Changing Places to Learn: Young Chinese’ experiences of the UK as an educational tourist destination Dr. Anita Zhao 3 rd Annual Excellence in Teaching and Learning Conference

Background Increasing numbers of international students in UK universities, particularly Chinese Between , about Chinese students were studying in the UK (HESA, 2010) Estimation on the rise of Chinese students remains optimistic (Gill, 2010) However, the competition in the higher education market is very high. 2

Background (cont) Life as an international student in the UK is not always easy or straightforward (Humfrey, 1999; McNay, 1995) Teaching policies and practices in universities are stemmed from the style of the selective British education system (Barnett, 1997; Scott, 1995) 3

The (Traditional) Approach to Chinese Teaching and Learning Being formal, disciplined, teacher-centred and didactic (Turner, 2006) “Like stuffing a duck” (Turner and Acker, 2002: p110) The role of the teacher The role of the student The role of the parents 4

The Contemporary Scene Learning tends to (Turner, 2006): – focus on knowledge content – mainly teacher-centred – highly competitive (strives to be the ‘best’ among others) – exam-focused – ‘rote’ learning (repetitive, memory-based approaches as vehicles for achieving deeper learning) – … 5

Research Aim To investigate Chinese students’ experience in the UK as a ‘tourism’ and educational place – What do Chinese students expect from their study in the UK as a destination country and a society? – What do they think about the UK prior to their arrival? – How is their experience formed? 6

Methodology A qualitative approach using focus groups was adopted Five mini focus groups were conducted Convenience sampling 4-5 students per group for an in-depth discussion of their expectations and experiences of their stay in the UK Data analysis limitations 7

‘Changing’ Places to Learn – Reasons for Choosing the UK Save time Unique experience of being abroad Opportunities to improve language skills 8

‘Changing’ Places to Learn – Reasons for Choosing the UK A perceived world-class education system Opportunities to travel other European countries Relatively low cost of staying in the UK (at the moment!) 9

Expectations of the UK 10 “… a beautiful country with rich history” “… Living here is relaxing and simply” “… People are friendly and nice.” “… Living in China is much busier. I feel more pressure as well.” “… Living here is simple. Except studying, I have nothing else to do.”

Integrating with the British Society “[I] want to integrate with the society but found it very hard. In fact, I don’t know how to integrate.” “[It is] hard to make friends. [I] feel lonely … People here are very individual, unlike people in China.” 11

(Unexpected) Findings A very narrow impression and experience of British society as a whole Poor preparation for the stay in the UK Limited problem-solving skills 12

Discussions and Conclusion The gap between students’ expectation and experience The importance of the motivations studying in the UK Opportunities and barriers to over come Cohort group (?) Gender differences (?) 13

Key References Bischoff, E.E. & Koenig-Lewis, N. (2008). VFR tourism: the importance of university students as hosts. International Journal of Tourism Research, Vol. 9, Bodycott, P. (2009). Choosing a higher education study abroad destination: What mainland Chinese parents and students rate as important. Journal of Research in International Education, 8, Gill, J. (2010). Chinese demographics pose risk to UK market share. Times Higher Education, June 26. Retrieved September 24, 2010 from e=26 e=26 HESA (2010). Press release Students in Higher Education Institutions 2008/09. Retrieved October 7, 2010 from mid=161 mid=161 Turner, Y. (2006). Chinese Students in a UK business school: Hearing the student voice in reflective teaching and learning practice. Higher Education Quarterly, 60(1), A full list of references may be available upon request. Please Dr Anita Zhao: 14