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Experiences & Aspirations of Foreign Students in the USA

In an era marked by globalization and cultural exchange, the experiences of international students studying abroad provide invaluable insights into cross-cultural dynamics, educational systems, and societal perceptions. This is the second survey in the series of “The Survey Reportika” presented by the Investigative Journalism Reportika. This iteration aims to delve into the multifaceted experiences and perspectives of students from China, India, and South Korea studying in universities across the United States of America. These three countries are among the top sources of international students in the USA, making their perspectives particularly significant. Conducted anonymously, this survey gathered responses from 1,500 students, with 500 each from China, India, and South Korea, enrolled in various universities throughout the USA. The participants, while representing diverse academic disciplines and backgrounds, shared their candid insights on a range of topics, including their academic experiences, cultural adjustment, perceptions of freedom, views on their home countries, and reflections on their decision to study abroad. By exploring the perspectives of these students, this report endeavors to offer a nuanced understanding of their academic journeys, cultural adaptation processes, and evolving perceptions of their home countries and the USA. Through their anonymity, participants were able to express themselves freely, contributing valuable insights that can inform future discussions on international education, cultural exchange, and global citizenship. In the following sections, we present a detailed analysis of the survey findings, categorized into relevant themes, accompanied by reflections and implications drawn from the data. It is our hope that this report serves as a resource for educators, policymakers, and stakeholders interested in fostering a more inclusive and enriching educational environment for all students, regardless of their cultural background or nationality. Download the complete Report : Click Here Survey Overview Conducted from February 1, 2024, to April 30, 2024, this extensive survey engaged 1,500 participants from diverse backgrounds, seeking to delve into the sentiments of students from China, India, and South Korea pursuing higher education in the USA. Utilizing a hybrid approach that blends offline and online methods, the survey ensures comprehensive representation across genders, religions, and ethnicities. Designed to explore motivations, challenges, and aspirations, this study aims to provide a nuanced understanding of the experiences of international students abroad, contributing valuable insights to ongoing conversations on global education, cultural adaptation, and international relations. (Click on the following questions and representational images to read the opinions and survey statistics.) Q1: What motivated you to pursue higher education in the USA instead of your home country? Q2: From your experience, how would you rate the academic environment in the USA compared to your home country? Q3: How do you foresee studying in the USA impacting your future career compared to studying in your home country? Q4: How challenging have you found adapting to cultural differences between your home country and the USA? Q5: How important is it for you to maintain your connection to your native identity while living in the USA? Q6: Do you feel more personally free in the USA compared to China? Q7: How would you rate the differences in political and social freedoms between your home country and the USA? Q8: What do you see as the major challenges facing your home country today? Q9: After completing your course in the USA, how likely are you to stay in USA and work towards your career aspirations? Q10: What misconceptions about your home country have you encountered while living in the USA? Conclusion The survey highlights key motivations for international students choosing the USA for higher education. Among Chinese students, 36% cite dissatisfaction with China’s political system and restrictions on freedom. For Indian students, 34% are concerned about the rigidity and outdated nature of education system. Among South Korean students, 32% seek a global perspective and exposure to international cultures. These percentages underscore the perceived drawbacks of their home countries’ systems and the benefits of studying in the USA. The survey also reveals that 42% of Chinese students, 39% of Indian students, and 13% of South Korean students find the academic environment in the USA much better than in their home countries, highlighting greater academic freedom, diverse opportunities, and advanced resources in the USA. The survey highlights varied perspectives on political and social freedoms among international students. For China, 51% of respondents find freedoms much greater in the USA due to censorship and surveillance in China. In comparison, 39% of Indian students believe the USA offers greater freedoms, citing discrimination and women’s rights issues in India. For South Korea, 42% view freedoms as comparable between the two countries, but 29% see the USA as offering somewhat or much greater freedoms due to broader speech rights and a less hierarchical societal structure. Meanwhile, a notable 33% of Indian respondents believe political and social freedoms are greater in India, highlighting social schemes and constitutional protections. The survey highlights the career aspirations of international students after completing their studies in the USA. Among Chinese students, 76% plan to return to China to contribute to its development, while 11% are very likely to stay in the USA for career opportunities in tech hubs like Silicon Valley. Indian students show a strong inclination to remain in the USA, with 40% very likely to stay, inspired by successful Indian CEOs in the West. However, 39% prefer to return to India to aid its progress. South Korean students are more moderate, with 32% very likely to stay in the USA, 45% somewhat likely, and 23% planning to return home to apply their skills. In summation, the comprehensive survey captures the intricate tapestry of experiences and perspectives among international students studying in the USA. From motivations for pursuing higher education abroad to assessments of academic environments and considerations for post-graduation career paths, the survey provides valuable insights into the dynamics of cross-cultural interactions, educational aspirations, and societal contributions. It underscores the pivotal role of international education in fostering global understanding, facilitating personal and professional growth, and driving socio-economic development worldwide. By shedding light on the complex interplay of individual…

