Comment

On 'Tragedy shows loneliness of students'

(China Daily)
Updated: 2009-12-29 10:13

Socialize with Westerners

Yes, loneliness is the greatest facet of a student's life when studying abroad. They are on their own and have almost complete "freedom" to do what they want with their life. There are no parents around and no relatives or friends to talk behind their backs.

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On 'Tragedy shows loneliness of students' Tragedy shows loneliness of students

Most Chinese students, especially from China, would congregate and share a house together to reduce expenses and loneliness. And at that age, the desire for companionship and sex is natural. They would not have been "romantically" involved had they studied back in China. At that age too, desire for sex is tempting when surrounded and bombarded by permissiveness in Western society. Many students, especially those from Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong and other countries, socialize and date Western girls as it would be less easy to be emotionally involved. And sex comes easy with Western girls, with almost no entanglement.

But Chinese students are quite shy and introverted. They should try to socialize more with Western girls to improve their linguistic skills and pass their lonely time.

Helen

Be less racist

I knew many Chinese students, some enjoyed their time and did not wish to return; others missed their families too much and did not interact well with the Western society. You also mentioned Singapore, Malaysia and Hong Kong; actually these students face the same issues as many, if not all international students in a foreign country. Those shy students you mentioned chose not to interact with the society and stay within their own social environment. I never understand why they even bother to come to a Western country to study in the first place if they don't even attempt to interact. It is the families that need to change but not the students.

Society in general needs to stop racist thoughts towards Westerners, Japanese and Koreans. Do not bother to rant and rave about Westerners being racists, the most racist people I have ever met in my entire life come from mainland china.

To Helen

Not Westerners' fault

So, Helen, since you know all, see all and do all - it appears that this situation is caused by the loose morals and lifestyle of Westerners. Is this correct? Isn't it because Chinese students believe Western universities are superior to Chinese universities? Why doesn't China correct this problem, if it is true? Then, you could keep Chinese students and Chinese money at home instead of shipping them abroad for a decent education.

John Stone

(The story can be accessed at chinadaily.com.cn/metro)