Jia Heng Jia finds American schools much different than Chinese schools

October 11, 2011 • Kristen Hendrix, 11th grade Staff Writer  
Filed under Features

Jian Heng Jia is attending theNashvilleHigh Schoolthis year as a foreign exchange student fromBai,China. Being enrolled in as a tenth grader here sets her back from her Chinese graduation two grade levels, but she says she is enjoying every bit of life inArkansasandAmerica.

“The classes [in America] are not like ours [in China] because we don’t go to different classes everyday and we have 9 classes a day and we are not allowed to change any of our classes,” Jian said

In Jian’s Chinese culture, the definition of an intelligent person is a person who is very smart, capable of easily remembering information, talented, and punctual. Education is very important to Jian’s fellow countrymen and women. Chinese parents are willing to pay lots of money to make sure their children get good education.

Their school day is much like ours, but China’s 12^th graders must attend school six days a week. To qualify for college, Chinese students have to pass a test.

“I think that American classes are easier thanChina’s because Chinese classes are so much harder even if you understand their language,” Jian said

            According to Jian, students receive half of their information through self-education. Teachers are primarily in the classroom to help the students through any difficulties they may have.

In China, Jian attends the YunNanSecondary School, where she is in 12^th grade. Students stay in dorms.  Usually, four people stay in one dorm four days a week.

Chinahas 56 provinces. According to Jian, it is a beautiful place and has a long history. andChinahas defect and most people don’t have good quality.

“I like how theUnited Stateshas freedom and it’s very open,” Jian said

“I like computer and watch TV, reading, shopping, and hanging out with my friend inUnited States,” Jian said.

Her favorite food here in theUnited Statesis beef, mashed potatoes and French fries.  

Among the differences Jian has seen between her native country and theUnited Statesis freedom in dress. According to her, theUSAallows its residents to choose how they dress, a freedom that she does not possess inChina. She also notes that in theUnited States, the supermarket is much further from her house than it is inChina.

“I wanted to learn a different language and be able to see what theUnited Stateslooks like,” Jian said.

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