In the movie American Dreams in China last year, studying abroad was pictured as out of reach for many aspiring students in China. However, in reality, as educational reforms continue to move forward in China, overseas study is no longer a fantasy to most students. As a feature event of Peking University International Cultural Festival (ICF), the Ambassador-Student Dialogue this year focuses on overseas study for Chinese students.
The speakers included H.E.Anani Okuminyi Demuyakor, Ambassador of Ghana, H.E.Ralph Thomas, Ambassador of Jamaica,H.E. José.M.Borja, Ambassador of Ecuador, Nguyen Hoai Anh, Minister of Vietnamese Embassy, Jose David Murillo, Counselor of the Costa Rican Embassy in China, Stefania Stafutti, Cultural Counselor of Italy and Lu Chenguang, Education Specialist from the U.S Embassy in China.Five students from the School of International Studies, Peking University with overseas study experiences were also invited to share their views.
At the beginning of the forum, Li Huiruo, one of the student representatives, delivered a speech centering on the topic “Changing View, Broader Way”. She provided a description of the current trend of Chinese students studying overseas, and talked about her observations on the increasing number of Chinese students going abroad and the shift of their underlying motivations based on her understanding.
Ambassador Demuyakor pointed out that the interaction between China and Ghana remains far from satisfactory. He called for joint efforts in order to have more exposure of African culture to Chinese students.
Ambassador Thomas used the story of Marco Polo to make an analogy of overseas study today, and said that the formation of a new perspective toward global issues was helpful in discovering a new world. He stated that international study had forged precious interpersonal friendship and he was happy to see trust being built among different countries.
Ambassador Borjia talked about Costa Rica’s plan to provide high quality education for all students, including students in rural areas. Professor Stafutti offered students useful advice when studying abroad. She suggested Chinese students should go out and meet new friends instead of sticking to Chinese companions.Last but not least, Mr. Lu, who graduated in 2008 with a B.A. in Russian Literature, also shared his personal experience with the audience.
During the Q&A session, student Yang Fangyin asked for opinions about fast expansion of Chinese learning and Confucius Institutes.Student Ma Xinyue shared her experience of studying abroad, while Qiu Daolong put forward several possible approaches for African universities to attract Chinese students.
The annual Ambassador's Forum provides an opportunity for ambassadors and students to come together and exchange opinions on international study.At the same time, the in-depth communication will help boost the relationship between China and other countries.
Written by: Zhang Rutian, Liu Yiping
Edited by: Chia Wai Kian
