Describe an experience of cultural difference, positive or negative,
you have had or observed. What did you learn from it?
(Zhao Muting, 20140908)
My life in China has been an interesting cultural dichotomy. I was born and grew
up in one of China’s most traditional cities, Beijing. Little did I know that the biggest
cultural shock of my life would be going through this college application process. I
am astonished by the vast difference between what American and Chinese schools
value in a college applicant.
In China, a high school student’s chances of getting into a college are almost
exclusively based on his or her performance on the College Entrance Exam, which is
taken before graduation. On the other hand, U.S. schools place great consideration on
what students do outside the classroom. A case in point is something I often find
myself struggling to fill out in my American college applications – the work
experience section. Chinese parents are great at monitoring their children’s school
grades. Essentially, the only defining mark of success during a student’s secondary
education are the exam scores; not extracurricular activities such as sports, clubs,
volunteering, or part-time employment. As I learn more about the American education
system, I am beginning to better understand the importance of part-time or summer
employment for students. Working experience provides students a chance to become
more mature and independent.
I am appreciating more and more the American concept of education. Placing
value on work experience is just one of the many ways that the American education