Safety seminar held for Chinese students

CHICAGO - An education seminar on safety of overseas Chinese students was held at Illinois Institute of Technology (ITT) in Chicago Saturday afternoon which was attended by more than 150 Chinese students, visiting scholars studying at various universities in Chicago region.

The total amount of Chinese students studying in US Midwest has moved up sharply in recent years, surpassing 32,000 this year. But, as Chinese student population in Midwest ballooned, safety problems also become alarming among the students, said Yang Guoqiang, the Chinese Consulate-General to Chicago.

Yang called on the Chinese students to be vigilant while studying in US and raise awareness on self-protection.

Huang Zhengdong, who has his own law firm in Chicago, told the attendants that there are huge differences between Chinese and American legal system and they should learn and be familiar with local laws and regulations.

Liu Hong, executive director of Midwest Asian Health Association (MAHA), Guo Jin, director of Society of Chinese American Professors and Scientist, along with Xie Tianyi, a professor of psychology with Judson University delivered their speeches respectively, concerning topics such as the importance of raising awareness about mental health and how to overcome cultural difference and adapt to life abroad etc.

Duan Jiangyan, who is currently pursuing a master degree of Chemical Engineering in ITT told Xinhua that as new arrivals, Chinese students usually start to live alone, for the first time, in a new environment far away from home.

"The life of the overseas student can often be a struggle, as we have to make every decision on our own while experiencing the pain of loneliness, "said Duan, "And I find some suggestions from experts today very helpful," Duan added.

Wang Xiaowei, head of Education Office of the Consulate General of China in Chicago, told Xinhua that they will hold a series of events to promote safety education among Chinese overseas students this year.

"We hope to raise the saf! ety awar eness among the Chinese students, so that the students can successfully complete their academic studies here in US," said Wang.