With the beautiful colors that autumn brings, the 2024 Cohort freshmen of Guangdong Technion - Israel Institute of Technology (GTIIT) are amid their first official semester here. Based on the experiences meeting several parents and students who are either top-performers or academically struggling, Professor Varenyam Achal, an education expert and Deputy Dean of GTIIT Undergraduate Studies, prepared an article that answered the questions by the freshmen families. This article basically focuses on why interaction between parents and their child is very important, once students move from high school to university and how such interaction can impact both mental and academic growth of students.

From High School to University: How Parent Support Fuels Success in First-Year Students

The transition from high school to university marks a pivotal moment in a student's life, especially for those in China who pursue bachelor's studies at Sino-foreign universities like 'Guangdong Technion - Israel Institute of Technology' where the medium of instruction is English. This transition is not only significant due to the change in academic expectations but also due to the cultural shift in the way education is structured. In Chinese high schools, students are often immersed in a rigorous schedule, learning from morning until evening in an environment heavily oriented toward guidance and coaching from teachers. The traditional Chinese education system places a strong emphasis on collective learning, where parents are also deeply involved with their children to ensure that they stay on top of their academic responsibilities. This structured, communal approach to education instills discipline but also fosters dependency on external support, which is starkly different from the academic environment students encounter at international universities.

In Sino-foreign universities or international institutions within China, students are given more autonomy and are treated as adults. They experience newfound freedom, but this also comes with increased expectations for self-management, independence, and personal responsibility. While universities offer extensive support systems to help students navigate this transition, the importance of ongoing communication between parents and students cannot be overstated, especially during the first year, a critical period in a student’s academic and emotional development. Maintaining a positive, open dialogue between parents and students during this phase is essential for ensuring that students are happy, well-adjusted, and able to thrive academically.

The Transition from High School to University

Chinese high school education is known for its intensity. Students spend long hours in the classroom and devote significant time to homework and extracurricular tutoring. The education system is exam-centric, with the Gaokao (the national university entrance exam) being the focal point of their high school years. This system shapes students to rely heavily on teacher-driven instruction, and it is common for parents to take an active role in their children’s academic lives. Many parents study alongside their children, helping them with homework, preparing for exams, and ensuring they maintain high levels of discipline and performance.

However, upon entering university, especially an international one, the nature of learning changes dramatically. University education in these settings emphasizes independent thinking, critical analysis, and self-directed learning. The role of the teacher shifts from an authoritative figure to a facilitator, guiding students in a more collaborative learning environment. The expectation is that students, now considered adults, will take greater ownership of their learning process. This change can be overwhelming for students who have become accustomed to the structured, teacher-led environment of high school.

The First Year: A Critical Period

The first year at university is particularly important because it represents the period when students move beyond the initial excitement of entering university and begin to encounter the more challenging aspects of university life. By this time, the novelty of university life has worn off, and students are faced with heavier academic workloads, higher expectations, and a greater need for time management skills. It is during this year that many students may feel the strain of balancing academic responsibilities with personal freedom. Some may begin to struggle academically, while others might face emotional and social challenges as they adapt to more independent nature of university education.

At this stage, the continued involvement of parents can play a crucial role. While students are expected to manage their own academic responsibilities, regular, positive communication with parents can provide them with the emotional support and encouragement they need to succeed. Research has shown that students who maintain healthy relationships with their parents during their university years tend to perform better academically, are more emotionally stable, and are generally happier. This is particularly true for students who are navigating the complexities of studying in a foreign language or adapting to the cultural expectations of an international university.

The Role of Parents in the First Year

Parents can provide critical emotional and psychological support during their child's first year at university. Unlike high school, where parents are often directly involved in their child's education, university requires a different kind of involvement. Parents must strike a balance between offering support and allowing their child the independence they need to grow and mature. Regular communication, whether through phone calls, video chats, or visits, helps maintain a connection that reassures students they are not facing these challenges alone.

Parents should encourage open and honest communication with their children. It is important that students feel comfortable discussing their academic struggles, emotional challenges, and social experiences with their parents. When students are able to share these aspects of their university life, parents can offer guidance, encouragement, and practical advice without being overbearing. For instance, if a student is struggling with time management or facing difficulty with English-language courses, parents can help them strategize ways to overcome these challenges, whether by suggesting they take academic support services at the university or helping them develop a better study routine.

Balancing Freedom and Responsibility

One of the most significant changes that students face at university is the newfound freedom that comes with living away from home or attending an institution where they are treated as adults. While this freedom can be exhilarating, it also comes with responsibility, and not all students are prepared for the demands of managing their time, balancing academic work with social activities, and making decisions about their future.

Parents can play a vital role in helping students navigate this freedom by fostering a relationship built on trust and mutual respect. Instead of monitoring their child's every move, parents should encourage their child to take responsibility for their actions while also offering support when needed. This approach not only helps students develop independence but also ensures that they feel supported and connected to their family, which can be a source of strength during challenging times.

The Impact of Positive Parent-Student Communication

Studies have shown that students who have strong, positive relationships with their parents during their university years are more likely to succeed academically and emotionally. This is especially important for students attending international universities, where they may face additional challenges such as language barriers, cultural differences, and the pressure to perform well in a competitive environment. Positive parent-student communication helps students feel more secure and confident, knowing that they have a support system in place that they can rely on.

While university is a time for students to gain independence and take control of their academic and personal lives, the role of parents remains critical, particularly during the first year. This period can be fraught with challenges, and students who have strong, open lines of communication with their parents are more likely to navigate these challenges successfully. Parents should strive to maintain a balance between providing support and allowing their children the freedom to grow, ensuring that their involvement enhances rather than hinders their child's university experience. By fostering positive, regular interaction, parents can contribute to their child's academic success and overall happiness, setting them on a path toward a fulfilling and rewarding university career.

"As the new academic year approaches, may every student embrace the challenges ahead with confidence, curiosity, and determination, paving the way for a journey filled with growth and success."

Prof. Varenyam Achal is a distinguished figure in environmental science and engineering, serving as a Tenured Professor and Deputy Dean of Undergraduate Studies at Guangdong Technion – Israel Institute of Technology (GTIIT), Shantou. Prior to joining GTIIT, he was professor at East China Normal University, Shanghai. Graduating with a PhD in environmental engineering in 2010, he has dedicated his career to pioneering research in environmental remediation and bio-based building materials, driving sustainability initiatives. Leading numerous projects, including those funded by NSFC, Prof. Achal has contributed extensively to scholarly literature, with over 100 journal articles, two books, and two patents to his name. He is serving as associate editor for journal Frontiers in Marine Sciences and is in editorial board of journals International Biodeterioration & Biodegradation and Environmental Technology. His global recognition is highlighted by his listing among the top 2% of most-cited scientists by Stanford University.

Text: Prof. Varenyam Achal, Deputy Dean of GTIIT Undergraduate Studies

Translation/Photos: GTIIT News & Public Affairs