Applying to study in China

[panny]

Hi everyone Im from UKI know this is an odd question but what is the best way to apply to study in China?

Can anyone please reommend me any agencies? (So many of them online - not sure which one is the best) or is it better for me to apply directly to the university? (Thinking of going to BLCU) - I'm clueless on where to start , can anyone please advise me??

[FyKnight]

IMHO, if you want to go to BLCU and are happy arranging your own accommodation, just apply directly to them. I did about a week ago. It's pretty simple: download and fill in the application form, send it off with a photo and a couple of other documents, transfer the application fee, and they send you back a certificate that lets you get a study visa.

There are a lot of agencies, but I think they are only helpful with more exotic schools, or if you want particular accommodation e.g. homestay. Or maybe if you're not confident being on your own in a foreign country.

They are however a lot more expensive for what they do. Just compare the fees yourself. I'm talking US$1000-2000 more expensive for some of the better ones. (And for the bad ones just replace RMB with USD!)

I too started off with the idea that it'd be nice to go to BLCU. Then I thought I didn't want to be at uni with only foreigners there. I spent a great deal of effort looking for other suitable programs without success (for many reasons: timing wrong, disorganisation, missed deadline, already full, etc.) ... and have now ended up back where I started :-). I'm sure it'll be fine 'tho! Also I know more and don't feel I need the security net of an agency.

You'll probably get better replies if you say what your goals/ambitions are with learning Chinese: i.e. do you want to get really good at Chinese language (for business? for travel? for pure interest?), are you into all the culture stuff (Tai Chi, Calligraphy, Hutongs etc)?, how important is socialising/partying?, or are you after the business networking world (building guangxi)? ... All those kinds of questions.

btw I should mention that I haven't got this visa-granting certificate back yet... it'll take a couple of weeks they reckon.

[panny]

Thanks for the advice!! I was thinking theat BLCU would have too many foreigners too, but I wasn't sure where else to apply , I heard that the courses to learn mandarin there was quite good - just want to go there to learn the language and culture.