66999
Chinese, American students have different attitudes about studying
Contents
1. Tallahassee Democrat, Fla.
Tallahassee Democrat, Fla.
~~~~~~~~
By Qiyu Li
One and a half years ago, when my husband came to Florida State University for his doctorate in oceanography, I accompanied him from China. When I first stepped on American soil, many American things deeply attracted me.
Since enrolling at the community college for my associate's degree, I have especially noticed the differences between Chinese and American attitudes toward studying. Many of my American classmates are also curious about societal, family and educational systems in China. Expressing my ideas about the effects of these systems on college students in China may help my friends here understand the differences between us.
China is a big country, not only in its land but also in its tremendous population. Although the government spends a huge amount of funds on developing education every year, it still can't satisfy the innumerable students who are seeking knowledge. Thus,unlike in America, where everybody can go to college, a lot of Chinese students do not have the opportunity to study at colleges.
For example, the government has a policy that people must be under 25 years of age to be able to go to college. Also, students must pass an annual National University Entrance Exam, which is very strict. Often, only one out of 10 students pass it. The students call this testing month ``Dark July,'' implying that this exam decides their fate. Not only do the students regard it as important, but also their parents treat it seriously.
In America, students can decide to go to college by themselves and their parents hardly interfere with them.
In China, old, traditional thoughts are still kept in people's minds. They think that studying at college is an incomparable honor. If a student is enrolled in college, his or her parents are extremely happy. They will immediately tell all their relatives and
Contents
1. Tallahassee Democrat, Fla.
Tallahassee Democrat, Fla.
~~~~~~~~
By Qiyu Li
One and a half years ago, when my husband came to Florida State University for his doctorate in oceanography, I accompanied him from China. When I first stepped on American soil, many American things deeply attracted me.
Since enrolling at the community college for my associate's degree, I have especially noticed the differences between Chinese and American attitudes toward studying. Many of my American classmates are also curious about societal, family and educational systems in China. Expressing my ideas about the effects of these systems on college students in China may help my friends here understand the differences between us.
China is a big country, not only in its land but also in its tremendous population. Although the government spends a huge amount of funds on developing education every year, it still can't satisfy the innumerable students who are seeking knowledge. Thus,unlike in America, where everybody can go to college, a lot of Chinese students do not have the opportunity to study at colleges.
For example, the government has a policy that people must be under 25 years of age to be able to go to college. Also, students must pass an annual National University Entrance Exam, which is very strict. Often, only one out of 10 students pass it. The students call this testing month ``Dark July,'' implying that this exam decides their fate. Not only do the students regard it as important, but also their parents treat it seriously.
In America, students can decide to go to college by themselves and their parents hardly interfere with them.
In China, old, traditional thoughts are still kept in people's minds. They think that studying at college is an incomparable honor. If a student is enrolled in college, his or her parents are extremely happy. They will immediately tell all their relatives and