Overwrought overseas

Experts have warned about the problems that may occur if children are sent to study overseas at too young an age. Early separation may result in the child lacking an association with their family and displaying general indifference to the family unit, says Cao Hong, secretary-general of the Beijing Overseas Study Service Association.

Cao said there is a consensus among educators across the world that the healthy growth of a young child depends on at least four factors: family, society, school, and religion.

"However, children who go abroad too early and attend boarding schools overseas usually lack support from the family, which may lead to problems," she says.

Bei Hailan, a US-study specialist at Chivast Education International, an overseas study consultancy in Beijing, warns that children who are poorly prepared for studying abroad, or cannot take care of themselves, may encounter a number of difficulties when they arrive in an unfamiliar country.

"Some students may feel homesick, isolated or even depressed if they can't get used to life and study overseas. These factors may lead to academic failure, or even place students' well-being in jeopardy."

(China Daily Africa Weekly 11/14/2014 page24)