Creating Social Bonds and Forging Connections While Pursuing
Education Overseas
Studying abroad has become a popular choice for further education (Altbach et al., 2019), with many Chinese university graduates opting for international opportunities instead of a three-year postgraduate program in China. The United Kingdom, United States, Canada, and Australia are the top choices for Chinese students studying abroad (Zwart, 2013). The United Kingdom, in particular, is a popular destination. From 2002 to 2014, the number of Chinese international students in the UK surged, especially among those enrolling in taught master's programs (Cebolla-Boado et al., 2018).
Figure 1: Number of Chinese international students in Britain 2002–2014 Available at:
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/01425692.2017.1349649
As studying abroad becomes more popular, Chinese students face challenges, particularly in making social connections (Yan & Berliner, 2013). This blog uses the University of Leeds as an example, offering tips on how to build social connections and adjust to a new academic environment.
Starting at the University of Leeds as a new international student can be exciting, but you might wonder how to meet people and make the most of your experience. To help students adjust to a new environment, many UK universities, including Leeds, offer various activities to encourage social interaction and support adaptation.
1. LUU East Asian Research Society: Cha Wednesdays
Every Wednesday from 1 to 3 PM, enjoy tea and meet new friends at the Don Rimmington foyer on the 4th floor of Michael Sadler. The LUU East Asian Research Society hosts this event starting Wednesday, 11th October.
Figure 2: The tea art Available at: https://www.shine.cn/news/metro/2308172965/
2. Global Café: A World of Connections
Join us every Monday (except bank holidays) from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM at LUU Common Ground for Global Café. It's a great event open to everyone, where you can meet new people, relax, chat, and enjoy free refreshments like coffee and biscuits.
Figure 3: Light Café Available at: https://www.luu.org.uk/unionevents/2022/01/10/lightcafe
3. Language Zone: Connect Through Languages
If you want to improve your language skills or learn a new language, head to the Language Zone in Parkinson Building. It's open from 9:30 AM to 5 PM and is open to all students and staff. With resources in over 50 languages, you can exchange language skills and make friends from around the world.
Figure 4: language zone Available at:
https://forstaff.leeds.ac.uk/news/article/4540/launch_of_the_new_language_zone
4. Doghouse Bar & Bagel Shop: Language Exchange Thursdays
Want to explore the city and make new friends? Join us at the Doghouse Bar & Bagel Shop in Leeds city center every Thursday at 7 PM. You’ll get a sticker to write down the languages you speak and the ones you'd like to learn. There’s a £1 charge at the door (cards accepted), and all profits go to the Refugee Conversation Club in Leeds.
Figure 5: Meet up in bar Available at: https://maps.app.goo.gl/d3cdDzwzE2enC6qS9?g_st=ic
These events and spaces provide great opportunities to make friends, enrich your university experience, and build lasting connections with people from around the world.
While Chinese students may face challenges studying abroad, like making friends and adjusting to a new society, participating in these activities can be very helpful. With international opportunities opening up and the pandemic subsiding, the trend of studying abroad is expected to keep growing.
Altbach, P. G., Reisberg, L., & Rumbley, L. E. (2019). Trends in global higher education: Tracking an academic revolution (Vol. 22). Brill.
Cebolla-Boado, H., Hu, Y., & Soysal, Y. N. l. (2018). Why study abroad? Sorting of Chinese students across British universities. British Journal of Sociology of Education, 39(3), 365-380. Yan, K., & Berliner, D. C. (2013). Chinese international students' personal and sociocultural stressors in the United States. Journal of college student development, 54(1), 62-84. Zwart, J. (2013). Study abroad choices of Chinese students: Factors, influences and motivations. Quarterly Journal of Chinese Studies, 2(2), 68.