A Contrast of North American and Chinese Universities
One of my friends is currently studying at a well-known university in China. He recently sent me an outline of some of the major differences he has seen while attending university in China, compared to his time in North America. Below is an excerpt of his email (slightly modified to maintain his anonymity).
The quality of students are excellent and the top in China and from around the world. That raises the bar significantly. However, the Chinese professors are also excellent when teaching in Mandarin, but because my program is taught in English, their ability to communicate articulately and expressively is weak. However, the workload has been relatively easier than compared to University in Canada. I found University in Canada to employ more rigorous analysis and have greater expectations. I think University in China has opened up academically, but Chinese scholars have continued to remain at the descriptive level, rather that getting into meta-analysis, theory, and analysis.
As a student, things are more laid back than in China than in Canada and you have to push yourself everyday. In Canada, there was more spoon feeding and a greater work load. I find the Chinese students to be disciplined, hard working, and dedicated to achieve meritocracy. But they do have weak social skills. However, in saying this let me point out that I think discipline and work ethic is what lacks in the West. So there is a trade off and one is not better than the other. There are just different social values where the emphasis placed on different outcomes. Living and studying in China lets you see how history, politics, and various layers of institutions shape their lives and behavior.
In retrospect, the caliber of students is what makes or breaks a good program. Hands-down, the students in my class have all been exceptional and distinctive to say the least. However, compared to my Harvard experience, (sitting in MBA classes, having lunch with students, and meeting the faculty) the students are slightly more competitive as a whole and their career focus is more refined, however they seem to see the world too narrowly; they see the world as America. What is outstanding in our class is that everyone brings their unique international experience, international knowledge, and international perspectives to the table, which makes the class more about the real world.
If you have any questions, feel free to ask in the comments and I’m sure you’ll get a response.