李昱
对外经济贸易大学 北京100029
The world is becoming more and more connected and globalized as a whole. Partly because of this, many parents in China are willing to send their children to take part in overseas study tours so that they can learn a new language and obtain new knowledge. Despite the benefits such behaviors can bring along, many people have stated that they are still dubious about whether these practices are really worth the cost. In my opinion, although there may be some elements of truth in their statements, overseas study tours give various advantages on the overall development of children and the society.
Those who are unsupportive of overseas study tours hold the views that there would be less chances than expected for children to adjust to the neighborhood environment and understand the culture and language. However, they misinterpreted overseas study tours in this aspect. China Daily reported that those tours “widen a person's perspective and understanding of the world we live in”.(2017) What's more, although some overseas study tours operate in the length of two weeks, which is far too short to obtain a full understanding of the host country, organizers are aware of this problem and are trying to figure out a solution. Many tours now offer the chances for their students to get in touch with the local culture and language by employing relevant teachers and organizing group discussions, just like the SJU Study Tours (Study Tours) and the ones offered by Seton Hall University (Study Abroad Programs). Such approaches provide the opportunities for children to get in touch with the language and culture that bear the local characteristics. In this way, children can adjust to the culture and learn the language better.
The opponents of overseas study tours also state that children are not making the expected improvements in mastering the foreign language. However, they are being too decisive on this issue when they evaluate the language ability and come to this conclusion. In fact, studies have shown that students benefit from overseas study tours in the aspect of oral communication. According to Zhang wenwen (2018), overseas study tours promote students' proficiency of practical communication in the foreign language, enabling them to communicate better with greater confidence and excellent skills. Zhang also pointed out that students also perform better at writing and other areas. Therefore, overseas study tours can basically improve the abilities of children to use the foreign language in various aspects including speaking and writing.
Another argument that the opponents put forward is that overseas study tours are “tours without study”, so they are unnecessary or not contributable to the society. (China Daily, 2017) However, they are one-sided on this matter. Overseas study tours teach participants a lot and boost their confidence. (Zhang wenwen, 2018) Moreover, they have positive effects on the society. with the number of participants enrolling in a tour soaring rapidly in China in recent years, overseas study tours will help more people broaden their international horizons and expand their knowledge. They help children who might be future elites to develop their talents with global visions. (Xinhua, 2017) In the long run, the Chinese society will benefit for, in the future job market, there will be a rise in number of international talents ready to make greater contributions to the country. Seen from this aspect, overseas study tours give the society an advantage when recruiting talents in the future.
All in all, overseas study tours are well prepared in allowing children to learn more about the language and culture of foreign countries and they can help promote the overall language abilities of people, providing them with international horizon, thus contributing to creating more talents of global vision for the society. Overseas study tours are generally worthy of the cost and live up to the expectations of the parents.
Reference
China Daily. 2017. Are overseas study tours worthwhile?. chinadaily.com.cn. updated: 2017-08-05 08:21.
http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/opinion/2017-08/05/content_30348852_6.htm
Study Abroad Programs. Seton Hall University Office of International Programs.
https://www.shu.edu/international-programs/study-abroad-programs.cfm
Study Tours. Saint Joseph's University Center for International Programs.
https://internationalprograms.sju.edu/index.cfm?FuseAction=Abroad.ViewLink&Parent_ID=97E721D3-5056-BA1F-74916934C6CB15D0&Link_ID=9BB7DB30-5056-BA1F-748BE90D1032A71F
Xinhua, 2017. More Chinese students go on overseas study tours. XinhuaNet. 2017-07-30
http://www.xinhuanet.com/english/2017-07/30/c_136483186.htm
Zhang wenwen. 2018. A Study on Influence of Students’ Intercultural Communication Competence in the Application-oriented University through Short-term Overseas Study Tours. Overseas English. ISSN: 1009-5039 分类号：G648.9
2016中国游学市场报告. 2016.
https://wenku.baidu.com/view/905b5cc44b35eefdc9d33369.html
作者简介：李昱（2000.12-），女，汉族，北京，大学本科，单位：对外经济贸易大学，研究方向：外国语言文学类