Coming to West, going to the East

One of the questions that frequently asked by Chinese (or Asian) students who are planning to study in the West is: are there going to be a lot Chinese or Asian students there? Some of them might prefer to meet people from their own country, because it is easier to start new life and find friends. But more are hoping to make western friends than people from their own country. I think I’m the second type, at least I was when I first came to UK. Anyway, the answer to the question is that wherever you go in the world now there will be a lots of Asian students, especially when you choose to study business or economy.

The number of Eastern students coming to the West is far more than Westerners in the East. In my Asian Pacific Rim seminar this week we watched a video about business in Hong Kong and China, which focused on the understanding the Chinese culture. I was one of the the only two Asian students in that seminar. While other students were busy making notes and try to understand China, I sat there and watching my own culture presented in English. It’s all familiar to me, but never got to look at my own culture in the way like it presented in the video. It was fascinating.

At the end of the seminar, the teacher mentioned a point which I’ve been thinking - look at the number of Asian students in England and English student in China, in near future they will be able to do business with English because of they can speak the language and have experience of living here, but how many of the English will be able to speak Chinese and understand their cultures? The other Asian student replied: I can see a big unbalance, China is going to take advantage in future.

If you’ve got a chance, I recommend you to come and visit Asia or China, because that will be the future. Go to the East.