A Study On Chinese Children Studying In The U.S.A. In Modern China

The First Opium War in 1840 preceded the prologue of modern history of China. The modernization of Chinese education began in accordance with the general trend of this history. Starting Chinese studying abroad, Children Studying in the U.S.A. was, undoubtedly, an important measure taken in the process of educational modernization.In the 1860's, Chinese Children went to the U.S.A. to study for the reason of the political crisis at home and abroad, the newborn economy development of modern industry, the lost of center position of traditional Chinese culture, and the need of Westernization Movement education. Chinese Children Studying in the U.S.A. was indispensable to the friendly atmosphere between America and China and Dr.Yung Wing's qualification. He was the first Chinese graduated from a famous American University. This plan of Studying in the U.S.A was put into practice with the untiring efforts of Dr. Yung Wing and the help of the important official in late Qing Dynasty of Zeng Guofan, Li Hongzhang and Ding Richang etc. This plan was characteristic of its management, the learning methods and qualities of the students, and it was a great challenge to Chinese traditional education, starting a new chapter of modern education. The children were influenced comprehensively by American culture, which is totally different from ours. Despite their colorful living and fruitful study, the contradiction between American and Chinese Cultures were branded on their minds, from which the conflict between the traditional and modern value notions developed. It indicted that Chinese modern educational innovation was full of difficulties, reverses, and diversity.More than a century later, Chinese Children studying in the U.S.A. can still shock us when we reviewing it. This cause was an audacious try for training preliminary modern personnel, and contributed much to the communication between American andChinese cultures. The Westernization Movement office-holder's thought-"Chineselearning as fundamental structure , Western learning for practical use ", and YungWing's thought-"Total Westernization" were the two coexistent guiding ideasrunning through the process of Chinese Children Studying in the U.S.A. They formed an incisive ideological and cultural proposition in modem China as well. It brought to light the profound philosophy of the development of modern society.However, Chinese Children Studying in the U.S.A. suffered setback and these Children were sent back halfway because of political corruption, cultural conservatism, the movement of American repelling Chinese, and the limitation of Yung Wing himself. Even so, it exerted inestimable influence on the educational modernization of China. The age range of the Children, means of organization, management, and their distribution etc. left us much enlightenment and poignant reflection. We can learn a profound lesson from the lack in overall viewing and planning on education of the government of Qing Dynasty and the office-holder in Westernization Movement. We also need to perfect the legalization of studying abroad and strengthen the patriotic education of the students. Even today we still need to study how to deal with children studying abroad correctly.