“My classes were taught in a way that included more discussion and sharing of ideas,” said Wang (Pete) Yukun, a student at the University of Colorado Denver who was earning a bachelor of science in electrical engineering. He was also taking advantage of the university’s English as a Second Language (ESL) Academy to hone his writing and presentation skills in English. In comparing his education in his home country of China with that of his college experiences in the United States, Pete further explained that the American classroom’s learning environment was “more relaxed but still respectful.”
Many educators and parents recognize the importance of a Chinese education in structuring a strong foundation for students. They also view an American college education as valuable in cultivating a student’s creativity and critical thinking.
Memorization of vast amounts of information is crucial for students’ test-taking and their subsequent overall evaluation in China. In the U.S., content memorization is one part of a student’s evaluation, which can also include presentations, research papers, or a team project. Precision and information retention are key to a Chinese education; independence and concept development are integral to an American education.
Communicating one’s ideas effectively, working with a team, and gaining experiential learning also factor into a student’s success in the U.S.
Yang (Brandon) Zhou, a graduate student in civil engineering, had the opportunity to work on an innovative project between CU Denver’s College of Engineering, Design, and Computing, and the City and County of Denver. He and his classmates were able to team with an engineering company, contribute their ideas, and have professional level learning experiences.
“There’s value to learning in an urban environment in the United States,” said Brandon. “Studying at CU Denver led me to potential contacts in the engineering industry and to my job. You can take that knowledge and experience with you and work in your home country and in other countries.”
Weiji (Payton) Wu, Senior Director for China Initiatives in the Office of International Affairs (OIA), University of Colorado Denver | Anschutz Medical Campus, has first-hand knowledge of the benefits of higher education in both China and the U.S. – and of the complementary benefits that a joint partnership provides to students. In collaboration with Alana Jones, Associate Vice Chancellor, Dean Pamela Jansma/College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, faculty, and staff in both Beijing and Denver, plans are underway to celebrate a significant milestone in 2024. The year marks the 30th Anniversary of International College Beijing (ICB), a successful partnership between the University of Colorado Denver and China Agricultural University.
The first partnership of its kind in China, ICB offers classes to Chinese students in China and Colorado. Chinese students can earn undergraduate degrees in economics and communication or a dual degree from the University of Colorado Denver.
“Studying in a different country enables students to learn how people in other cultures think, how to approach problem-solving from other perspectives, and how diverse teams can operate effectively,” said Payton. “It’s important for business.”
He also commented on other student benefits. “The cost of living in Denver is reasonable; there’s affordable housing and excellent healthcare for international students enrolled at CU Denver | Anschutz.” He added, “Good quality of life is possible—a balanced lifestyle with time for dedicated study and work as well as time for relaxation and recreation.”
Personalized attention and advising support students throughout their educational journey. “ICB students in Beijing are reaching out to me as they’re planning to come to Denver,” explained Jingxuan (Jasmine) Mo, International Services Specialist in OIA. Jasmine provides students with a thorough checklist detailing all of the documents needed to apply for an I-20 and practical information about the process. “In addition to emails, I schedule Zoom meetings with the students in China, so we can discuss things directly; this works well and I enjoy communicating with the students in both Beijing and Denver.” Upon arrival in Denver, academic advisors and faculty meet with the students to give academic guidance; and an International Student reception is held during CU Denver’s Welcome Week with CU Denver 101 & Academic Success presentations.
Both China and the U.S. have distinguished educational systems. In partnership, they can foster the skills that prepare learners to contribute to shaping productive futures for their societies. Whether students come through a partnership program or through their own individualized educational plan, they will broaden their academic and career horizons at CU Denver.
Learn more at:
Office of International Affairs
International Admissions
FAQs
Precision and information retention are key to a Chinese education; independence and concept development are integral to an American education. Communicating one's ideas effectively, working with a team, and gaining experiential learning also factor into a student's success in the U.S.
