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[Nira Sun]

Hi Gerlinde, 

I'd say sending children to study abroad is trending now in Asian countries. Reason one is that, with English as a universal language, U.S. and other English-speaking countries do provide authentic language environment and, presumably, better quality education per Asian parents' perspective. Reason two is, in Asian parents' eyes, with increasing employment pressure in Asian countries, having study abroad experience will help to strengthen their children's competitiveness in terms of job hunting. In Chinese, there is a word to describe this phenomenon which is called "镀金" as in gold-plating. As you can see, it's a common social perspective that with a degree from the other country somehow will help to improve one's socio-economic status. Hence, as long as it's financially affordable, Asian parents would be more than willing to send their children to English speaking countries at very young age. 

There was a Chinese TV drama called "A Love for Separation" featured four typical Chinese families who all went through their own difficulties yet still striving to send their children (all middle schoolers) study abroad. This TV series intended to bring an overlooked issue, on top of the financial stress, to audiences' attention which was the huge psychological impact to both the international students as well as the families that stayed behind. I assigned this TV series to my incoming AP Chinese students as their summer assignment. It definitely provides an interesting angle to understand some of the ongoing issues in contemporary China. It is available on YouTube but, unfortunately, without English subtitle. 

Some of the young international students who came from middle to low class families really strive to achieve high in academic performance, just like your student. Some, especially those we call "rich second generation", are totally different stories. I'm glad that she's got a good teacher, like you, who appreciated her devotion and effort. I wish her best of luck in college. : )