By the way, a certain number of international students coming over here are lack of clear goals, and do not know where, what, and how to commence. Some of them do get serious homesick, especially teenagers. Influenced by some negative content of TV shows, some are lost somewhere in the pub drinking everyday or are even addicted to drugs. Reversely, some of them naively believe that all western stuff are fantastic and are inclined to discard Chinese culture.
However, western’s moon is not always that “round.” Slow working rhythm and low efficiency is not a new negative description for western style any more. Their so-called “responsible” smile also makes people feel the distance and coldness. By this I mean some of their smiles are not naturally out of the inside, but just because there exists sort of ideological rule make them have to so do, so they obey. Say, when you buy an ice cream from a store, the receptionist will give you a big smile when head up, while after the order giving you the change, all of sudden, her smile disappears when head down…
Let us stop criticize for a moment, as we all know that their must be a reason why over the past a couple of decades, western countries accomplishments weigh faults. In addition, there also exists a reason for more and more international students coming over western countries to study. In my eyes, finding that reason, getting to know how and why it works, and then coming back to get it done can actually be the force, or inner drive for all Chinese students learning abroad.
Going or not going abroad to learn is no longer the determining factor in success, as China’s graduate study is also at the outstanding level; also, going outside to learn physically is not that difficult for many Chinese students right now. However, how to fresh the learning process out, how to deal with homesick and culture shock smoothly, and how to best adjust oneself to and make the best use of western educational system will probably take much more time, hard-learning, strong-mind. There is never an easy-to-do task, but just as an inspiring saying goes: “As we sail through life, don’t avoid storms and tough waters. Just let it pass, just sail. Calm seas never make skillful sailors…”
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