Study Buddy Program Backfires

Shandong University was accused of promoting a study partner program as a way to hook up with overseas students. A leaked application from the “study buddy” program showed that in 2018, 141 Chinese students were partnered with 47 overseas students, a ratio of three to one. However, the application form listed “making heterosexual foreign friends” as one of the program perks, sparking ire among netizens. Shandong University has apologized for the improperly worded form, but argued the program aimed to strengthen communication between domestic and foreign students. Netizens, however, complained that foreign students unfairly enjoy too many privileges at Chinese schools, such as bigger and better-equipped dormitories and more available scholarships. Experts said universities should attract students from overseas with quality education, not privileges. Otherwise they risk increasing tensions between domestic and foreign students.