The Difference Between Studying In The UK And Studying In China

The Difference Between Studying In The UK And Studying In China

As a Chinese student studying in the UK, I found there are many differences between studying in the UK and studying in China, including the environment, types of study and types of assessment. I have the experience of studying in Chinese university, therefore, I would compare the difference of the studying in universities of China and the UK.

The environment of studying is quiet different. In China, almost all the universities have campus which is quiet different from that in the UK. There are several teaching buildings, mess halls, students dormitory and student services in the university’s campus. Students in China always stay in the campus day by day. They live in the dormitory, have breakfast, lunch and dinner in the mess hall, and study in the teaching hall and library. It is the Chinese students’ real life. But in Portsmouth, I found that there is no concept of campus. Students could choose a dwelling place themselves, such as renting a house with friends, flat and dormitory. And the buildings of the University of Portsmouth are scattered. Students and teachers have to walk between teaching buildings after class. But I do not think it is a problem, because a short walking can help to keep a clear head. In the UK, teachers prefer helping student instead of managing. Students in the UK would feel more free, more comfortable and more relaxed than Chinese students.

The comparison above is based on my first impression of the University of Portsmouth. Then I would compare the difference of types of study and types of assessment with my own experience of studying in Portsmouth.

The types of study are different. In the University of Portsmouth, there are a number of different types of study appearing on students’ timetable each week such as lectures and seminars. Lecture is a big class and the lecturer would keep talking for the whole class without asking students questions. Seminar is a smaller class and the teacher would explain the exercise that the students are required to do in the lectures and answer the students’ questions that they have from the lectures. Also students are asked to do private study for 2-5 hours each subject each week.But in China, there are no lectures and seminars. For one subject, it is always a big class last 120 minutes and the teacher never care whether the students understand. And the timetable of Chinese students is tight. Students do not have enough time to rest, I think that is why it is always can be seen students are sleeping in a big class of China.

The types of assessment are also different. In China, students are required to get 60 percent in order to pass the exam in the final exam. But in the UK, assessments are typically examinations and course work including some online test, account for a certain proportion separately. Students are required to get 40 percent of the unit to pass.

Here are three differences of the most profound based on my own experience studying in China and in the UK. I think there are many reasons, such as culture, history, education ideas, social background and the economic environments affecting the environment of studying.