Clear goal key to overseas study

By Zhao Yanrong (China Daily)
Updated: 2009-11-16 09:12

It was recently revealed that thousands of international students had become stranded in Australia after several local private schools went bankrupt. The public has condemned the education investors involved, but I believe the students might have avoided being victims if they had better planned their study. A clear goal and the confidence to compete with local students are crucial to success in overseas education.

In general, private schools that cater to international students are not as good as public schools in Australia in terms of management.

Chinese students, who had been transferred two or three times because of the closing of international schools, told me they chose private schools partly because they were worried that their English was not good enough to talk with Australian classmates in public schools. To realize their overseas education dream, some Chinese students chose this "easier way".

One student said that all 20 students in his class are from China. While it is good to have friends to help overcome the loneliness of living overseas, I think hanging out with only Chinese stops you from knowing local culture, which is an important part of international education. Some Chinese students still could not speak English after a few years of overseas study.

International students have to pay more tuition fees than locals. Many Chinese students work part time for low wages in order to cover their daily expenses. Studying overseas is much more than sitting in another countries' classroom for knowledge.

How to make expensive tuition fees and time living overseas worthy are questions every student should think about before going overseas.

What is your goal for studying overseas? Are you brave enough to handle all the difficulties you will face in another country? I am sure there is always an easier way to go, but do you realize that it will also impact the outcome if you take the easy way?

It is reported that the Australian international education market is shrinking due to the series collapsing of private schools. Chinese students should think twice when they go to study in other countries where they will probably encounter the same problems.

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