It is not really difficult if you happen to be one of the expatriates residing in China, who want your children to enjoy the benefits of enrolling in a Chinese school once they have to start attending high school. Recent developments with Chinese education suggest that other citizens from around the world can finish their high school years in China in any of Tianjin high schools. While there are some differences such as the language, there are certain things in which you can do for a smooth transition from education in your country of origin to Chinese education.
As a foreign student studying abroad, one can engage in any of the three ways to spend high school years in a Chinese educational system.
- Study a language support program. Subjects are taught in Chinese except for English of course. This is normal when it comes to public schools.
- Program to enter a university in China. Students and parents in China have basic objectives; to be able to enter university education after finishing high school.
- English based high school program. This is a program intended for foreign students who prefer English as medium of instruction. There are international schools in the country with International Baccalaureate programs.
Either way, foreign students will find some differences in the learning environment in China, so students are encouraged to memorise instead of analysing. The culture is also a factor as students tend to be obedient as opposed to western students where the learner is encouraged to speak out his or her mind. Of course there are similarities too. Regardless of whether it is in Chinese or English, foreign students will have full academic background not only with math and science, but also physical education, culture immersion, and extra-curricular activities such as sports. Studying in a Chinese high school is rather intense and students spend more than 80 hours with group studies and more than 40 hours per week in classroom sessions.
Requirements
There are certain requirements in order for foreign students to enter any Chinese high schools. Some schools require entrance examinations, others will only ask for academic and health record as well as letters of recommendation and assessment from the original school. If the foreign student is going solo, there must be a notice of guardianship approved and issued by the embassy office of your home country.
Cultural differences must not be an issue especially if foreign students want to study abroad in a country such as China. It is highly suggested that foreign students should live among the locals in order to learn quickly and understand the culture. Learning about the culture of other countries is really useful. The locals do not only provide meals and shelter, but will also help introduce foreign students to their traditions and help to understand their country better.
With China fast overtaking the superpower nations, students from other countries who want to study high school in this country is increasing by the numbers. Parents place high regard to enrolling their children in any Tianjin high schools as a plus factor when planning the child’s future. Studying abroad is really exciting as one does not only learn academically, but also learn other about the culture as well.
Adam Lamb has been working in an educational system for five years and continues to look into finding better education for children.