Posted on Dec 5, 2006

International student enrollment continues to grow at Murray State University during its “Year of the International.” Approximately 380 students from several nations around the world are attending Murray State for both undergraduate and graduate degrees. Among these students are Lichao “Scott” Xing and Zhonghai “Buzz” Zheng, from China, who arrived in mid-August. Both are working on their master's degrees in journalism and mass communication. Xing, 23, graduated from Beijing Language and Culture University with a bachelor of arts degree in teaching Chinese as a second language. Xing is from Chifeng, Inner Mongolia. A native of Heilongjiang Province, Northeast China, Zheng, 34, received his master's degree in economics from Harbin Institute of Technology in 1998. He has worked as a reporter and editor at China Daily, the largest English-language newspaper in the county, for eight years prior to coming to the U.S. While traveling to the United States, Xing experienced one of the downfalls of flying - a long delay. “I came here via Chicago and waited in the airport for more than six hours since the flight to Nashville was delayed, with no reasons given at all,” Xing said. Even though that journey was not as smooth as he had wished, both Xing and Zheng wish to travel some more while in the U.S., however, not owning cars here has curtailed their travels. “I haven't traveled outside of Murray,” Zheng said, “but surely I will travel around the country. I know there are lots of things to see and lots of things to do in this country.” Not only has the adjustment of not having a car been a large one for both, but also the change in school systems. “In China, the admission is primarily based on the students' exam scores,” Zheng said. High school graduates must take the National College Entrance Examination before they can progress to universities, according to Zheng. Those seeking master's and doctorate degrees must also take exams before they are allowed to continue their schooling, he explained. The timing of school sessions is also different, Xing said, as well as the recruiting and enrolling strategies and criteria of schools. “I think the U.S. has done a better job in appreciating students' overall value,” he said. “Here, the education is more student-oriented. Students play a more active role in class and have more chances of being involved in practical work.” To help them assimilate to the new culture and easily meet other students, both Xing and Zheng are employed on campus. Xing works at the International Center for Economic Development and Cultural Studies in the Kentucky World Trade Center office. Zheng is employed as a contributing writer for Murray State's student newspaper, The News. “This job has helped me get more involved in the campus community, make more friends and easily get used to the life here,” he said. Exposing themselves to American culture has taught the two students many things. “People tend to be more friendly,” he said, “but, I know that saying 'hello' or 'how are you doing' does not mean they necessarily want to elicit a conversation.” Zheng has also discovered the friendliness of Americans, especially at church. “I was raised an atheist,” he said. “Since I came here, I started to sample different churches around the city. I have made some good friends at the church.” Going to different churches has allowed him to learn of the interesting differences in each denomination. “I have discovered the distilled wisdom in the Bible,” he explained. “There are some big differences between denominations, not only the service procedures, but also the interpretations and understandings of different issues.” Although learning first-hand about a different culture has been a good experience for both students, Zheng explained how his study in the U.S. would pay off in both the short and long run. “I can get a better-paid job back home,” he explained. “A majority of the Fortune 500 global companies have a presence in China. They offer very competitive remunerations.” For job applicants to be considered at these Fortune 500 companies, they must have had exposure to a multicultural environment, according to Zheng. “Exposure to the American culture will no doubt increase my job opportunities,” he said. Although this exposure is important for career purposes, Zheng explained it will help him in other areas of life as well. “My experience in this open and diversified society will foster cultural appreciation and global perspective, helping me think out of the box. The new way of thinking will be with me all my life.”