Chinese business culture & language course?

[imagine]

I'm an university student soon graduating. As interested in Chinese language (done beginners course, 5cr) and a Chinese business culture course (3cr) I would like to study more both subjects. I found a very interesting course arranged by WLE (http://www.worldlinkedu.com/china_business.html) but it too expensive to my budget!

Does anyone know whether it would be possible to study Chinese business culture (onsite company visits) and maybe some Chinese as well in somewhere China?

All tips are warmly welcomed. I've tried Net searches but have not been lucky. Could you point me to right direction please? Anyone? (sh)

[gougou]

Have you thought about just doing an internship on the side? It would allow you to get a much deeper insight into business culture. Back during my first internship here, I had a colleague who was doing just that: studying Chinese in the morning, and coming to work in the afternoon. I am sure that he learned much more that way than if he had gone and visited companies for just a day.

[imagine]

Ni hao,

thanks for your reply!

I would love to do an internship if anyone would take me for four to five weeks time. At home I have a permanent job and I'm doing evening studies at university. That explains why it is not possible for longer period for me. I have five weeks of holiday (for this year), which I would love to spend studying and learning in China... but I'll keep looking!

[imagine]

Thanks to the old forum postings I found gailtb's message which was very informative. She found BCLS (Beijing Chinese language school) which provides courses also on Chinese business culture! (link: http://www.bjchineseschool.com/english/class-en-7.html )

This is something I'm looking for but havent check out the location and other details.

(I love this forum!)

[dotherighthing]

The best way to learn culture and business in China, in my mind, is to get involving in a Chinese business, meanwhile, you have to indulge yourself in China, here I mean you can have some Chinese friends to help you on travelling on some cities and rural areas, cause in that way you will utilise your short time very efficicently.

But it is not easy, you have to have some contacts and I don't recommend you go for some courses, which is definitely good for a long term. but not realistic in your case

[imagine]

thanks for your reply dotherightthing.

I've travelled on several occasion in China as an independent traveller (Beijing, Shanghai, Suzhou, Guangzhou, HongKong etc), not on the rural areas tho. But I've organised my trips, got my train tickets etc myself, never used a travel agency for that. I like that very much.

I want to study in a school as in my home country it's all about having school certificates. One has to have a document to show to the possible employer to show what (s)he can. Travelling across China would not serve this purpose.

Yes, I would love to spend more time in China but at this point of my life - having a bank loan, permanent job and other commitments does not make it any easier. Working in China? Yes, but not just anything . Any ideas on that?

[dotherighthing]

Hi, Imagine, I thought now I know exactly what the situation you are now. So my last suggestion sounds a bit of platon.

Yes, you're right, if you can have a formal certificate to verify that you are qualified at some subject, and if you can have some business related experience in China even for short term. both of them will outstand you from other candidates in your country when you apply for a relevant position.

I totally can understand what you say which is the similar situation as mine.

So I have a link maybe will be useful for you http://www.cscse.edu.cn/Portal19/InfoModule_1704/1264.htm ( they have English version)

they offer short term training class for culture

And Ceibs, most prestigious business school in China, has various sessions and presentation weekly which is free if you have some contacts within. Speakers normally will be senior managers from large companies having operation in China. You can gain a insight about business in China.

last point, it will be much better if you can have some person either local or living China for a long time, who could introduce you more culture and business stuffs.

As to find a job which only lasts for 5 weeks, it is quite a tough task, but possible. it could be a small project for a local company. maybe you can use your knowledge about your country, to conduct some market research for specific industry of your country which is a target market for that company.

It is just some shots, not very helpful and good luck with your plan

[imagine]

Thanks again, dotherightthing.

I found the information you provided very interesting and useful. However I can't check the link now as being behind a firewall, for some reason it won't load but I'll check it later on with different connection.

Yes, it would be better if I had any connection in China. I've also thought about "turning it around" with a thought that I could possibly offer my knownledge and language skills of northern Europe to Chinese markets/company etc. This is what you also suggested.

thanks very much, all the tips and thoughts - as I said earlier - are warmly welcomed, just like you did.

enjoy your day!