What are comparing and contrasting differences in the educational systems of China and the United States? ›
Overall, American basic education pays more attention to cultivating students' comprehensive quality. Chinese often focuses on students' grades and ignores the rest. Hence, in the US, even some students with poor academic performance may be appreciated by others for their excellent communication skills.
What are the differences between China and America? ›
Chinese culture is characterized by a strong emphasis on collectivism, respect for authority, and social harmony, while American culture values individualism, personal freedom, and self-expression. Both of these concepts are widely accepted and appreciated.
What is the Chinese view on education? ›
Traditional Chinese culture attached great importance to education as a means of enhancing a person's worth and career.
Is China education better? ›
That effort by the Paris-based Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) is the best-known measure of school quality in different countries. In 2018, China was No. 1 in all three subjects tested, mathematics, science and reading.
How does Chinese education compare to US? ›
In terms of conventional academic metrics, China's education system outperforms that of the United States. A 2019 study of 15-year-olds in each country found that Chinese youth outperform American students in nearly every educational category, with an especially pronounced gap in math.
What are the key differences between the Chinese and US economic systems? ›
China has a socialist market economy, where the United States has a mixed market economy. Both industrialized countries have a combination of socialist and capitalist policies in place..
How is Chinese ethics different from American ethics? ›
Americans have an individually centered morality that emphasizes inherent rights and principles of justice. In contrast, Chinese hold a moral code that focuses on relationships and collective responsibilities.
What are the differences between US and China leadership? ›
In Chinese leadership, the greater good often takes precedence over individual desires, contributing to a sense of unity and shared purpose. On the other hand, American leadership is characterized by a culture that emphasizes individual tasks, goals, and performance.
Which is richer between USA and China? ›
1- United States: Located in North America, the United States is the world's third largest and most populous country. It has once again surpassed China to become the world's richest country.
Primary and Secondary Schools
Strict rules, the emphasis of discipline, endless homework and tests, and constant pressure from peers and teachers – that seems to be the daily life of a Chinese student.
How long do Chinese students go to school? ›
Education in China is primarily managed by the state-run public education system, which falls under the Ministry of Education. All citizens must attend school for a minimum of nine years, known as nine-year compulsory education, which is funded by the government.
How long are school hours in China? ›
China School Hours
In large cities like Shanghai, for example, Chinese students spend 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at school with an hour and a half for lunch, but in other areas, kids get to head home for nap time at lunch!
Why is China better at math than America? ›
A: Chinese students shine in international math tests because of a tough educational system that focuses on math basics. Cultural values push for the best grades, and the government invests big in learning. They also make use of the latest technology.
Why is China best for education? ›
Lower Tuition Cost and Scholarships
The cost of studying in China is relatively lower compared with countries such as the USA, Canada, UK, and other European countries. Given the guaranteed level of quality education, International students who decide to study in China are less burdened.
What age can you leave school in China? ›
Education System in China
| Primary | Primary School | 6–12 |
|---|
| Secondary | Senior (Upper) Secondary School | 15–18 |
| Post-secondary | Short Cycle (Zhuanke) | 18–20 |
| Tertiary | Bachelor's Degrees | 18–22 |
| Tertiary | Master's Degrees | 22–24 |
2 more rowsIn the 2019 TIMSS results, the United States had higher average scores than most participating countries in both math and science at both grade levels. However, there were significant score gaps between the top-performing and bottom-performing students in the United States, especially in 8th-grade math.
What is a comparison of pedagogy in China and USA classrooms? ›
China utilizes more of a collaborative repetition model, whereas USA schools utilize more of an individualist critical thinking model. Project based learning and critical thinking pedagogy were utilized during this study for comparison basis.
How is the Chinese education system different to the British education system? ›
Due to the national conditions and historical background, China and the United Kingdom have many differences in education systems. Education system in China is mainly centered by teachers, emphasizing the leadership status of educators and paying attention to the basic knowledge with strict rules.
What are some similarities between China and the United States? ›
Americans value education just as China values education. Americans work hard, and China works even harder. Both Chinese and Americans enjoy doing things together. "They're very communal," he says.
