Perils of studying abroad  

出国留学“看上去很美” 融而不入困扰中国留学生

中国教育部统计数据显示，2012年，中国出国留学人数较2011年增加5.99万，增长17.65%。根据中国教育部公开资料显示，目前中国在外留学生人数为127万，位居世界第一。业内预计，2013年中国留学人数有望突破49万人。

(ECNS) --  The number of Chinese students currently studying abroad stands at 1.27 million, which tops the world in terms of number, according to statistics from the Ministry of Education.

In 2012, the number of Chinese students who went abroad increased by 59,900, or 18 percent higher than in 2011. The number is expected to exceed 490,000 in 2013.

The average age of those who choose to study overseas is becoming younger as parents try to seek a foothold for their children in an increasingly competitive environment.

However, experts warn that both parents and students should take a rational attitude in making such choices and be prepared for some problems students may encounter on foreign soil.

Language barriers

According to UK Chinese Times, many Chinese students studying in the UK have difficulty fitting into the local culture and overcoming language barriers. This may run counter to the belief that well-educated students are better able to communicate with British mainstream society than less-privileged Chinese with little education.

Being far away from home, family-dependent students tend to form small groups with other Chinese students. These small Chinese communities, though they can bring mental solace and a sense of belonging, may be an obstacle hindering their studies and social communications.

Immersed in the Chinese-speaking environment, the chances of communicating with foreign students are greatly reduced. As a result, Chinese students may find it difficult to improve their language competence due to lack of practice.

UK Chinese Times also pointed out that compared with British students, Chinese students are less likely to engage in leisure activities and tend to immerse themselves in books all day. It is important for Chinese overseas students to learn to strike a balance between study and leisure.

"We should first try to abandon the Chinese way of thinking and learn to view the new environment from a different perspective. Only by doing so can we truly embrace the new way of life and fit into the new culture," a PhD candidate surnamed Shao suggested.