Issues that both parents and students face
On the other hand, once the Chinese students have enrolled at American schools, their parents may have limited contact with the school. What they learn about the school and its developments is often from the one-sided perspective of their child. Hence, the parents end up not knowing anything about the finer details of the school, and the chasm between the parents and school continues to widen. Due to Chinese cultural traits, the parents are usually inclined to adopt a conservative and passive approach towards contacting the teachers. As for the students, while they are relieved having escaped from the national high-school exams, they also feel a sense of loneliness and isolation. The struggles they face during their studies will often weaken their self-confidence and self-initiative. They also do not have the option of venting their frustrations at their parents.
Cultural differences
The large number of Chinese students entering the school system brings about the need to adjust the policy and approach towards these students. This includes the provision of the contract in both Chinese and English, the employment of Chinese language teachers, as well as the organization of meetings with parents. At the same time, there is also the phenomenon of parents accompanying their child, who is coming over for studies, to settle down in the U.S. The problem we face is as follows: As a school and an educational institution, have we fulfilled our responsibilities? Or should we get out of the current framework to extend a helping hand?
This animated story follows students through their journey, from leaving home in China, to arriving at school.
Setting expectations realistically