How do Chinese students feel about leaving China and stepping into a foreign country? What are they looking forward to? What are they worried about? We spoke with six Chinese students who are about to embark on their university journey stateside to find out all this and more!
You’re going overseas for university/college! What are you most excited about?
Cyrus Wang, Emory University: “The thing that excites me the most is the complete control of my life. You are free to arrange your own schedule and time, and decide how to spend your money. This is quite a challenge, but it really makes me excited.”
Siyu Lan, Mount Holyoke College: “I [cannot]wait to live in the beautiful campus and supportive community. Also, I am looking forward to new enlightenment from peers and professors.”
Lucy Liu, University of Washington: “I spent high school in the US, but I am still excited to meet more people, to embrace new cultures, and to have new experiences.”
Mei 许李梅朵, St. John’s College: “Yes, I’m more than excited. St. John’s College is my dream school, I’ve always [looked]forward to [studying]in the college. After one year of gap year, I can’t wait to go back to the campus and absorb more knowledge.”
Is there anything that you are worried about?
Editor’s note: Unlike in China, COVID-19 is still raging in many countries such as the US, and many of the interviewees expressed concerns about how the pandemic may affect their studies and daily lives.
Siyu Lan, Mount Holyoke College: “I am worried about COVID-19 not only because it is a crisis, but since I might struggle a lot when I live in a turbulent environment. If I am infected accidentally, it will be disturbed if I couldn’t keep up with the heavy workload.”
Anna, Mount Holyoke College: “My biggest worry is still the Covid epidemic in the US and other places around the world, while other common worries are like how to adjust to the different lifestyles or culture shock when you beginning your first year abroad. “
Candance Wang, University of Notre Dame: “Notre Dame isn’t very international, nor is Indiana in general, so I would definitely struggle at first to adjust to the local culture, such as the food and communication. The lack of parents would mean I cannot depend on them to solve issues for me, such as passport issues.”
How different do you think your life will be compared to in China and overseas?
Anna, Mount Holyoke College: “Studying overseas will definitely be a little different from my life here in China. There are many new concepts and cultures for me to learn, new friends to meet, and even moving to a place 10,000 kilometers far from my home itself is a big challenge for me. This new lifestyle is likely to be very different compared to what I’m living with right now.”
Cyrus Wang, Emory University: “The way of socializing will be quite different, mainly with the language and cultural differences. At the same time, lifestyles will also be quite different. For example, driving is the main way to go out, and the food delivery industry is not very developed.”
Mei 许李梅朵, St. John’s College: “The significant difference will be living without my family. Although I’ve experienced living alone back in the Netherlands, but I still think that will be a challenge for me. The difference in food will also be another factor [of]concern. Luckily, I learned how to cook Chinese dishes during the quarantine.”
Do you think you will return back to China after graduation?
Editor’s note: One had a definite answer of “yes,” while others indicated a preference for returning to China due to its familiarity, as well as the countries’ opportunities for growth.
Mei 许李梅朵, St. John’s College: “Definitely. China is my home, and I’m sure after six years of study experience in the US, I will come back and help my country.”
Siyu Lan, Mount Holyoke College: “Yeah, I think I will return since [there]will be more opportunities and advantages for me to living in a familiar and vibrant environment. I could achieve some of my goals here in China. However, I’m also interested in living in different countries since life is a journey for me.”
Cyrus Wang, Emory University: “I personally prefer to return to China after getting my graduate degree. I will be more comfortable with the domestic living and working environment, and I will have more friends and relatives in China.”
Candance Wang, University of Notre Dame: “I would like to return to China, but I probably won’t, because I have an American passport, and my brother also lives there.”
Lucy Liu, University of Washington: “That is still in consideration since I haven’t even started university yet. It would mostly depend on which side is better and provides more advantages and opportunities for me. However, currently, I am leaning slightly more towards returning back to China.”
Anna, Mount Holyoke College: “I haven’t made any too specific plans about my future studies like what field I want to focus on, but I believe I will continue to get a master’s degree in the next couple of years. Ideally, I might return back to China after graduation and have an individual workplace or do some actual practice in psychology.”
How would you feel about traveling to a foreign land for an extended stay? Comment below!
KEEP READING: “Choosing a College Is Like Dating,” and Other Insights From Graduate Summit 2021
Images: Unsplash
