US Colleges Are Popular Among Chinese Students

Unlocking Word Meanings
Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article.

1. enroll (v.) [en-rohl] –  to officially join an institution or a program as a member or participant.

Example: Many Asians are enrolling in Western Universities.

2. stance (n.) [stans] – an opinion or belief toward an issue

Example: People organized rallies to show their stance on the government’s new tax law.

3. emphasize (v.) [em-fuh-sahyz] – to stress the importance of something; to give importance to something

Example: The teacher emphasized the importance of the lesson in the final exam.

4. diligence (n.) [dil-i-juhns] – an attitude that shows continued hard work or effort

Example: She was promoted to manager because of her diligence at her job.

5. outpace (v.) [out-peys] – to perform better and faster than somebody else

Example: Experts say Asian students are outpacing Western students in math and science.

Article
Read the text below.

Recent findings reveal that the number of Chinese students enrolling in American universities has increased significantly in the past few years. In 2006-2007, there were only 9,955 Chinese enrollees. The number rose to 16,450 for the next academic year, and it reached 56,976 in 2010-2011. William Bennett, former US Secretary of Education and current senior adviser of an international education company in China, explained that the reason for the increase may be the attitude of Chinese toward education. Bennett said that while Americans still debate on the cost and importance of college, the Chinese aim on acquiring higher education, particularly in American universities. In a trip to Beijing, Bennett talked with Chinese parents about their stance on academics. He noticed that Chinese emphasized the value of education, and that they set high standards on children from a very young age. In China, children have better knowledge of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) subjects compared to American children. Furthermore, middle-class Chinese parents are willing to give up anything, including money for leisure and entertainment, so they can send their children to school. According to Bennett, although US universities are considered the best in the world, many American students do not give priority to higher education. Chinese students, on the other hand, realize the opportunities offered by US universities. Bennett also commented on how Chinese who go home with American education are economically benefitting China. The company Apple, for example, said it prefers to offer jobs outside the US because foreign workers, including the Chinese, have diligence and skills that are already outpacing those of Americans.

Viewpoint Discussion
Enjoy a discussion with your tutor. 

Discussion A 

·         What is the general attitude of people in your country toward American universities? Do many people also think Western universities have the best education?

·         Why do you think foreign exchange students come to our country to study?

Discussion B

·         Do you think it is really necessary to study abroad in order to get a good education? Please explain your answer.

·         If you were given a chance, would you want to study in another country? Why or why not?