Students in the United States experience professors with a particular teaching style. When students decide to go abroad to study, however, they are often met with a different classroom culture. This is especially true in countries like China, where the classroom atmosphere is in stark contrast to the United States. These differences draw students to China for a variety of reasons. Whether you’re looking to learn a new language, take interesting classes, or make lifelong friends, studying abroad in China has a lot to offer. For those that decide to study abroad, it is important to learn about how the host culture will differ from you’re native culture, especially in the classroom. Learning about these differences before you leave can prevent culture shock, while also preparing you for the behavioral expectations of the host culture. In this article we’re going to describe the way that classes run in China, as well as how Chinese professors differ from those in the United States.

 

The Basics of Chinese Classrooms

 

            Before we can discuss the differences between Chinese classrooms and classrooms in the United States, we must explain how Chinese classrooms run on a daily basis. China regards education highly, and students are pressured to excel. School days are longer in China, and students typically have a significant homework load each night. This doesn’t discourage children from succeeding, however, as performing well in school is seen as a high achievement. This level of commitment to education is not quite mirrored in the United States. The average student studying abroad would likely experience some culture shock as a result of the differences between education in the United States and China.

 

 Differences Between Professors in China and the US

 

Now that we’ve discussed the basics of classrooms in China, we can move on to the differences between professors in China and the ones found in the United States. These differences exist in three key areas: the level of respect held for professors, the way that participation is viewed, and the way that exams are conducted.

      Levels of Respect for Professors

           

            Professors in China are held to a much higher level of respect than those in the United States. Here in America, it’s not uncommon to have a professor that allows you to call them by their first name. In China, however, this is seen as highly disrespectful. Professors in China are seen as being worthy of high respect, and should not be put on the same level as students. These professors are referred to by the appropriate title, such as “Mr.” or “Dr.”, with accompanying bows as necessary. You should be prepared to greet professors as expected so that you don’t come off as rude or culturally uneducated.

 

      How Participation is Viewed

 

In the United States, classroom participation is highly encouraged. Students are frequently told to voice their opinions and ask questions about topics they do not understand. In China, participation is viewed in a less celebratory light. Chinese students should keep quiet in the classroom and not speak out of turn. It is simply expected that the professor is the only person in the classroom that should be speaking. This pattern stems from the collectivist culture present in China. Ideal citizens are those that act for the collective group and try not to stand out.

 

For students from the United States who are studying in China, this will be a different classroom atmosphere than what you have usually experienced. You should also be prepared to keep any comments to yourself during the class for the same reason. You may be used to classes working a certain way, but if you behave that way in China you may find yourself on the bad side of a professor.

 

      How They Write Exams

 

            This may be the most glaring difference between Chinese and American professors. In the United States, exams are different from professor to professor. Despite this, there are some principles that seem to encompass the general expectations of students during exams. Most tests involve short answer or essay questions, in which the student must answer a question in several sentences. These answers are open ended and may vary slightly from student to student. This expression is valued in American classrooms, and professors often regard creativity highly. In China, however, this is not the case. Exams in China are much more rigid and focused on reiteration of the material found in the textbook or lecture. Students are expected to memorize the material exactly, and be able to reproduce it on exams. This may pose a problem for international students studying in China. This is not an exam system that you are used to, so you should prepare yourself accordingly before exams.

           

Conclusion

 

            For students looking to broaden their horizons, studying abroad is an excellent choice. China is one of many countries that has a lot to offer to international students. Before committing to study abroad in China, though, you should be aware of how professors will differ in your host country.

 

March 16, 2018