Home from Home?

The number of Chinese pupils that travel overseas to attend boarding schools is on the rise. Last year, more than 1,000 Chinese students entered British boarding schools, double the number five years ago. While a lot of the kids come from wealthy families, there are also students from less well-off backgrounds who cover their fees with pooled donations from extended families. Regardless of background, though, the student’s families all hold the same belief: education abroad is an investment in the future.

Katie Wong, 18, was born in Shanghai but has been studying at the Royal School, in Surrey, England for four years. She says that she adapted to her new life without too many difficulties. “When I first went to a boarding school I was very young. I felt homesick and sad, and just wanted to go home,” says Wong. “But I quickly made friends, and after only one term all the homesickness was gone. When I went home for my first holiday, I was already looking forward to being back in England with my new friends.”

However, she was surprised about many aspects of her new, English lifestyle. “In China I am used to treating weekends as going out time, while in England, people feel they have worked hard all week so they stay at home and relax. Sunday lunch is also an English tradition that I am still getting used to: a huge amount of food at lunchtime but no supper!”

In terms of school education. Katie quickly realized that she would have a lot of advantages from studying overseas.

“Class sizes in Shanghai are much bigger than at my boarding school. I think the teachers at my school are friendlier, more approachable, and there seems to be less hierarchy. You can talk to your teachers almost as you talk to your friends. One of the things I like about lessons here is that teachers have methods for improving your memory, whereas in China I found lessons were taught straight from the textbook and there was more rote learning.”

In a Chinese middle school class, it’s not unusual for one class to have 40 students. Boarding schools, however, are known for having only a small amount of students in one class, leaving more room for the children to ask questions and get assistance. Katie’s class of 18 students, is made up entirely of girls.

“I actually enjoy the fact that we are only girls because there are no distractions when you are trying to study and no pressure about what you wear, or worrying what boys will think. Sometimes it would be nice to have boys around, but we regularly meet them at social events so it doesn’t matter that much.”

While Katie is happy with her life at the moment, she remembers earlier in her education when she disliked the fact that homework time was compulsory. “We had to be at our desk for a set amount of time everyday, regardless of how much homework we had. I suppose it is good discipline for later though.”

Moving to England when you’re only 14 years old can be quite an upheaval. Katie says that keeping busy with studies and friends distracts her mind from thinking she is so far from home. Technology also enables her to keep in daily contact with home via text messages and emails.

“I feel very lucky to be able to experience both cultures,” she says. “England is definitely much quieter, especially at my boarding school, which is surrounded by lots of greenery and trees. I find it more peaceful, with a slower pace, and not as rushed as in China. I like to study here, but I prefer shopping and eating out in China, especially at lunchtimes. Shanghai used to be fun because we went into the city and sat outside to eat.”

For the moment, Katie is studying for A levels in chemistry, biology, and math, and an AS level in music. Her long term goal is to get into the University of London to study biochemistry.

Katie says that her best experience from studying at The Royal School is her academic achievements and the level of responsibility she’s been given.

“I am now in my final year and I’ve been given the honor of being voted Head of Nelson House – which is the society that organizes social and educational extra-curricular events for the Sixth Form [the top two years], such as dances, trips to the theater, or lectures from visiting speakers. There is also an additional role of being the representative of all the boarders. This means I work closely with the Heads of Sixth Form and the Head of Boarding. I think the best bit about this is that I can make a difference and give something back to the school.”

Katie says she would recommend studying at a boarding school to her friends and other young Chinese. “I have learned much more being a boarder rather than a day student, both academically but also personally. It is a great preparation for university and adulthood because you can’t rely on your family to do everything for you. You grow up, simply.”

To board or not to board?

As well as anxieties about leaving home, young Chinese and their families need to be aware of the other issue with boarding schools. Namely that they are an expensive business. The fees vary in different countries and schools, and the boarding fee is usually an additional cost on top of tuition fees.

Australia: In Australia the fee varies from ¥30,700 to ¥150,000 each year. Some schools may offer discounts for siblings while others offer scholarships or bursaries. In any case, it is normally possible to negotiate individual agreements for payment.

UK: In the UK boarding costs for children at preparatory schools (up to 13 years old) generally range between ¥140,000 and ¥230,000 (for a three-term year). For senior schools, the figure varies from ¥170,000 to ¥300,000 a year. Fees will usually include tuition and most recreational activities, accommodation and food. Fees may also include basic laundry and textbooks,

USA: Fees at boarding schools in the US range from ¥160,000 each year to well over ¥310,00  a year. There are scholarships and loans to apply for when it comes to financing studies in the US, but these can be very hard to get.

By Jonna Wibelius
As featured in the January 2007 issue of SH Magazine