In my research, I looked for any articles or media on the topic of international students’ experience while studying in the UK. I came across this article and podcast by Ben Chu, BBC Economics editor at Newsnight, which focuses on the phenomenon of Chinese students in the UK, a group often subject to stereotyping and controversy.
The piece challenges the perception that these students are predominantly wealthy ‘Crazy Rich Asians’ overwhelming British campuses. It highlights the diversity within the Chinese student population in the UK, noting that many come from modest backgrounds and have never lived abroad before, experiencing culture shock upon arrival.
Focusing on Glasgow, which has over 6,000 Chinese students, the article shares personal stories of students like Hua from a small village and Yifei, who were drawn by the city’s historic university buildings. Despite the financial sacrifices made by their families, some students feel they don’t receive sufficient attention or services. The article also touches on the students’ desires to integrate more with local life, their reticence to engage in political discussions for fear of repercussions, and their search for individuality and self-expression in a UK university setting.
One Taiwanese student, Jo, expresses discomfort due to nationalist attitudes among some Chinese students. Cora Xu, a lecturer at Durham University and former Chinese international student, criticises the homogenisation of these students in public discourse and university administration, advocating for recognition of their heterogeneity and vibrancy. The article concludes that the overseas Chinese student experience is far from uniform, and viewing these students as individuals rather than a monolithic group is crucial.
The article and podcast reveals the rich diversity and individual experiences of Chinese students in the UK, challenging stereotypes and urging a more nuanced understanding that goes beyond viewing them as a homogeneous group. It underscores the importance of personal narratives in breaking down preconceptions and recognising the unique contributions of these students to academic and cultural life.
Chinese on campus – Ben Chu, BBC Sounds – https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m0014gbk (accessed November 2023)
Why are Chinese students so keen on the UK? By Ben Chu, Economics editor, Newsnight – https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-60587499 (accessed November 2023)