World

What do you see as the major challenges facing your home country today?

Editor2 months ago07 mins

Download Complete Report: Click Here Challenges faced by China Censorship: 38% identified censorship as a major challenge facing China, citing restrictions on freedom of speech and expression as impediments to open discourse and societal progress. Dwindling Global Image: 20% students expressed concern about China’s global image, which is often perceived as authoritarian and lacking in respect for human rights and democratic values. They noted the importance of improving China’s international reputation to foster positive relationships with other nations. Discontent Among Ethnic Groups: 17% students highlighted the discontent among ethnic minority groups such as Uyghurs and Tibetans, pointing to issues of cultural suppression, human rights abuses, and ethnic discrimination. Rising Inequality: 14% students highlighted inequality as a significant challenge, citing disparities in wealth, access to education, healthcare, and opportunities between urban and rural areas, as well as among different socioeconomic groups. Poor Work-life balance: 11% identified work-life balance as a major challenge facing China, pointing to long working hours, intense competition, and high levels of stress in the workplace as factors contributing to poor quality of life and mental health issues. Challenges faced by India Outdated Education System: The education system was identified as a critical challenge by 31% of respondents. They criticized the system for promoting rote learning, outdated teaching methods, and a lack of emphasis on innovation and critical thinking skills. Many called for reforms to make education more relevant, practical, and conducive to fostering creativity and problem-solving abilities among students. Corruption: A significant portion of 26 % respondents cited corruption as a major challenge facing India. They expressed concerns about pervasive corruption in local government offices, including encounters with corrupt practices such as bribery, particularly with traffic police. However, many respondents noted a positive trend of decreasing corruption due to ongoing digital initiatives in India. High Pollution: Pollution was identified as a pressing challenge, particularly in urban areas, by 19% of respondents. They highlighted the detrimental effects of pollution on public health, the environment, and overall quality of life, emphasizing the urgent need for measures to address air, water, and noise pollution. Unemployment: Unemployment emerged as a significant concern among respondents, with 14% expressing worry about the lack of job opportunities in the country. Many cited under-employment as a common issue, where individuals are unable to find jobs that match their qualifications and skills, leading to frustration and economic instability. Inadequate Health infrastructure: 10% respondents highlighted the inadequate health infrastructure in India as a major challenge. They expressed concerns about long waiting times in government hospitals and high costs of treatment in private healthcare facilities, making access to quality healthcare difficult for many individuals, especially those from lower-income backgrounds. Challenges faced by South Korea Aging Population: 34% mentioned South Korea’s rapidly aging population is its biggest challenge. Respondents highlighted concerns about the increasing burden on the pension system, healthcare services, and the workforce shrinking as the elderly population grows. They stressed the need for policies to address these demographic changes, such as encouraging higher birth rates and implementing better support systems for the elderly. Mental Health Issues: 23% participants raised concerns about the mental health crisis in South Korea. They pointed to high rates of stress, depression, and suicide, particularly among students and young adults. The respondents called for more comprehensive mental health services, increased awareness, and reduced stigma around seeking help for mental health issues. Youth Unemployment: 20% respondents pointed to the high youth unemployment rate as a pressing issue. They noted that despite South Korea’s advanced economy, many young people struggle to find stable and well-paying jobs. This challenge is often attributed to the high level of competition in the job market and the mismatch between the education system and the needs of the labor market. Political Polarization: 13% respondents mentioned the increasing political polarization in South Korea as a significant challenge. They observed that the political landscape has become more divided, which has led to social tensions and a lack of consensus on important national issues. They stressed the importance of fostering dialogue and cooperation across different political and social groups to ensure stable and effective governance. Real Estate and Housing Prices: 10% identified the soaring real estate and housing prices, particularly in major cities like Seoul. Respondents expressed concern about the affordability of housing for young families and the impact of high property prices on social inequality. They emphasized the need for government intervention to stabilize the housing market and make home ownership more accessible.

