Students from China

When asked what students coming here to an American high school should know, the first thing that they must know is English. There are such vast differences between the two (or more) languages that the student would need to have studied at least a few years of English in their own school before coming to study in the United States. Students will be assessed for English Language Proficiency upon arrival in Reading, Writing, Listening and Speaking with a LAS Placement Test that takes about 30 minutes. They should receive counseling to prepare them for the cultural differences they will experience prior to coming here. There should also be screening of students; a student who is shy and non-verbal would not be selected because he/she would not be able to contribute in class. The ideal candidate will have an enthusiastic attitude and be willing to speak and take risks with the new language. Students should expect some degree of culture shock and be willing to adapt. Students who are not willing to make changes would be at a disadvantage, and may need more time to prepare.



I have had experience with elementary, middle, high school and adults from China, and they are as varied in their abilities as anyone in our country. The main motivating factor for most of these students seems to be getting good grades and thus getting into an Ivy League College. Having the opportunity to start young puts them at quite an advantage, and it seems that those with parental or family support do extremely well. They must also be willing to participate and become immersed in the new culture. Most students navigate the new system remarkably well.