Are overseas study tours worthwhile?

Editor's note: Overseas study tours are gaining popularity with Chinese parents who want their children to broaden their horizon and experience a different culture. According to the Chinese travel website Tuniu Corp, even pre-school children and elementary students have joined these trips this summer. The price for such a tour ranges between 20,000 and 30,000 yuan per person. Forum readers share their opinions.

Smaug (US)

If I were a wealthy Chinese parent, I would find a good camp in China, rather than the US. Better yet, let the children actually relax and enjoy themselves over the summer. Play video games, sports, etc. Let them have a happy childhood instead of just pushing for more educational success all the time. Maybe their grades won't be as high, but I bet they'll have happier memories when they're grown.

Students pose in front of the Sydney Opera House in Australia. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]