Christina Zhang is an English and Economics Double Major at Shaoguan University currently on a one semester exchange programme at the University of Northampton in England. Here she shares her thoughts and experiences from the first three months of her time in England.
Why did you choose to spend a semester studying abroad?
First of all, it's very helpful in improving my English. In terms of language learning and acquisition, nothing is more important than a language rich environment, especially language immersion setting. Secondly, it lays the first stone of my planned future post-graduate studies in England once I complete my undergraduate degree at Shaoguan University. I think that this one semester experience will help me get used to England and help me readjust quickly when I return for my Masters here. Thirdly, to be honest I am quite fond of English culture. I find it fascinating to see the multicultural atmosphere here and find the cultural, behavioural and way of speaking differences intriguing.
Any reason why you specifically chose the University of Northampton?
Well, I didn't have any specific reason for choosing the University of Northampton. Coming to the United Kingdom to study interested me a lot and the university has a relationship with my home university, Shaoguan University. From what I researched and what was presented to me in China, coming to the University of Northampton was an excellent opportunity for me.
How have you learnt to improve your English during this experience?
I have actually learnt quite a lot of things through this experience. The biggest thing I have learnt is to be more confident to try and believe in my ability. I remember during my first days in Northampton, I really didn’t speak a lot and seamed to stammered my words when I spoke. It took me a couple of weeks to figure out that even though English is not my first language, I need to think to myself in English and be more confident went I speak, otherwise I will struggle in my studies and not make much progress in my English. Nowadays, I try to seize every chance I can get to talk to the local people here. And now, my oral has English improved a lot just by having the courage to try! Haha!
How is the teaching style different in England compared to China?
Well, in China teachers tend to transfer their knowledge directly into the students' brain. I mean that Chinese teachers are an absolute authority and are not to be questioned. The more a Chinese student accepts and can recite a Chinese teachers ideas, the smarter the student is considered. Here in England, you couldn't be considered a good student if you just sat there and listened to the teacher without question or consideration. In England it is expected and encouraged for students to challenge the teachers ideas and concepts in university study. Teachers are not considered experts, they have a motivational role helping us develop our own opinions on nearly the entire content of the subject. Teachers and students have a more equal role in the learning process here.
Secondly, in China everything we learn is from the textbook for the class. Class is very much based on theory and students get high marks by remembering the book. By contrast in England, if you remembered the entire book, word for word, you will get a low mark. Knowledge presented in class needs to be analysed and discussed in practical terms. English universities demand that students do a lot of self study and research. To summarise, the role of teachers in England is to aide our study in addition to textbooks and our own personal research, whilst Chinese teachers are very much authoritative.
What is your timetable like? How does it compare to a Chinese university?
It's totally different!!! My course here is Marketing and I have 6 modules (subjects) a semester. Each module has one lecture and one seminar per week. Lectures and seminars are one hour in length, which means I only have 12 hours of actual class-time each week. This doesn't mean we are free though, I am actually busier with my studies than I was in my Chinese University. Every module is compulsory and they are connected to our specialised major of study. You know Chinese universities are a lot different in this regard. In C hina, we have many classes which are not related to our major and it seems the university fills our days and evening with activities and classes. Here in England, I need to make full use of the spare time I have. It's expected we work either on our own or with other group members.
Chinese universities and Western universities have very different views on copying others in assignments. What has been your experience?
Well before I came to England, to be honest I didn't view plagiarism as a big deal. In China, when the teacher asks us to hand in a report, it is common for students to go to Baidu or Google and simply copy and paste something someone has already made. I won't say everyone does this, but most people do. Comparing this to in England, plagiarism is a lot more serious here and a great emphasis is placed on learning to correctly reference other people's work. Even one sentence, if it isn't your work you shouldn't use it without a reference. The university here is very conscious of plagiarism and the need to educate students about referencing.
Why did you choose to spend a semester studying abroad?
First of all, it's very helpful in improving my English. In terms of language learning and acquisition, nothing is more important than a language rich environment, especially language immersion setting. Secondly, it lays the first stone of my planned future post-graduate studies in England once I complete my undergraduate degree at Shaoguan University. I think that this one semester experience will help me get used to England and help me readjust quickly when I return for my Masters here. Thirdly, to be honest I am quite fond of English culture. I find it fascinating to see the multicultural atmosphere here and find the cultural, behavioural and way of speaking differences intriguing.
Any reason why you specifically chose the University of Northampton?
Well, I didn't have any specific reason for choosing the University of Northampton. Coming to the United Kingdom to study interested me a lot and the university has a relationship with my home university, Shaoguan University. From what I researched and what was presented to me in China, coming to the University of Northampton was an excellent opportunity for me.
How have you learnt to improve your English during this experience?
