A Borderless Education - Personal Statement Example

A Borderless Education "I had lots of bloody school stuff. Oh it's toxic." exclaims the chinky-eyed girl with slight British but still with a hint of Chinese accent, as she arrives in her flat, hastily approaches and pulls a chair for our little chitchat. She checks on her watch and apologizes for being late by bowing her head many times and grins at me, her eyes lost in her face. Zhang Li Ying or Sarah (her English name) is just among the thousands of Chinese students studying in England. A native of Huangzhou, China, the 20 year-old girl who noticeably has dyed her hair into auburn is already in her third year as a Political Science major at London University at central London, just a few blocks away from her flat. It was her parent's idea to send her abroad to pursue college after she graduated in secondary school. She confesses that initially, she was to be sent to the United States were some of her relatives live. Li Ying really did not like the idea of being an alien in another place, more so living far away from her family. But since she had to follow her parents, she finally agreed on one condition-that she go to school in England. Her parents did not argue because they believed UK is known for their high quality education. "I like Europe more than the US. I think it's safer and I really love the place," she says. She always had a thing for Europe. In her early years, she says she enjoyed seeing settings in England on TV or in the movies. "You know, tea parties, palaces and even dragons," she quips. Maybe this interest helped her in adjusting to a new educational environment. "I was able to meet fellow Chinese and there are lots of other foreign students anyway," she adds. Her very first day in school was that of a typical newcomer, scary, exciting and confusing all at the same time. But she did not experience stares from her classmates as expected. Maybe because it was already normal for Englishmen to see their kind, whose skin color was not far behind as theirs. She admits that at first, though she knows basic English, (she now has an English tutor) she had a little hard time understanding the Brit accent. "It was after every sentence that I got what they meant. The same thing when I talk. They often could not understand me either. But I've gotten used to it so it's okay now," she confesses. Li Ying admits, studying in England is not that easy. Aside from adjusting to the way of teaching, she had to focus intently and strive hard with the demands of international high standards British Universities offer. This has helped her to become more independent and mature. "I'm very lucky to study in a foreign land and get the best opportunities so I should really make good of my stay here. At least I do my best especially that the tuition fee is very costly. It will break my parent's heart if they learn that I'm not doing any good here. Compared back in my homeland, we are not spoon-fed here. You also have to do some self-study." This is one thing Li Ying admires about education particularly in her university. Aside from London University's good reputation as among the oldest schools in England, there is academic freedom. Cultural shock was also part of her journey wherein she describes British people as less conservative than Chinese. "It's all about adjusting. I mean, that's life. For me, you should learn to understand and adapt for (sic) other cultures just as long as you don't forget or feel ashamed of your roots." British Lifestyle While Li Ying values her studies seriously, social life is also in her vocabulary. "But we do it in moderation," she says. She has met some English guys and admits that they have caught her fancy. She dates once in a while but has not chosen one yet. "Maybe because I'm focused on my studies. Besides, that can wait," she laughs. Chinese or British "It doesn't matter what nationality as long as were both compatible and we understand each other, "she laughs her eyes disappearing again. Every waking day in England she says is getting more thrilling. Talk about wonderful parks, fascinating museums , posh cafes and restaurants and the rich history and culture of England, not to mention also her side trips to some of the sites within the United Kingdom. "One of the common things UK and my homeland have is tea. Back in Huangzhou, we're known for our teas that are also for curing illnesses. China vs. England Despite the intriguing food and exciting things in the UK, Li Ying also misses Chinese cuisine. And like any other child who has been away from her loved ones, Li Ying, even after three years of her stay in England and while even getting the chance to go home on summer vacations, says she still misses her family and friends. Chinese people have strong family ties that is why. His landlord Charles Younghusband, who is just a few meters away from us, agrees of Li Ying's being homesick most of the time. "She would suddenly cry when we talk about her family," he teases. It is a good thing her sister now lives with her. Zhang Ying Cheng, a freshman in the same university has followed her older sister's footsteps. Charles Younghusband, who manages the neat apartment, has made life easier for his Chinese boarders. He has been keeping his business for several years already with only Chinese students. "There have been many Chinese students who came and left this house already. My wife and I act as their guardians. So we can assure their parents that they're in good hands. We introduce them a little about the British lifestyle and make sure that they enjoy their stay here. Most importantly, we set rules and are strict with them so that leisure time and studies don't get mixed up. China and Britain has a good relationship and we're trying to keep that." That explains why Li Ying has maintained passing grades. She cannot wait to graduate next year and is having second thoughts of pursuing her masteral education in the same country. She dreams of becoming a United Nation's staff or probably work for the Chinese government. As to having get settled in the UK in the future, Li Ying does not mind. She still wants to go back to China and serve her countrymen but is still opening doors. "Anyway, I can give back to England what it gave me in many other ways, even if I ain't here anymore." she beams. Li Ying walks me to the door until the pathwalk where the afternoon sun greets us. England has just started to get busy again. She watches the scene around her and heaves a sigh of relief. She hopes her studying in England will give her an edge as she embarks on a new journey, and she hopes it will be borderless again. Rationale: This feature article will appear in TIME magazine that aims to let readers discover the experiences of international students who study in the United Kingdom, particularly from China. Since there are a lot of Chinese students who opt to study in the UK, the article will serve as an information to world-wide readers of the said magazine, on how they are coping up with UK's international education standards. Time Magazine for sure has a wide scope and through this article, it will not only encourage students from China on planning to get an education in UK, but from other students in other countries as well. At the same time, it will make people from England realize what international students think about their country, particularly their education, and probably think of more schemes to improve whatever there is. Read More