The GT China Mentor Club is a volunteer organization where GT faculty and staff members with strong interest in China provide service to the GT Chinese student community. The initial focus will be undergraduate students from China, although graduate students are welcome to join the activities as well.

 

The need for mentoring arises as we encounter more and more Chinese undergraduate students on campus. International students in general and Chinese students in particular, tend to group among themselves, making it difficult for Chinese students to integrate into the American culture, and also making it difficult for American students to break ice and reach out to the Chinese students. Culture shock and cultural barriers exist. Habits form early in a new phase of life. Proactive cultural adjustment should be considered early on to smooth the transition process.

 

Another challenge that many Chinese students face is with humanities and social science courses where classroom discussions are often necessary. There are significant differences between Chinese and American classroom cultures. For example, Chinese students are often taught not to disagree with the teachers, and to answer questions only when they are almost sure about the correct answer. On the other hand, American students are taught to think independently, to challenge authority, to keep trying, and not be afraid of "losing face".

 

In China, academics are of paramount importance as illustrated by the old adage "学而优则仕". A person is considered a "whole person" if he/she has good ethics, intelligence, and health, the so-called "德智体全面发展". In America, other qualities such as communication skills, leadership skills and teamwork ability are also highly valued. There is not a lack of Chinese students with high academic scores. We hope Chinese students can put in efforts to develop good communication skills in English and social skills/people skills in the American cultural environment.

 

The purpose of the China Mentor Club is to help Chinese students with cultural adjustment and integration issues in America. "When in Rome, do as the Romans do". We will do our best to help Chinese students adjust to the GT campus community, improve their communication and leadership skills and develop inter-cultural competency. We hope to achieve these objectives through activities that involve both Chinese students and American students (particularly those with interests in China) in a warm, friendly, and supporting environment.