The challenge of academic writing for Chinese students within ...

subject is in China. However, Andy and Celine were determined and did not regret
their decision. They firmly believed that they had made the right choice. As Beatie
Bryant has ‗achieved a fragile sense of agency‘ (Nixon, 2005, p.137), Celine in the
following autobiographical account has demonstrated her ability to choose what she
really wants to do.
Another thing that impresses me during my study in the UK is the way people
here view Chinese history. In China, most criticisms and descriptions of
Chinese history are written by Chinese scholars; some of the studies are even
controlled by the government, while here, most of them are from different
scholars all over the world. I am so impressed by these different views, for they
are quite different and objective from how I have been educated. Moreover,
having experienced perceiving China as refracted through the minds and
opinions of outsiders, I feel that the vantage point from which I can critically
evaluate the motives for interpreting and disseminating Chinese history is
especially privileged. I feel it is essential that I pursue the study of this outside
of China. Given the current precariousness of China‘s self-perception, there is
limited space for objectivity in the critical evaluation of its history. I have
greatly enjoyed and been consistently fascinated by the literature I have read on
the subject of Chinese history while in the UK, most of which has been written
and published outside of China and is therefore unavailable for consultation
there. Moreover, the study of Chinese history in the UK can also help me to
improve my English. Further, it may help to improve my translation skill, as I
may need to read both Chinese and English texts all the time. Therefore, I have
made the decision to study Chinese history here in the UK. I know that the
decision may meet some opposition. But hopefully, I can face it and insist on
my own decision to pursue what I am really interested in. (Celine,
autobiographical account)
Not all the participants decided to continue their studies in the UK. Not influenced by
others‘ choices, Jo decided to return to China and find a job after her graduation. Jo
had a number of reasons to explain her decision to pursue a professional career. The
most salient reason Jo identified was she has realized what would be the best for her
future. Reflecting upon her learning experience in China and in the UK, she regarded
the career she was about to embark on would help her to discover ‗a new and more
meaningful purpose of life‘ (Jo, autobiographical account).
Self and intercultural awareness
Increasing globalization and internationalization requires the recognition of cultural diversity
and the development of intercultural understanding. People are encouraged by the ever
changing and diverse environment to learn to respect others‘ culture and values. Intercultural
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