World

How would you rate the differences in political and social freedoms between your home country and the USA?

Editor2 months ago2 months ago06 mins

Download Complete Report: Click Here Much Greater in the USA China: 51% indicated that political and social freedoms are much greater in the USA. They cited the presence of censorship, surveillance, and the social credit system in China, which restricts freedom of speech and expression. Additionally, they appreciated the political freedoms enjoyed in the USA, such as the right to vote, freedom of speech, and access to diverse sources of information. India: 10% believed that political and social freedoms are much greater in the USA. They cited factors such as the prevalent caste system, discrimination, lesser women’s rights, and rising violence against women in India. They also raised concerns about the integrity of elections and LGBT rights in India. South Korea: 9% emphasized the broader freedoms in the USA, highlighting more extensive freedom of speech, robust protection of individual rights, and a more open media environment compared to South Korea. Somewhat Greater in the USA China: 31% acknowledged that political and social freedoms are somewhat greater in the USA. They highlighted the democratic system allowing for diverse opinions without fear of reprisal and concerns about the non-cooperative nature of law enforcement in China. South Korea: 16% noted that while both countries enjoy considerable freedoms, the USA offers slightly more leeway in terms of social movements, freedom of expression, and a less hierarchical societal structure. India: 14% felt that political and social freedoms are somewhat greater in the USA. They mentioned issues such as the slow pace of police and judicial systems in India, fear of these systems, and corruption leading to inequality. About the Same in Both Countries South Korea: 42% felt that political and social freedoms are quite comparable. Both countries have strong democratic institutions, vibrant civil societies, and legal frameworks that protect individual freedoms. India: 35% believed that political and social freedoms are about the same in both countries. They emphasized the democratic principles upheld by both nations and the protection of individual freedoms. China: 12% viewed political and social freedoms as about the same in both countries. They noted that control is effectively in the hands of the rich and powerful in both, with differences in political transparency and accountability. Somewhat Greater in Home Country South Korea: 20% found South Korea to have somewhat greater freedoms, appreciating the high degree of social cohesion, community-focused values, and societal respect for education and public order. India: 18% perceived that political and social freedoms are somewhat greater in India. They highlighted initiatives such as reservations for government jobs and electoral seats aimed at uplifting the downtrodden and poor in India. China: 5% believed that political and social freedoms are somewhat greater in China. They pointed to rapid economic development facilitated by the one-party rule of the Communist Party of China (CPC) as evidence of political stability and progress. Much Greater in Home Country India: 23% believed that political and social freedoms are much greater in India. They pointed to various schemes targeting women and the downtrodden, the accessibility of the judicial system, and the strength of the Indian constitution. Concerns about racial discrimination in the USA were also noted. South Korea: 13% highlighted aspects of South Korean society such as the emphasis on public safety, efficient governance, and a culture promoting individual responsibility and collective well-being. They also appreciated the sense of security and trust in public institutions in South Korea. China: 1% felt that political and social freedoms are much greater in China compared to the USA. They highlighted the efficient implementation of policies by the Chinese government, leading to rapid economic development and progress in infrastructure and technology.

