“My classes were taught in a way that included more discussion and sharing of ideas,” said Wang (Pete) Yukun, a student at the University of Colorado Denver who was earning a bachelor of science in electrical engineering. He was also taking advantage of the university’s English as a Second Language (ESL) Academy to hone his writing and presentation skills in English. In comparing his education in his home country of China with that of his college experiences in the United States, Pete further explained that the American classroom’s learning environment was “more relaxed but still respectful.”
Many educators and parents recognize the importance of a Chinese education in structuring a strong foundation for students. They also view an American college education as valuable in cultivating a student’s creativity and critical thinking.
Memorization of vast amounts of information is crucial for students’ test-taking and their subsequent overall evaluation in China. In the U.S., content memorization is one part of a student’s evaluation, which can also include presentations, research papers, or a team project. Precision and information retention are key to a Chinese education; independence and concept development are integral to an American education.
Communicating one’s ideas effectively, working with a team, and gaining experiential learning also factor into a student’s success in the U.S.
Yang (Brandon) Zhou, a graduate student in civil engineering, had the opportunity to work on an innovative project between CU Denver’s College of Engineering, Design, and Computing, and the City and County of Denver. He and his classmates were able to team with an engineering company, contribute their ideas, and have professional level learning experiences.
“There’s value to learning in an urban environment in the United States,” said Brandon. “Studying at CU Denver led me to potential contacts in the engineering industry and to my job. You can take that knowledge and experience with you and work in your home country and in other countries.”
Weiji (Payton) Wu, Senior Director for China Initiatives in the Office of International Affairs (OIA), University of Colorado Denver | Anschutz Medical Campus, has first-hand knowledge of the benefits of higher education in both China and the U.S. – and of the complementary benefits that a joint partnership provides to students. In collaboration with Alana Jones, Associate Vice Chancellor, Dean Pamela Jansma/College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, faculty, and staff in both Beijing and Denver, plans are underway to celebrate a significant milestone in 2024. The year marks the 30th Anniversary of International College Beijing (ICB), a successful partnership between the University of Colorado Denver and China Agricultural University.
The first partnership of its kind in China, ICB offers classes to Chinese students in China and Colorado. Chinese students can earn undergraduate degrees in economics and communication or a dual degree from the University of Colorado Denver.
“Studying in a different country enables students to learn how people in other cultures think, how to approach problem-solving from other perspectives, and how diverse teams can operate effectively,” said Payton. “It’s important for business.”
He also commented on other student benefits. “The cost of living in Denver is reasonable; there’s affordable housing and excellent healthcare for international students enrolled at CU Denver | Anschutz.” He added, “Good quality of life is possible—a balanced lifestyle with time for dedicated study and work as well as time for relaxation and recreation.”
Personalized attention and advising support students throughout their educational journey. “ICB students in Beijing are reaching out to me as they’re planning to come to Denver,” explained Jingxuan (Jasmine) Mo, International Services Specialist in OIA. Jasmine provides students with a thorough checklist detailing all of the documents needed to apply for an I-20 and practical information about the process. “In addition to emails, I schedule Zoom meetings with the students in China, so we can discuss things directly; this works well and I enjoy communicating with the students in both Beijing and Denver.” Upon arrival in Denver, academic advisors and faculty meet with the students to give academic guidance; and an International Student reception is held during CU Denver’s Welcome Week with CU Denver 101 & Academic Success presentations.
Both China and the U.S. have distinguished educational systems. In partnership, they can foster the skills that prepare learners to contribute to shaping productive futures for their societies. Whether students come through a partnership program or through their own individualized educational plan, they will broaden their academic and career horizons at CU Denver.
Learn more at:
Office of International Affairs
International Admissions
FAQs
Essentially, the Chinese school system places more emphasis on the quantifiable “product” students produce (e.g. test scores, getting the “right” answer, etc.), while the American school system tends to give more consideration to the process by which they created the “product.”
What are the differences between China and America? ›
Values and Beliefs
Chinese culture is characterized by a strong emphasis on collectivism, respect for authority, and social harmony, while American culture values individualism, personal freedom, and self-expression. Both of these concepts are widely accepted and appreciated.
