As cultural exchanges deepen between China and the United States, differences in housing, work, education, healthcare, and other aspects of life have become hot topics of discussion. Recently, the migration of TikTok users from the U.S. to the Chinese social media platform Xiaohongshu, known as RedNote, has ignited a wave of cross-cultural comparisons.
On RedNote, Chinese and American netizens are engaging in a lively \"audit\" of each other's lifestyles. From analyzing salaries and rents to scrutinizing healthcare costs and educational expenses, these online conversations are challenging long-held stereotypes about life in both countries.
One American user shared her experience of taking out $125,000 in loans to cover her master's degree, planning to repay the debt over 20 years. This revelation surprised many Chinese users, who pointed out that in China, it typically takes less than a year to pay off a year's tuition. The American user expressed her astonishment at the stark contrast in education costs.
These discussions highlight the significant differences in higher education financing between the two nations. While student debt is a common burden for many in the U.S., Chinese students often face lower tuition fees and shorter repayment periods.
The comparisons on RedNote are fostering greater understanding and challenging assumptions, as netizens on both sides gain insights into the realities of life across cultures.
Reference(s):
China, U.S. RedNote users unveil differences in education costs
cgtn.com
