Mum's the word on college pick

A skeptical parent gives her thoughts on choosing a new foreign-partner University for her son

Editor's Note: Cheng Hong is the mother of Geng Pei-xuan, who was among the first 24 students to enroll at Beijing-Dublin International College. She spoke with Beijing Gongda Bao, BJUT's school newspaper, about her initial impressions of the joint partnership university. The following was translated by China Daily reporter Ji Xiang.

To tell the truth, I was very suspicious of letting my son attend a new joint college. The venture seemed a bit risky to my way of thinking, and the tuition fees were not a small amount for a middle class family like us.

So, at the meeting held for student recruitment, I listened very carefully to the representatives from University College Dublin, especially regarding its history, what the leading majors were, and its plans for the future.

It was its teaching system that attracted me most. UCD sends top professors from Ireland to conduct most of the courses, all in English, even though there are professors in China well versed in teaching in English. I thought this was quite an advantage, as that is rare in China, even in the prestigious universities.

If my son could meet the academic standards set by two universities, he could have two degrees, and so the investment we put in would be worthwhile. There is also the possibility that my son can go on to acquire a postgraduate degree at UCD in Ireland. For us, that consistency in college education is quite sensible.

We also considered Beijing University of Technology an eligible municipal university, as we had done research on its campus environment, academic atmosphere and resources.

Now, after his first semester has passed, I am satisfied with the current curriculum, the resources, the professors and other activities. Though I already knew the first semester at Beijing-Dublin International College would focus on basics and English, because the students need to be better equipped to face the all-English academic courses, still I have been struck by just how much my son has improved in his study.

He always shares with me his experiences and thoughts in daily life. He is required to give public speeches every week, the preparation for which requires work in researching documents and making PowerPoint presentations. So he gets a lot of practice in conveying himself in public.

Because participation is strongly encouraged in BDIC classes, the old-fashioned way of teaching and imparting knowledge has been abandoned, which I think is very good. The way the classes are conducted and how students are assessed makes great sense, and have been accepted by my son.

Take the oral test last year for example. The topic was "Three dreams of yours". Given limited time to prepare, students were required to give a talk in front of the whole class.

The way I see it, such an opportunity makes it is possible for my son to ponder over his goals in life and what he should do in order to achieve them. And listening to others speak about their dreams makes you think more about your own life.

I believe this type of assessment is much better than merely reciting several paragraphs or practicing simple conversations in English.

I have seen that the student activities at BDIC are designed to make a student an all-round person. Most of the time, there are foreign staff taking part in activities and giving hands-on instruction. This way, the students not only improve their English, but also develop better intercultural abilities. These activities enable them to be more adaptable.

I think I was fortunate in my choice for my son, because compared with the typical Chinese education system, having access to resources from Ireland is very valuable.

It's true that there are old-fashioned aspects in the way Chinese education is conducted, and as a result, students might become less competent in a world that is becoming more globalized. I feel happy that my son has a great platform from which to approach it.

He practices English and does his homework every Sunday morning. But he also has time for the social activities arranged by his teacher. He has a very tight schedule and is usually exhausted after study, but says this is exactly how life should be in college.

He says it is a joy taking a major which he likes (Internet of Things Engineering) and that he can see dedication to study is paying off with an improvement in ability. It's great to see him leading a full life.

Over the past semester, his English level has risen greatly, especially following a 11-day trip to visit UCD in Ireland during the winter break. I think this may stimulate his desire to study in Ireland one day.

(China Daily 05/17/2013 page11)