Chinese Students in Irish 3rd Level Education

Anita Heavey, Technological University Dublin

Technological University Dublin 2006.

Abstract

This paper aims to examine some of the issues Chinese students face in Irish 3rd level Education. I will look at some of the cultural, social and academic issues that may influence the quality of a Chinese students learning experience in a Western system. I will begin by looking at Irelands involvement with Chinese student recruitment and then briefly look at Chinas educational history. This will put the situation into context and allow me to examine some of the problems encountered by the Chinese student. I will explore the complexity of teaching someone from such a different cultural background. Finally I hope to address the importance of inclusion and what the foreign student can bring to both their own and their peer learning experience.