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

exchange program, I would have my place in both universities and on my graduation, I would
get two degrees. So, fundamentally, my bet would have nothing to lose. What‘s more, have
studying experience in UK provides me with a better chance to pursue postgraduate studies
in the country.
As was expected, studying in UK has been quite an interesting and challenging experience
for me. Here, I do not need to study English for the purpose of English. Rather I study some
new knowledge and concepts through the medium of English. At the same time my English
proficiency has improved unconsciously. There have been difficulties though. The first was
not about Liverpool scouse or communication or getting used to the teaching style but essay
writing. When I was in China, writing was more about practising the language while the
content was about narrating facts or subjectively arguing something based on our memory or
perception. Here in UK, I need to read widely and learn to summarize and discuss others‘
works critically or apply theory in books to real life case. However, the prerequisite is that I
can read widely and fast enough, which I was not able to do at the beginning. In addition, I
had to get used to the reference system which I had never used before. Without any rehearsal
or training, I faced and fought these sudden changes with what many Chinese students
traditionally use: hard work. Also, I sought help from the writing centre of the university and
frequently asked my tutors whenever I had problems.
Here in UK, I study both English and Business, which are quite a mismatch for me. On the
one hand, although I am gaining appreciation of the issues that language modules cover, I
am personally keener on business knowledge. On the other hand, in order to get better marks,
I have to spend much more time on language modules with business ones lagging behind. But
still I manage to achieve a lot. In the first year, I had an average mark of 70. In the second
year, I have got A in all the assignments I did so far. Even in language modules, I came out
top of the class in some assignments. I am always demanding of myself and want to pursue
higher and better. That may be what drives me to be rigorous in my study. If I am asked to
measure the quality of my learning experience, I will give it a 9.
Life in UK may be not as interesting and lively as in China. I have to spend most of the time
in my room doing my study. In my perception, people here mostly hang out to drink, which is
not to my taste. I mostly go out to buy food and I cook for myself every day. Before I came
here, I did not cook at all. But now I am quite good at it. Here, I also have the chance to
travel around the country to enrich my experience and broaden my mind.
After graduation, I am intending to pursue postgraduate studies in business in UK. I am
hoping to study in the University of Warwick. I think that will give me an extra competitive
advantage.
Alex
Alex is a 25 years old male Chinese student. He is in his 2 nd year of a BA Business and
Psychology course. He came to the UK in 2006, and he has been studying here for three year.
He is from a coastal city in eastern China. I taught Alex on an ICT module when he was
taking a foundation year course prior to his degree at Liverpool Hope University. Later, he
kindly agreed to participate in this research when I invited him to be a research subject in
February 2009.
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