I have actually learnt quite a lot of things through this experience. The biggest thing I have learnt is to be more confident to try and believe in my ability. I remember during my first days in Northampton, I really didn’t speak a lot and seamed to stammered my words when I spoke. It took me a couple of weeks to figure out that even though English is not my first language, I need to think to myself in English and be more confident went I speak, otherwise I will struggle in my studies and not make much progress in my English. Nowadays, I try to seize every chance I can get to talk to the local people here. And now, my oral has English improved a lot just by having the courage to try! Haha!
How is the teaching style different in England compared to China?
Well, in China teachers tend to transfer their knowledge directly into the students' brain. I mean that Chinese teachers are an absolute authority and are not to be questioned. The more a Chinese student accepts and can recite a Chinese teachers ideas, the smarter the student is considered. Here in England, you couldn't be considered a good student if you just sat there and listened to the teacher without question or consideration. In England it is expected and encouraged for students to challenge the teachers ideas and concepts in university study. Teachers are not considered experts, they have a motivational role helping us develop our own opinions on nearly the entire content of the subject. Teachers and students have a more equal role in the learning process here.
Secondly, in China everything we learn is from the textbook for the class. Class is very much based on theory and students get high marks by remembering the book. By contrast in England, if you remembered the entire book, word for word, you will get a low mark. Knowledge presented in class needs to be analysed and discussed in practical terms. English universities demand that students do a lot of self study and research. To summarise, the role of teachers in England is to aide our study in addition to textbooks and our own personal research, whilst Chinese teachers are very much authoritative.
What is your timetable like? How does it compare to a Chinese university?
It's totally different!!! My course here is Marketing and I have 6 modules (subjects) a semester. Each module has one lecture and one seminar per week. Lectures and seminars are one hour in length, which means I only have 12 hours of actual class-time each week. This doesn't mean we are free though, I am actually busier with my studies than I was in my Chinese University. Every module is compulsory and they are connected to our specialised major of study. You know Chinese universities are a lot different in this regard. In C hina, we have many classes which are not related to our major and it seems the university fills our days and evening with activities and classes. Here in England, I need to make full use of the spare time I have. It's expected we work either on our own or with other group members.
Chinese universities and Western universities have very different views on copying others in assignments. What has been your experience?
Well before I came to England, to be honest I didn't view plagiarism as a big deal. In China, when the teacher asks us to hand in a report, it is common for students to go to Baidu or Google and simply copy and paste something someone has already made. I won't say everyone does this, but most people do. Comparing this to in England, plagiarism is a lot more serious here and a great emphasis is placed on learning to correctly reference other people's work. Even one sentence, if it isn't your work you shouldn't use it without a reference. The university here is very conscious of plagiarism and the need to educate students about referencing.
What notable differences have you found between students on Chinese and English university campuses?
The biggest one I have found is that student life here in England is a lot more casual compared with Chinese universities. Instead of hanging out with a big crowd of friends or an entire class group, students they are more likely to invite two or three their friends to have a drink or other casual activities. British students are a lot more talkative and its not uncommon at the University of Northampton to see quite a few students talking and laughing on the grass between classes. At night they have a lot more freedom and often go to pubs or clubs. I haven't had that experience here yet and won't dare to go there by myself.
The biggest one I have found is that student life here in England is a lot more casual compared with Chinese universities. Instead of hanging out with a big crowd of friends or an entire class group, students they are more likely to invite two or three their friends to have a drink or other casual activities. British students are a lot more talkative and its not uncommon at the University of Northampton to see quite a few students talking and laughing on the grass between classes. At night they have a lot more freedom and often go to pubs or clubs. I haven't had that experience here yet and won't dare to go there by myself.
How have you found interacting with English people?
England people are so easy to get along with! They are extremely kind, polite and passionate, at least the ones I've met. Some of them have invited me to their house and made me a real British meal. I do have a great time with them! It has been a really eye-opening and rewarding to come here and experience English life.
Would you recommend study abroad to other Chinese students considering it?
I would definitely recommend it! Before I came here, I was a little hesitant and worried. But now, after almost three months, I have no regrets about the decision to come at all. It has really been such an amazing and fantastic experience! The most treasured experience in my life to date!
England people are so easy to get along with! They are extremely kind, polite and passionate, at least the ones I've met. Some of them have invited me to their house and made me a real British meal. I do have a great time with them! It has been a really eye-opening and rewarding to come here and experience English life.
Would you recommend study abroad to other Chinese students considering it?
I would definitely recommend it! Before I came here, I was a little hesitant and worried. But now, after almost three months, I have no regrets about the decision to come at all. It has really been such an amazing and fantastic experience! The most treasured experience in my life to date!
For further information on international exchange opportunities to Shaoguan University's partner universities, please contact Allen (Su Weiran) of the Shaoguan University Foreign Affairs Office.
Allen (Su Weiran)
Email: [email protected]
Telephone: (751)8121661
Allen (Su Weiran)
Email: [email protected]
Telephone: (751)8121661
