My Personal Experience of Studying in China

I will forever remember the day when I walked out of my senior high school entrance examination in China asking myself how I was unable to finish the exam. Those long enduring study hours and my lack of a social life were all for nothing. As I looked in the mirror, I understood my life had inevitably been altered. In China, students can only take the high school entrance examination once, and prominent high schools will only admit students with the highest grades.

Examinations are what essentially determine students’ success. Perfect grades and distinguished schools are the primary expectations from parents. This was my one chance to make my parents proud and my one shot to give my parents something to brag about to their friends. Instead, the following months would be marred with premonition and anguish.

Due to my examination score, I couldn’t enroll at my desired high school in China. “What’s my next step?” I consistently asked myself.

I had never failed at anything academically before. It was hard for me to accept. Over time, my frustration got the better of me, and it reflected on my performance at school as well as my relationship with my parents. All of my friends enrolled at their desired high schools. Watching my parents speak to their parents was distressing. As they boasted about their kids’ exam results and academic achievements, I could see my parents struggling to hide their embarrassment and disappointment in me. I was truly happy for my friends.

Get quality help now

writer-Charlotte

Verified

Proficient in: Student

4.7 (348)

“ Amazing as always, gave her a week to finish a big assignment and came through way ahead of time. ”

+84 relevant experts are online

Hire writer

However, the feeling of being the only one unable to “choose” a high school was truly disheartening.

Nevertheless, my parents were full of support and love. Despite their continued confidence and encouragement, I knew it was up to me to make a decisive change. After several sleepless nights, my path was clear. I would restart my high school career as an international student in the United States.

Preparing for education in an English speaking country wasn’t an easy task. I immediately enrolled at an overseas education training center to enhance my English skills and broaden my perspectives on Western culture and education. After two months of examinations and interviews, I was finally accepted to a respected private high school in Write the name of the State.

As a young man studying abroad in an unfamiliar culture, I was yet again challenged by an unfamiliar foe: nobody speaks Chinese! Initially, I thought I had a respectable command of English. Needless to say, I had many embarrassing moments during my first semester in America. It was a strenuous adjustment communicating and studying in a foreign language on a daily basis. I would be lying if I said that I had never questioned my decision to move abroad. However, I promised myself I wouldn’t let my parents down, and most importantly, myself down. Having studied in the U.S. for two years, I am proud to say I am happier and stronger than ever, on the brink of graduating high school. There aren’t any obstacles that I cannot overcome. I am ready for my next challenge: undergraduate study.

As cliché as it sounds, this strenuous experience with my senior high school entrance examination in China was a blessing in disguise. Unable to enroll at my desired high school, I felt lost and unfulfilled with no path to take. Now I feel nothing but determination and self-respect with a clear vision of my future. Coming from a different culture, I’ve learned that failure is essential for personal and academic growth. I would have missed the opportunity to master English skills in an English speaking country. I have grown to be a confident, mature, and independent individual who welcomes a challenge.