The Chinese mighty influence on the World Cinema

Editor2 years ago2 years ago18 mins

The Chinese mighty influence on the World Cinema According to @StatistaCharts, China is world’s Largest Film Market, overtaking North America with 47 billion yuan (7.4 billion USD) of box office revenue in 2021. Let’s discuss Chinese influence on the world cinema through its gigantic market and its economic influence! 𝗣𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘀𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝘁𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗰𝘀 Hollywood Studios are pressurized by China to indulge in censorship to suit the Chinese narrative. They thus indulge in self censorship, post release censorship and cutting out movies scenes before its China release. 𝗕𝗮𝗻 𝗠𝗼𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘀 Dr Strange 2 was banned recently. The reason was a newspaper box of Dajiyuan the Chinese language EpochTimes (critical of Chinese authoritarianism) appearing in one shot of the movie. Following are some of the movies which suffered a similar fate. Recently, The Film Censorship Board of Malaysia (LPF) has banned a Hong Kong film from screening in Malaysia for allegedly glorifying violent protests and for its potential to affect Malaysia-China bilateral relations. The film, ‘May You Stay Forever Young’, depicts a 17-year-old girl’s attempt to kill herself during the massive anti-extradition protests in Hong Kong and her friends’ efforts to rescue her. 𝗕𝗮𝗻 𝗔𝗿𝘁𝗶𝘀𝘁𝘀 Actor John Cena had to apologize to Chinese audience after calling Taiwan a country to avoid getting banned. Many other prominent artists, however, got banned in China in past decades. Show Tibet/Taiwan/Hongkong and get banned Any movie in the world cant showcase these nations as independent nations or nations under captivity. Even attending concerts for countries like Tibet will ensure a ban on the artist and all his/her movies. 𝗖𝗲𝗻𝘀𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗦𝗰𝗲𝗻𝗲𝘀 The 2015 sci-fi movie Pixel made it into China after removing a scene of aliens blasting a hole into the GreatWall of China. The makers put a scene where the aliens are smashing the Taj Mahal in India instead. 𝗕𝗮𝗻 𝗔𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗱 𝗦𝗵𝗼𝘄𝘀 China also bans the broadcast of the Award Shows where an uncensored film is getting nominated/honored. Music Censorship 𝗢𝗯𝗷𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗖𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀𝗲 influenced world cinema Many countries have objected to the release of the movies influenced by China. US Market vs the Chinese Market The growth of China in the movie world is significant. The stats show why Hollywood cant resist the Chinese temptation. The following data is from the year 2021. China finances Hollywood China finances many Hollywood movies and the number of movies it finance is on the rise. Chinese movies are also getting shelved!! Recently, a film “Hidden in the Dust”, which reflects the living conditions of the people at the bottom of northwest China, was taken off the shelves after breaking through the box office of over 100 million yuan. The reason for this has sparked heated debate. On July 8 this year, a Chinese reality film “Hidden in the Dust”, which has been withdrawn many times, was finally approved by the cultural department for screening. This small-budget film cost only about 2 million yuan, but within 60 days of its launch, it created an astonishing record of breaking the box office of 100 million yuan. However, before the film’s network key had expired, the film was removed from the theaters ahead of schedule due to reasons such as “catering to the West”, and Chinese streaming media platforms followed closely. Wang Ruiqin, former member of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference of Qinghai Province, who lives in the United States, said in an interview that “Hidden in the Dust” just reflects the current situation of Northwest society. Which movie will surely get banned There is a 𝗽𝗮𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗻 𝗯𝗲𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗱 𝗯𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝗰𝗲𝗻𝘀𝗼𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗯𝗮𝗻𝘀. Just like Chinese influence on the world media and Chinese influence on the cultural narratives, the Chinese influence on the world cinema is also massive. Following are some of the common themes that gets banned by China. “Censorship is to art as lynching is to justice.” Henry Louis Gates Jr Sources: Dr.Jenny Kin Jacobs compiled and curated this report jenny_kjacobs

