Chinese GAC Students Share Thoughts About Program, Plans for Future

The GAC is the world’s most recognized university preparation program for students who do not have English as their first language. A product of ACT Education Solutions, Limited, the GAC is taught and evaluated in English. The program gives international students the skills they need to enroll in and succeed at English-speaking colleges and universities.

The GAC program helped two Chinese students, Cheng Jiangxue and Hu Jue Xiao, pursue their goals. The two 18-year-olds graduated from the Shude school in June. They recently responded to questions via e-mail from ACT.

Where do you plan to attend college?

Cheng: Monash University, Melbourne, Australia, because I want to study in Melbourne and because students from all over the world study there. Monash University has a good reputation in Australia and is known for its art programs.

Hu: University of Houston, because the climate and natural environment appeal to me.

Why do you want to attend college in an English-speaking country?

Hu: Studying in an English-speaking country is a convenience for me. I will not have to learn another foreign language.

Cheng: In English-speaking countries, I can learn and use English in my study and daily life. I feel this can help me improve my skills in English. Plus, I want to experience a culture that is different from China’s.

What do you plan to study in college and why?

Cheng: Accounting and finance, based on my abilities and interests.

Hu: Finance, based on my interests and the subject’s popularity. I’ve been reading books on finance since I was in junior high.

What are your plans for after college?

Cheng: I would like to find a job as an accountant or analyst in a multinational company or bank and eventually pursue an advanced degree.

Hu: I plan to work for a bank and then go to China to work for my father; he is the boss at a company. My long-term goals are to become a self-employed investor who works from home and to establish my own business.

What did the GAC program teach you?

Hu: GAC is not like a typical Chinese education. When I was taking the GAC program, I felt like I was part of a big family. I learned many vital skills that I feel will help me in college. I learned how to interact with others. Some of the courses required me to work with my hands; this was a challenge, as a typical Chinese education does not require this.

Cheng: The GAC program is like a bridge that spans the gap between the Chinese way of study and the Western way of study. It taught me how to study well in Western countries and also laid a solid foundation for my future study.

What was your favorite GAC class and why?

Cheng: Independent Study Skills, because it will be very useful when I study abroad and because it taught me how to learn in English-speaking countries. The teacher was also very patient and passionate about the subject.

Hu: Business, because I learned many skills that are useful in real life.

What surprised you most about the GAC program?

Hu: The certificate is accepted by many colleges and universities around the world, so with my certificate and ACT score, I have many options for future study.

Cheng: The structure of the curriculum and the experienced teachers proved to be very useful in preparing me for study in an English-speaking country.

The Shude School, one of seven GAC centers in China, holds the distinction of being one of ACT’s first-ever Approved Teaching Centers. ACT Education Solutions, Limited, carefully selects the centers for their quality of teaching and their dedication to students’ needs. All teaching centers employ English-speaking staff who regularly attend teacher training sessions to ensure students receive quality classroom instruction. There are currently nearly 60 teaching centers in 13 countries around the globe.