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).
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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 foreign universities provide extra classes or set up supporting departments to facilitate the language adaptation of foreign enrollers. Secondly, students may overcome this by interacting and associating with people from their native land or opt for a tandem partner.
International students can also join clubs and participate in teams such as sports, drama and debate which all offer fabulous opportunities for learning a foreign language (King 1).
According to the research by IES, 90 percent of the respondents state that being in a complete English environment forced them to learn English and helped a lot in developing a western way of learning and speaking. Another difficulty facing Chinese international students is loneliness in an entirely different environment and culture. A review by Toyokawa and Toyokawa (2002) demonstrated that “international students experience difficulty including culture shock, adjustment to customs and values, isolation and loneliness, homesickness and a loss of established social networks” (qtd in Zhang & Brunton 126).
The opponents also claim that Chinese students are from collectivist countries. They focus more on social networks than some of the individualistic western cultures.
This may result in their helplessness confronting failure or frustration. Moreover, distance from families and friends and being situated in a different social environment and culture adds to their feelings of loneliness. Despite the truth of loneliness encountered by international students, chances are more for them to survive it. Suggestions are raised by Suraweera, an expert in the research of international students’ behaviour and psychology, in two aspects. For one thing, if students who study abroad put the best effort in their study and score a good academic performance, they are less likely to feel lonely but for a sense of success. On the contrary, bad academic performance may lead to depression which is one cause to stimulate homesickness. For another, students can seek new friends and new experiences.
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Through building a fine network with colleagues, homesickness is reduced by a large extent. In addition, engaging in a different experience, such as going on travelling or taking on a part-time job, will absorb students in more important things. With respect to intercultural development, the IES result shows that about 91 percent understand better of their own cultural values and biases. About 94 percent reported to make more multicultural friends and continue to explore a new culture. This result corresponds to the study abroad educators who often expect to train future global leaders to be more influential, respectful of other cultures and political and economic systems. In this respect, studying abroad is succeeding in its goal. The last potential difficulty is financial hurdles, which are often the biggest problem with studying abroad. Even for students on a semester exchange abroad program, the living expenses and tuition cost can probably add at least a couple thousand dollars excluding plane tickets and sightseeing. The opponents of international study hold the view that the expenses will never be covered and it is not worth the struggle.
Nevertheless, while the financial prospect of a study abroad program can seem daunting, it is rewarding in the long run. According to the survey made by IES, a majority of participants give positive responses in terms of personal development. 96 percent said the unique experience increased their self-confidence. 97 percent reported studying abroad served as a catalyst for increased maturity and 95 percent stated that it had a vast influence on their world view. The data collected from the participants show that studying abroad is a critical moment in a young person’s life and continues to influence the respondents’ life in their future development. Moreover, Boycott (360) discovers that with an oversea education, a graduate can largely increase his chance of being employed.
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In summary, a number of Chinese students, pursuing higher education abroad, are reported to gain advantages while opponents hold different opinions against it. The advantages are shown mainly for students’ individual development if the opportunity abroad is seized and commanded properly. However, arguments against studying abroad are raised including three major ones. Firstly, the language difficulties can lead to the lowered performance of individual student, thus reducing the quality of overseas education. Nevertheless, most universities offer language support and the environment itself play as the impetus for language developing.
The second problem lies in a negative reaction towards a foreign environment, which is loneliness. This can be addressed through network building and culture exploration. Lastly, the financial hurdle, seemingly daunting, cannot be an obstacle for the experience brings more to individuals in the long run than the initial financial input. The research conducted by IES acts as the major evidence of the positive examples for overseas learning. In a word, Chinese students should study abroad, despite the various opposing opinions. While more efforts are needed including overcoming the language difficulties and developing the personality that is flexible, adaptive, and it is clear that the efforts extended are well worth it in the end.