East Asia

China imposes total information controls around China Eastern crash site

Editor2 years ago2 years ago09 mins

The ruling Chinese Communist Party (CCP) is moving to delete rumor, speculation and opinion about the China Eastern crash from the country’s tightly controlled internet, while even state-approved journalists have reported problems gaining access to the crash site. Since officials announced on March 22 that all 132 people aboard flight MU5735, a Boeing 737 China Eastern en route between Kunming and Guangzhou that crashed in a mountainous part of Guangxi outside Wuzhou, had died, any information about the investigation into the cause of the crash has been tightly restricted by the authorities. Chinese journalist Du Qiang recently complained on the social media platform WeChat that he and a colleague, Chen Weixi, were denied access to the crash site by police after flying there on the same day, only managing to take a few photos from a distance before being ordered to leave. Du wrote that the roads leading to the crash site were blocked by three police checkpoints, and that fellow journalists working for Japanese broadcaster NHK met with similar treatment. He wrote that official journalists working for state broadcaster CCTV and Xinhua news agency had once been in the habit of visiting disaster sites in the hope of netting some prized photos or footage of the area, but that this now seems impossible. His WeChat post, which also called for better press arrangements, including wider access to official news conferences, garnered huge numbers of views and comments, but has since been deleted. “Could the leaders of China Eastern Airlines and relevant departments come better prepared so that more questions can be raised?” Du’s post said, also calling for more interviews with rescue teams or grieving relatives. “Is it possible to seek the opinions of family members and let those who are willing to meet with the media?” A photographer who gave only the nickname Xiao Gao told RFA he had also tried to get to the site around the same time. “I have never come across such tight controls at a disaster site as I did this time around,” Xiao Gao said. “We tried to interview people in nearby villages … but there were obstacles at every turn.” Hebei-based journalist Huang Tao said the authorities are keen to ensure that they control every aspect of media and social media reporting of the crash. “This must be to prevent information from leaking out,” Huang said. “There is probably a lot of evidence at the scene indicating something that they don’t want reporters to find out about.” Deleting ‘rumors’ China’s powerful Cyberspace Administration said on March 26 that it has deleted more than 279,000 posts containing “illegal content” relating to the crash, including 167,000 rumors and 1,295 hashtags. It said it had also shut down 2,713 social media accounts. Among the “rumors” deleted from social media included claims that China Eastern had already sustained losses of tens of billions of dollars, and had slashed maintenance costs in a bid to improve its financial situation. But Huang said he believes much of what the authorities say is “rumor” is authentic information. “You can tell which reports are true by looking at what they are deleting,” Huang said. “[So] the reports that the airline didn’t maintain [the aircraft] properly to save money … may be true; it’s looking more and more likely that it has to do with maintenance.” An aircraft maintenance engineer surnamed Chen said the fact that parts of the aircraft’s tail were found some 10 kilometers from the crash site suggests that there may have been problems with this part. “[If] the torque was too large, it could have gotten sheared off, which wouldn’t be surprising,” Chen said. “The crash is going to be either due to human error or a mechanical failure.” Both black boxes, the flight data recorder and the cockpit voice recorder, have been recovered and taken to Beijing for decoding, Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) official Zhu Tao told journalists on March 27. The investigation is seeking answers to questions about why the Boeing 737 descended 6,000 meters in the space of just one minute, before burying itself 20 meters deep in a mountainside as it began its descent to Guangzhou. Deliberate media controls U.S.-based economist He Qinglian said the media controls are likely top-down and deliberate. “They won’t let them report from the crash site — that’s the CCP’s dead hand controlling the media,” He said. “It’s to make sure that nobody starts making interpretations that aren’t in line with the official narrative.” Meanwhile, the authorities have yet to publish a list of the passengers and crew who were aboard the doomed flight, with Hong Kong media reports saying the families of victims are being closely watched around the clock by Chinese officials. An online appeal from the families of victims complained that they, too, are being kept in the dark by officials. “Due to the pandemic, there is almost no way for family members [of victims] to communicate with other family members,” the appeal, which was no longer visible on Toutiao by Tuesday, said. However, authorities did respond to some of the relatives’ requests by taking them up to the crash site in separate groups, to view the scene and to make offerings for their loved ones at a temporary shrine in the area. One family member wrote: “Even if they don’t find anyone, I am hoping to go home with some soil from the crash site [in lieu of remains].” Translated and edited by Luisetta Mudie.

Tag: Censorship

What do you see as the major challenges facing your home country today?

The Chinese mighty influence on the World Cinema

China imposes total information controls around China Eastern crash site

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Investigative Journalism Reportika © March 2022 by Ij-Reportika is licensed under CC BY 4.0