Chinese students might experience a culture shock in class when they first arrive in the United States. It is mainly manifested in three aspects: the class choice, the lecture atmosphere, and the afterschool workload. Together, they form an instructive system where students are expected to be self-driven and highly motivated in their own education.

In general, American universities do not require students to declare their major until sophomore or even junior year. Before settling down their field of study, students are welcomed to sit in courses from all departments and enjoy what is often called general education. This freedom not only enables all to explore and develop various interests, but also makes it more affordable to miscomprehend their passion or build false assumptions about one discipline.

The courses themselves are distinctive as well. While I deemed it stereotypical to consider Chinese students as more timid and passive compared to those in Western countries, it is quite true in reality. Whether it’s answering a question asked by the professor, clarifying a confusing point, or sharing a piece of thought, raising one’s hands is so natural that nobody would hesitate before doing so. Students are fully accustomed to making themselves heard during the class, and do not view it as a waste of time or flaunting of knowledge.

Comparatively, American college students take fewer classes than Chinese peers, but their academic workload is just as heavy. Professors always assign readings, practices, or group projects so that students can master things they’ve learned and get prepared for the next lecture. Some courses are also accompanied with a mandatory discussion session, where students, overseen by a teacher, meet and share their opinions about anything related to the class.

In short, higher education in the U.S. and China are quite different, and new arrivals must learn how to adapt to a novel way of studying if they wish to achieve a productive learning experience.(Aries Cheng)