In-depth Interview Questions

1. What do you think is the most different aspect between Chinese and
American education?
2. Nowaday, westernization is a very prominent process, how do you think it
has impacted Chinese culture? Do you like it or do you think its more important to
preserve local cultures?
3. Recently, China had a red warning for pollution, do you think it will continue
to be a problem in the future for China? Had action be taken to decrease the
amount of CO2 emitted in the air? How has it affected your life now?

Interviewee #1: Michele Ma

1. I think the most different aspect between China and American education is that Chinese
education is more strict and thought highly of. Because there is such a large population in China,
education is not always readily available so educated is highly valued. Education is a very
respected element in life and families usually pay for their childrens education. I also think that
their exams are very rigorous compared to America such as their gaokao. While in America,
though each school can vary in its own way, the education allows for students to be more
creative and a little bit more relaxed. Public American education is free to students, so some
students can take it for granted. Education in America is usually gives a little bit more wiggle
room and allow students to take more different electives than in Chinese Education.
2. I think westernization has impacted Chinese culture to alter in America. There is a distinction
between authentic Chinese food and the "so called Chinese food" from fast food restaurants. For
example, Americans might call General Tso's Chicken, Crab Rangoons, or Egg Drop soup,
Chinese food because it is what is familiar to them due to many fast food Chinese restaurants
like Panda Express. I think that westernization has impacted China in technology and its
economy. Chinas economy is quickly rising due to globalization and is doing more trade and
alliances with the western countries. I think it is more important to preserve local cultures
because it will leave traditions to be passed onto future generations. Although the world may be
more connected as we are becoming more and more global, I think it is important to preserve

each country's local cultures in order to differentiate their origins and roots. Local cultures are
needed in order to make the world interesting and different.
3. I think it will continue to be a problem because China is one of the leading countries of
amount of greenhouse gases emitted. The air pollution in China has a lot of contributing factors.
Carbon dioxide is the most prevalent greenhouse gas emission. It enters the atmosphere through
burning fossil fuels, solid waste, trees, and wood products. Carbon dioxide makes up 82% of the
greenhouse gases emissions. Methane is the second most prevalent greenhouse gas emission. It is
emitted during the production and transport of coal, natural gas, and oil. Methane makes up 10%
of the greenhouse gas emissions. I think action has been taken to decrease CO2 but it will be
very difficult to make the air better in the short run when there are so many manufacture factories
in China. I live in America so the air pollution does not affect me but sometimes I get worried
about my family that live in China that are intaking the polluted oxygen everyday.

Interviewee #2: Lily Yuan

1. I think the biggest cultural difference between American and Chinese education is that English
is the sole important language that is taught to all Chinese students every since there were in
primary school. Knowing a foreign language, especially English seems to be an extremely
important part of education for Chinese students. While in America, American students have a
wide variety of foreign languages to choose from. Many American schools offer all kinds of
foreign languages such as Chinese, French, Italian, Greek, Japanese, Arabic, and so on. Although
Americans have more freedom to choose what language they want to learn, I think bilingualism
is not much instilled into them. Sometimes American students think that knowing English is
enough to survive therefore not many Americans can speak another language fluently.
2. Yes, I think westernization has impacted Chinese culture a lot. For example in Chinatown
there are many Asian restaurants with an American twist. I think the westernization is needed in
foods in America because Americans would not necessarily be accustomed to another cultures
style of cuisine. Although westernization is altering the authenticity of Chinese culture, such as
the food, music, fashion, media, and so on; it is not necessarily a bad thing because it means our

cultures are becoming connected. The mixing of our cultures is known as cultural diffusion
which happens when globalization increases. I also think that there should be some traditional
aspects of the culture that should be preserved so that there are distinct lines and differences
between the worlds cultures.
3. According to a skype session with Chinese students, I learned that the pollution there is getting
much better than before. The air pollution in China definitely has a lot to do with CO2 but
combined with a lot of other greenhouse gas emissions. Nitrous oxide is the third most prevalent
greenhouse gas emission. It is emitted during agricultural and industrial activities, as well as
combustion of fossil fuels and solid waste. Nitrous oxide makes up 5% of the greenhouse gas
emissions. Fluorinated gases are the least prevalent greenhouse gas emissions but are not
insignificant. These gases include hydrofluorocarbons, perfluorocarbons, sulfur hexafluoride,
and nitrogen trifluoride are synthetic greenhouse gases emitted from the industrial processes.
These fluorinated gases makes up 3% of the greenhouse gas emissions. I am not sure what
actions they took but I am sure that they did do something to decrease the CO2 in the air. The air
pollution in China does not particularly affect me because we are overseas, but I hope the people
in China will be okay.