they argue that most Chinese students have too poor language skills to handle the oversea life. According to Marilyn & Renee (qtd in Zhang & Brunton 126), the disadvantage in language skills directly influences the performance in academic activities and contributes to the lowered score of self-esteem. It is suggested that the students’ fluency in English may impact on cross-cultural relationship (Ward 544). In this respect, Toyokawa also finds that the poor English of an international student will result in a worsened situation of social interactions (qtd in Zhang & Brunton 127).
However, language difficulty cannot be a reason for Chinese students to quit international education. Firstly, most
Cited: Suraweera, C “How to Avoid homesickness When Studying Abroad” [online] Available from http://www.howtodothings.com/education/how-to-avoid-homesickness-when-studying-abroad 28 February 2012 Ward, C. (2001) The Impact of International Students on Domestic Students and Host Institutions.A Literature Review. Prepared for the Export Education Policy Project, Ministry of Education. Wellington: Ministry of Education. [Online] http://www.minedu.govt.nz/goto/ 28 February 2012 King, J.N. “How to Cope with language Barriers while Studying Abroad” Ezine Articles October 20 2010[Online] Available from: http://ezinearticles.com/?How-To-Cope-With-Language-Barriers-While-Studying-Abroad&id=5426515 28 February 2012 Boycott, P. “Choosing a Higher Education Study Abroad Destination: What Mainland Chinese Parents and Students Rate as Important.” Journal of Studies in International Education 2009 8: 349; Web. 28 February 2012 International Education of Students (IES) “The Benefits of Studying Abroad” [Online], available at: https://www.iesabroad.org/IES/Students/alumniSurveyResultsStudents.html 28 February 2012 Toyokawa, T., & Toyokawa, N. “Extracurricular activities and the adjustment of Asian international students: A study of Japanese students.” International Journal of Intercultural Relations, 26, 363-379. 28 February 2012 Zhang and Brunton. “Differences in Living and Learning: Chinese International Students in New Zealand.” Journal of Studies in International Education 2007 11:124; Web. 28 February 2012