Famous Chinese people studied in the UK

Not only ordinary students dream of studying in the UK, many famous Chinese people also choose Britain to enrich their study and life. In the following, I would like to briefly introduce someone who once shared the same experience as us.

Xu Zhimo (1897~1931), he is a modern poet and essayist. In 1921, he went to study in Cambridge University where he fell in love with English romantic poetry, and translated some into Chinese. He was one of the first Chinese writers to successfully naturalize Western romantic forms into modern Chinese poetry. He promoted the form of modern Chinese poetry, and therefore made tremendous contributions to modern Chinese literature. In 1922 he went back to China and became a leader of the modern poetry movement. In 1923, he founded the Crescent Moon Society.

One of his representative work is called Saying Good-bye to Cambridge Again.

Very quietly I left
As quietly as I came here;
Quietly I wave good-bye
To the rosy clouds in the western sky.
The golden willows by the riverside
Are young brides in the setting sun;
Their reflections on the shimmering waves
Always linger in the depth of my heart.
The floatingheart growing in the sludge
Sways leisurely under the water;
In the gentle waves of Cambridge
I would be a water plant!
That pool under the shade of elm trees
Holds not water but the rainbow from the sky;
Shattered to pieces among the duckweeds
Is the sediment of a rainbow-like dream?
To seek a dream? Just to pole a boat upstream
To where the green grass is more verdant;
Or to have the boat fully loaded with starlight
And sing aloud in the splendor of starlight.
But I can’t sing aloud
Quietness is my farewell music;
Even summer insects heap silence for me
Silent is Cambridge tonight!
Very quietly I left
As quietly as I came here;
Gently I flick my sleeves
Not even a wisp of cloud will I bring away

Deng Yaping, is a Chinese table tennis player, who won six world championships and four Olympic championships. She is regarded as one of the greatest players in the history of the sport. She gained a master’s degree from the University of Nottingham, and received a PhD degree in Land Economy at the University of Cambridge (Jesus College). Her thesis title is: The impact of the Olympic Games on Chinese development: A multi-disciplinary analysis.

Deng Yaping at her PhD graducation ceremony

Tang Wei becomes a popular star because her excellent performance in Ang Lee’s Lust, Caution (Winner of the 2007 Golden Lion Award). For the role of Wong Chia Chi, she has won the Best New Performer Golden Horse award, and nominated for Rising Star Award, BAFTA, etc. In 2008, it was reported that some of Tang’s commercial sponsors had dropped her television and print ads due to her performance in Lust, Caution. A Chinese media ban had been imposed. In 2009, during her absence from the movie industry, Tang studied drama at the University of Reading in the United Kingdom. Recently, she returns for her new movie Crossing Hennessy.

The poster of Lust&Caution

Do you know anyone else who also studied in the UK? Please tell us!

Why choose to study in the UK?

A large amount of Chinese students give up the comforts of home, and brave the UK’s food and weather, finally consider the UK as an ideal country to seek a bright future. Why the universities and colleges in the UK can attract lots of overseas students?

Firstly, it is obvious that as the cradle of English, UK is the best choice for Chinese students to improve their language in an entire English environment. The British accent is regarded as authentic and decent. One classical actor line in a famous Chinese film said that it is dignity if you could speak in British accent.

Secondly, the good reputation of UK’s education appeals students who are pursuing advanced studies. The UK universities are known for their high quality of teaching, great education facilities and wide range of offerings combined with the flexibility to accommodate individual student needs. Generally, the three popular courses among Chinese students are Accounting&Finance, Business&Management, and Economics&Mathematics. In recent years, there are also an increasing number of Chinese students start to choose some new and creative courses, such as media. Kevin Zhao, who graduated from Imperial Collage and returned China to work, said that alumni of British universities enjoyed a level of professional success. Compared with universities in other countries require four years for undergraduate degree and two years for master degree, the short length of studying is another advantage of British education. Students and their families can save both time and money.

Thirdly, the different teaching model in the UK attracts Chinese students as well. The characteristac of education in the UK is to encourage independent thinking, creative ideas and critical evaluation. Most courses combine theory modules  and practice modules. However, students in China focus on theory and emphasise rote learning. They are told to accept professors’ ideas. In contrast, in the UK, professors prefer to let students ask questions, discuss and generate their own ideas in tutorials. Only in this kind of academic environment could students develop original opinions and find proper solutions to problems independently.

The dramatic economic growth of China with a more open society is also a reason why Chinese students drawn to Britain. Tom Lin who has already studied in the UK for four years explained, “Chinese young people like me want to make a contribution to this rapid process. Therefore, we want to study in the UK to learn better western technologies and experience the western culture and do the best I can.” In addition, more and more Chinese family can afford the high expense to send their children abroad. Usually, it costs £30,000 to study and live in the UK.

Apart from academic learning, Britain is a country for cultural adventures. Not only the native, local and popular cultures, you can explore a variety of western culture in both London and other cities. You could access to all kinds of events, festivals and exhibitions, with the world’s finest museums in Britain. Furthermore, travel to other Europe countries is convenient for students. One Chinese old saying is “Travelling is more eye-opening than reading.” Take myself as an example, I visited Italy, Greece, and Switzerland with friends, which has become unforgettable memories.

Many Chinese travel agents offer services for flights, visa, and group tours in Europe

People may have various motivations to study in the UK, as long as you have a good plan, you can be sure of enjoying a unique and wonderful life.

Why you decided to study in the UK? Leave a comment!