There's a surprising number of foreign students at universities in America in recent years. Despite the common perception that it is expensive to go to college in the U.S., the rate of foreign students actually increased to 40 percent since 2010. Many of these students come from middle-class families in China.
So, why are these students pursuing college in the United States? It has largely to do with the way these students see that learning isn't growing in China. The educational system and standards are flawed and uninspiring, but that's just the tip of the iceberg.
The Wall Street Journal reports that Chinese students think their universities only serve as diploma mills. When students do eventually graduate, many end up earning only average salaries that do not reflect the degree they have worked hard for. But the process of getting into a college is tough and tedious, as well as competitive and overcrowded. Only a few percentage are able to get into good schools because of the different tests they have to pass before admissions. Many of these tests require dozens of memorizations and not actual learning.
Most schools in China highlight a regimented routine for students, who aren't even allowed to use Facebook or Google Scholar. The general environment is detrimental to learning and growth, which is different from the atmosphere in the United States, where students can pursue learning with passion.
Great read on why so many Chinese students are shunning local schools and going to the U.S. https://t.co/shStVR9YT5 pic.twitter.com/nCWA49Rp1I
— Yumiko Ono (@yumikoono) May 3, 2016
"In China, it's a lot about memorization. There's not so much creativity there," Wang Yu told WSJ. The 20-year-old student didn't think she would get a shot at studying in the U.S. because of potential expenses. But after a two-week trip led by her school, she was encouraged and then she convinced her parents.
Wang current attends UC Irvine and in the beginning, she had a hard time adjusting to the system when she was used to memorizing lessons. However, with perseverance, she was able to excel. She also marveled at the fact that students in her school can go to classes dressing how they want and spend their downtimes lounging in the campus lawn.
The government of China recognizes the exodus of students who believe there are better opportunities for learning abroad. In fact, in Beijing, international school programs have already been scrapped in 2015 to deter students from considering leaving the country, per the Shanghaiist.
What can you say about the gap in the education system between China and the U.S.? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!
