 Schools run programmes to integrate foreign students into local community
SINGAPORE: Most schools in Singapore have an integration programme for foreign students that involves buddying local students.
But rarely have foreign students banded together to run programmes for locals, something which some boys from Hwa Chong Institution have initiated.
For one week every year, they run a Chinese cultural programme for their schoolmates.
And on a daily basis, they also tutor weaker Singaporean students in subjects like Chinese, science and mathematics.
The result - friendships which extend outside the classroom.
"We will go (on) end-of-term activity together; local friends will teach us how to bowl. I have never gone bowling before in China, and my local friends teach us how to hold the ball," said Hwa Chong Institution student Wang Shizhi, who comes from China.
Johnathon Heng, a Singaporean student at Hwa Chong Institution, said: "I think generally the integration of our foreign students in the school here is better than in other schools because we have a better Chinese culture here. And the foreign students here tend to be more open to accepting our school culture."
Some schools report that foreign students tend to keep to themselves.
But increasingly over the years, friendships forged are helping to overcome social barriers.
This is partly due to the schools' efforts to engage the foreigners, and also because local students now have a more global outlook.
Scholars from China preparing to enter universities in Singapore also have a community integration programme tailored for them.
The Education Ministry has tied up with the People's Association Youth Movement since 2004 to match 150 China scholars with their Singaporean counterparts.
Participation in the programme is on a voluntary basis, and so far about half of all the scholars have opted in.
The youths plan activities at Community Clubs (CCs), such as a lunch for the disadvantaged elderly last month.
Next on their calendar is a concert to spread the anti-piracy message.
"The hostels we live in, all around are Chinese students, we have little interaction with local people. But since we joined the CCs, we have more interaction," said Zhou Haoyu, a scholar from China.
Minister of State for Education, Lui Tuck Yew, said: "I think the best way to have PRs (Permanent Residents) and foreign students rooted is to integrate them fully into the experience. They stand shoulder-to-shoulder, they learn side-by-side with our Singaporeans, they form friendships, friendships will then hopefully lead to a belief that there is a place here for them in Singapore.
"It is the quality of experience that we give to them - good learning, opportunities, good prospects. We hope that this is a total experience that helps them think that Singapore is possibly a place they want to spend a lot more of their time and a good part of their lives."
And some foreign students have already bought into the experience.
Between 1996 and 1999, two-thirds of foreign students who enrolled at universities in Singapore took up citizenship or permanent residency after graduating. - CNA/ir  To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.: Asia Solution Kenetics
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