On the afternoon of November 2nd, the International Student Office took part in an exchange meeting on learning experience. Two Chinese students from Students International Communication Association (SICA) and two international students shared their learning experiences.
Chinese “classical” way of learning
“Exercise can never be enough, we have become skilled in our area through reiterative training, that's why Chinese students can get incredibly good marks in different exams,” said Arrow, a Chinese girl while explaining to international students some of the Chinese classical ways of studying.
In order to help international students adapt to the model of Chinese teaching, Arrow listed 5 steps in learning: previewing, attending class, doing exercise, reviewing and taking the exam. Be inquisitive and good listener during the class and feel free to discuss any difficult point were Arrow’s advices to international students.
“Most excellent students in HUST try much harder than me, we are not bookworms, we are just trying our best to pursue our dreams, the difference between the ordinary people and the extraordinary ones is that little extra,” with these inspiring words Arrow ended her speech.
Hu Chaoran, was the second Chinese student to share his experience in learning during the meeting. As a student majoring in mathematics, Hu suggested that international students may have much more difficulties in learning mathematics in Chinese than local students, therefore “it’s wise to ask help from teachers and be friends with Chinese classmates.” as Hu said.
The splendid speeches of Chinese students impressed the international students and won lasting applause. Then two international students shared their experiences in learning with the attendees.
Set a Way and Never Give Up
“Chinese students get up so early and go to class at 8:00, while some of us still sleep at that time, or even never show up in class,” said Safouan, a student majoring in management coming from Yemen. Using his fluent Chinese, Safouan insisted that besides attendance in class, doing preview is beneficial. “If one cannot understand new knowledge in Chinese well, he can learn it in his mother language which may help a lot.”
The last speaker was Elyse de la Joie Horimbere, majoring in Architecture, from Burundi. She has been inChinafor five years. From feeling easy at the very beginning to struggling when the second semester came, Elyse realized that she needed to come up with some kind of study plan: attending classes, participating in class activities, talking to professors, keeping in touch with the monitor and submitting all the homework, all together may give some help.
She said：“The key is just to never give up, I guess. Hard work always pays.” Although she used to fail in some courses, she never gives up and works “two if not three times more than Chinese classmates.” Step by Step, she got confidence in herself and her academic performance is improving.“Awareness, adaptability and initiative can help you go through it all. If they did it, we can do it too.” These words give the attendees confidence and power from the heart.
The meeting was a part of Enrollment Education for freshmen of The School of International Education, in order to help international students adapt to the model of Chinese teaching successfully.
