After moving to a foreign country, many Chinese students seek out romantic relationships, but many find their options limited.

Chinese students burned by romance

Recently, a survey by the China Youth Federation, involving 3,000 overseas students, showed that emotional solitude was a major issue for this group with about 23 percent admitting they had no "partner" during their time overseas.

Normally these students find it hard to maintain relationships due to a conflict in values, cultural background and living habits.

Romantic interludes

Overseas Chinese student Li Yue, a sophomore at the University of Nottingham, Great Britain, broke up with her boyfriend she met at a school party. She said that having grown up in a traditional Chinese family, she felt awkward at her boyfriend's "go Dutch" treat.

"At the table, I think either the girl or the boy should pay the check. It is unnecessary to make calculations to decide how much one should afford," said Li. "Why not treat each other in turn? At least it seems generous."

Financial customs were only one aspect that led to the end of the relationship. According to Li, her boyfriend also complained too much about her so- called Chinese habits.

"They were always trivial comments, such as why I don't chew gum after a meal or why I didn't get my hair styled," she said.

Li said ending the relationship was a right choice because they wouldn't feel happy. "Language was another problem. When quarreling, I couldn't even find the proper words, I would just go crazy," she added.

Young love

Fan Xiaoxiao, a junior from Beijing who studies at Westminster College, Britain, met Blago Brooks, a Bulgarian, in the US three years ago. Blago, who was one grade higher than Fan, used to take her out to clubs, which helped her adapt. Everything was going well until Blago's graduation year.

Blago's parents hoped he would return to work in Bulgaria, while Fan's parents wanted her to settle and work in the US.

"Besides love, kinship is also important to me," said Fan.

"When you love someone, you don't care about their skin's color or where they come from. But once there is the intention to keep a longer relationship or even get married, there are obstacles to overcome."