When I was studying for my master’s degree in Sweden, an Italian classmate once asked me a question that caught me off guard:
“Why do Chinese students tend to keep to themselves instead of mixing with others?”
I thought for a moment, then replied, “Because many of us aren’t very confident speaking English.”
That surprised him — but it’s true. From what I’ve seen, a lot of Chinese students abroad hesitate to speak English, especially during their first year. It’s not that they don’t know the language. Most have studied it for over a decade. The real issue is confidence — or rather, the lack of practice that builds it.
In many European countries, kids grow up surrounded by different languages, accents, and cultures. Speaking English, even imperfectly, becomes second nature. But in China, students grow up in a much more homogenous environment. For most, there’s simply no chance to have regular conversations with foreigners.
English education in China begins early — usually in primary school — but it’s heavily focused on memorizing vocabulary lists and mastering grammar rules. The goal is to pass exams, not to communicate. As a result, students become strong readers and writers but struggle when it comes to spontaneous speech.
I remember my own English classes. “Speaking practice” usually meant reciting textbook dialogues aloud, all of us repeating the same sentences in unison. It felt mechanical, and it didn’t prepare us for real-life conversations. So when we finally meet people from around the world, our biggest barrier isn’t language — it’s fear.
And fear, as it turns out, can silence even the most educated voices.
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