During last winter vacation, the CNU Press Center’s Overseas Cover Teams visited two Chinese and Japanese universities - Fudan University and Osaka University - to investigate their support programs for international students and the circumstances of studying abroad in these countries. For this issue, the Chonnam Tribune will report on the results of the overseas coverage. – Ed.
Each year many students leave for China, a country which is becoming one of the most dominant world powers. About 10 years ago, there was a negative view of teenagers studying abroad in China for several reasons, such as they would fail to enter college, but now many talented students go to China to make their dream come true through having ambitious goal. The estimated number of students who study abroad in China has risen steadily because of the increase in students who have gained success through studying there. So how is the environment and what are the difficulties for international students studying in China? The Overseas Cover Team visited Fudan University (FU), one ofChina’s most superior universities known for being the first university that enrolled international students in China, to interview international students who are studying there. The Chonnam Tribune reports on how they adapt to their new surroundings and what are the real difficulties for international students in China.
Language Difficulties of International Students
Foreigners must meet specific conditions, such as passing an advanced level of Chinese Proficiency Test, to qualify to study at universities in China. It is no longer as complicated to get into university in China for international students as it was before, so they had some hard times during their early days after the entrance in China due to the language barrier. Most international students live in a dormitory exclusively for international students, drawing a distinction with Chinese students. The space helps them to communicate with each other, but it gives them less chance to make friends with Chinese students. They communicate and share useful information either online or off-line to adapt to their new circumstances. Gu Hyun-a Korean student who is studying global relationships at FU, said, “In the beginning of studying in China, I tried to hang out with Chinese friends as much as possible because there are so many Korean students at FU so the chance to make Chinese friends was low, I thought that I should be exposed to Chinese culture so that I could improve my Chinese language skills.” Though the number of foreign students in China is increasing, they are not still well adapted to their new environment and they experience similar situations in the beginning because there is still a lack of information and communication with Chinese students. They also have to deal with almost everything from their studies to their livelihood because the university hardly supervises them. Kim Ji-seo, a Korean student studying Chinese History at FU, said, “Do not depend too much on friendship with Korean students during the study period, and try to live actively making many international friends as well as Chinese.”
Try to Become Expert on China in Your Career Interest
If Korean students apply for a position in China, they take relatively low wages in comparison to Korea no matter how competent they are by reason of Chinese political subjects. After graduating obtaining a job in China is obviously difficult. It will not be helpful for you to apply for a position in Korea, if you have learned only Chinese through studying abroad. To become a talented person on the international stage through studying in China, you need to become expert on your field of interest in China. Before that, you should know what you want to do and where you want to work. It is the reason why you are studying abroad in China that is so important.
Actually many students tend to decide to study abroad in China, believing only in China’s opportunities without seriously thinking about their aptitude and career after graduating. Defining your purpose and preparation is as important as how you will spend your days in China. We interviewed CNUians who had studied at China’s Shanghai Normal University through an international exchange program during the last year about how they prepared before they went. Seo Su-yeou (Senior, Dep. of Chinese Language and Literature) read the reports of previous exchange students and spoke with an exchange professor from Shanghai Normal University. She said, “Researching was very helpful for my studies and exams. If you prepare yourselves with a strong plan, you can maintain a well-balanced living during the studying period in China.” Kim Hye-jin (Senior, Dep. of Chinese Language and Literature) also researched about Shanghai Normal University and regional characteristics through Chinese students that came from the university. She said that she can accomplish more than that she can imagine by taking up new challenges with enthusiasm rather than fear and hostility about Chinese and by having more confidence in herself,.
Specific Purpose Contributes to Success
It is an undeniable fact that many students go to China for a better future because China has emerged as a promising market which has enormous potential. Many Korean conglomerates need employees to work in this market. However, there are still a lot of difficulties for international students in China. Students who want to study in China should think about their own career and purpose and prepare thoroughly before they begin to study abroad in the country. As many former students have experienced, you can also make your goals come true with a confident and active attitude.
By Jung Hyun-young, Head Student Editor
[Feature]
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