What is the Chinese view on education? ›
Traditional Chinese culture attached great importance to education as a means of enhancing a person's worth and career.
How does the US education system differ from other countries? ›
The US education system is known for its flexibility, allowing students to specialize in certain areas of study and elect to take certain classes. In contrast, many other countries require students to study a wide range of subjects, including math, science, history, literature, and foreign languages.
What are the key differences between the Chinese and US economic systems? ›
United States is a sophisticated and highly diversified economy that is based on services, finance, and consumption from the middle class. China has similar aspirations in the future, but right now it is resource-intensive growth engine making the transition from a manufacturing hub to a consumer-driven economy.
What grade is 16 years old in China? ›
List 227: Chinese School Grade
| Value | Description | Notes |
|---|
| 9 | Junior secondary school Ninth grade | Typical age 14 |
| 10 | Senior secondary school Tenth grade | Typical age 15 |
| 11 | Senior secondary school Eleventh grade | Typical age 16 |
| 12 | Senior secondary school Twelfth grade | Typical age 17 |
15 more rowsChinese culture values the collective, while American culture values the individual; Chinese culture emphasizes synthesis, while American culture emphasizes analysis. In addition, China and the United States have different customs, religious beliefs, and nonverbal communication.
How is Chinese ethics different from American ethics? ›
Americans have an individually centered morality that emphasizes inherent rights and principles of justice. In contrast, Chinese hold a moral code that focuses on relationships and collective responsibilities.
What are the differences between US and China leadership? ›
In Chinese leadership, the greater good often takes precedence over individual desires, contributing to a sense of unity and shared purpose. On the other hand, American leadership is characterized by a culture that emphasizes individual tasks, goals, and performance.
How long is school day in China? ›
The school days usually last a whole day (from around 8:00 until 17:00) with 45-minutes-long classes, with a little more flexible schedules in more rural areas. In China's metropolises, where lunch breaks are shorter, kids might finish school around 15:00 as well.
Education in China is primarily managed by the state-run public education system, which falls under the Ministry of Education. All citizens must attend school for a minimum of nine years, known as nine-year compulsory education, which is funded by the government.
What age do Chinese start school? ›
In China, primary school education is compulsory and it lasts 6 years. Children start schools at age six (seven in some areas).
Which country is #1 in education? ›
Countries with the Best Education
Iceland has the best rated education in the world with an index score of 0.938. Following close behind is Germany, the second best education ranking with a score of 0.917. New Zealand is just a few percentage points behind with a score of 0.914, making it the 3rd best educated country.
What are schools like in China? ›
Students are kept in the same group from primary school through high school. The students don't change rooms; the teachers do. Classes often have 50 or more students. Every student is expected to succeed in each subject regardless of personal strengths and weaknesses.
What makes US education different? ›
More than just academic success, American education also focuses on students' character development. For example, the Second Step programme offers a holistic approach to social-emotional learning (SEL) by providing a full scope of SEL activities and objectives from Kindergarten to High School.
What do Chinese and American schools have in common? ›
Both Chinese and American students often reflect similar positive attributes that make them strong learners who are attractive to university admissions. Students in both Chinese and American schools are hardworking and diligent, and while cultural influences may be different, the end result is very similar.
What is a comparison of pedagogy in China and USA classrooms? ›
China utilizes more of a collaborative repetition model, whereas USA schools utilize more of an individualist critical thinking model. Project based learning and critical thinking pedagogy were utilized during this study for comparison basis.
How long is a school day in China? ›
The school days usually last a whole day (from around 8:00 until 17:00) with 45-minutes-long classes, with a little more flexible schedules in more rural areas. In China's metropolises, where lunch breaks are shorter, kids might finish school around 15:00 as well.
Why China is best for education? ›
Lower Tuition Cost and Scholarships
The cost of studying in China is relatively lower compared with countries such as the USA, Canada, UK, and other European countries. Given the guaranteed level of quality education, International students who decide to study in China are less burdened.
