Editor's note: Overseas study tours are gaining popularity with Chinese parents who want their children to broaden their horizon and experience a different culture. According to the Chinese travel website Tuniu Corp, even pre-school children and elementary students have joined these trips this summer. The price for such a tour ranges between 20,000 and 30,000 yuan per person. Forum readers share their opinions.

Smaug (US)

If I were a wealthy Chinese parent, I would find a good camp in China, rather than the US. Better yet, let the children actually relax and enjoy themselves over the summer. Play video games, sports, etc. Let them have a happy childhood instead of just pushing for more educational success all the time. Maybe their grades won't be as high, but I bet they'll have happier memories when they're grown.

Students pose in front of the Sydney Opera House in Australia. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

senoritazhao (China)

I think the ideal situation would be parents going on foreign tours with their children and learning new things with them. This way, the children would have a happy holiday and take a break from the school life.

Also, it would be nice if the Ministry of Education could issue some guidelines for study tours. For example, all the study tours should come with some measurable outcomes; there should be a cap on fees of educational tours, and the best is that the schools could use free or subsidized study tours as incentives to push students to study harder and perform better.

File photo shows students taking a summer camp in the US. [Photo/people.cn]

TedM (UK)

Regardless of nationality, a study trip to another country is invaluable. It widens a person's perspective and understanding of the world we live in; its geography and diverse cultures. It counters prejudice and boosts confidence. It opens up the real prospect of future travel experiences. It encourages and reinforces the study of languages and social studies.

For Chinese people a trip to another country is particularly important. The Chinese education system does not allow for initiative or personal experiences. A foreign trip rewards them, teaches them and is a vital part of their personal development. The experience of spending time in another country is never forgotten. If China wishes to continue expanding business throughout the world it must encourage early interaction and understanding of other cultures.

It is a sad fact that most overseas study tours turn out to be tours without the study. Charged an exorbitant price, the students are experiencing nothing more than sightseeing. The safety of the children cannot be guaranteed given the slack supervision of the industry.

ceciliazhang (China)

It is a sad fact that most overseas study tours turn out to be tours without the study. Charged an exorbitant price, the students are experiencing nothing more than sightseeing. The safety of the children cannot be guaranteed given the slack supervision of the industry.

Ghostbuster (Expat in China)

Just for the short few days, after a rather long flight, they must be more tired than learning!

Further, if learning could be completed within short span of time, then school for over 12 years before taking the university matriculation examination should be abolished!

KKJasonjiang (China)

I think this is a significant activity, because it not only increases the children's English level, but also help them learn exotic culture and enjoy the splendid scenery. It should be an experience they will never forget.