"Today, I am proud of my university. Tomorrow, I'll make it be proud of me." This used to be a popular saying among students in China, but perhaps not anymore.

 

A recent online survey shows that university students nowadays feel more isolated from their colleges. They gradually lose their emotional connection to the institutions and their teachers. More than 30 percent of the interviewees feel "exploited by the industrialization of education" and almost 20 percent say they "don't feel maternal-like warmth from their schools anymore."

 

A commentary on Beijing Youth Daily says increasing tuition fees, irresponsible teachers and a hard job market are contributing factors for the ebbing feelings. It argues the impact of the expanding market economy upon traditional education is turning it into another trade.

 

The article also urges all of whole society to lower pressures and high expectations on young people and encourage them to regain the emotional connection they used to have to their universities.

 

(CRI December 19, 2006)