How viable is this plan for moving to China?

[Ether]

I've been thinking that I should find a school first, then apply to the school, and then handle my student visa, but after discussing moving to China with some Chinese coworkers of mine, they told me that I should just go with a tourist visa first and check out various cities and schools for a month.

After choosing the school, they told me to apply and change my visa then.

Is this something that seems viable? Anyone done it this way before?

[AlecO]

I haven't been to China yet but I think that sounds like a reasonable plan. I know a lot of people who went to China on tourists visas and once their courses at uni started they switched to a student visa without having to leave and re-enter the country. Also, being in China is so cheap that the extra month won't cost much but it will help you make the best decision as to where you want to be. Having said that, just check out admissions procedures before you go in case there are deadlines for applications.

[Ether]

i get the impression that the Chinese government is much less lax about visa and visa issues then before?

can anyone with experience/knowledge tell me if my plan would work?

[Flying Pigeon]

I'm considering doing the same thing as the OP. Please let me know what you find out.

Thanks.

[Lu]

From what I know, it's viable. But if you've never been to China, don't know anyone there and don't know Chinese, it might not be a bad idea to have everything arranged before you get on the plane. On the other hand, if you're an experienced traveller who has been to completely unknown countries where you don't speak the language before, or if you already speak some Chinese, or if you have friends in China who can assist you, it can be a very good idea.

[Ether]

bump?