BlondeAmber (UK)

Many Chinese students choose to segregate themselves when they study abroad and don't socialize outside of their comfort zone. As adults they should not expect hand-holding when they arrive, as many universities hold 'fresher's weeks' at the start of the first semester where the new students are expected to make an effort to join in clubs and societies. Also many Chinese students live, study and socialize within a same language group.

If they are seen not to be making an effort to take part in student activities, other students will lose interest in trying to socialize with them. If you are going to spend so much money on studying or living in another country, you should at least make an effort to go outside of your safe zone and acquaint yourself with social norms of where you are, as you cannot expect the locals to change for you.

Students attend the commencement ceremony for Green River Community College at the ShoWare Center in Kent, Washington, on June 14. [Deng Yu /China Daily]