I'm lost. Need help making a decision for Summer 2010.

[MarsBlackman]

So thanks to this forum, I know more about study abroad in China than my home university's study abroad office...which currently is frustrating. These forums have done a great job providing information about individual programs. I'm having a hard time deciding where I would like to study for the Summer of 2010. My money is somewhat limited so I'm trying to do as much research as I can before I make a decision. So I'm turning to you all for some help.

The background of my language education is I've studied one year formally in school and now I'm doing the second year on my own because I can't fit the classes in my engineering schedule. We use the Integrated Chinese books.

Location: Beijing or Harbin.

I'm drawn to Beijing because of the number of institutions to choose from as well as all the historical sights I can see once I'm there. If I'm spending the money, I'd like to have many different things to do. I'm drawn to Harbin because it seems my Chinese would improve because the distraction from fellow English speakers is less. However, at the end of the day, its all on my discipline.

Type of program: Beijing Universities, US Programs, Private language school

First off I'm going to say programs such as IUP, CET or Princeton in Beijing are too expensive. I've been leaning towards programs such as BLI, TLI or CLE (www.chinaledu.com) because of the small class sizes (<5),the 1on1 and tutoring I could receive. I've heard too many mixed reviews about BLCU or BNU on the lack of explanation and large class sizes. I also want to be in China for longer than the 4/5/6 weeks which tends to be the length of university programs, so some sort of flexible program is ideal.

Lately, I've been drawn to the CLE program because of what they offer. Its also nice to not worry about housing. I'd probably do the homestay with them. Has anybody had any experience with this program or homestays in general?

So basically, what are your opinions of my situation? Are there any programs you think I should be aware of? Is there anything I'm overlooking? I'm just looking for straight answers. Any help whatsoever would be greatly appreciated

[pancake]

If you're considering Harbin, I would strongly recommend that you get in touch with the "Harbin Yale Commercial Consulting Company" (http://www.hyccchina.com/Default.aspx). I will start studying in Harbin in November, and they have so far been very helpful and professional.

I am sure Mr. Wang can help you find a suitable summer course. You will pay a bit of money for their services, but considering the convenience I personally feel it's well worth it. And you'll still get away cheaply as compared to something like the CET program.

[roddy]

HYCC may well be worth a look, they'll be able to advise on which programs might suit in Harbin or elsewhere in the northeast. However I'm not sure what there would be there in the way of small group classes.

Do you actually need to decide now? Summer of 2010 is some way away.

[MarsBlackman]

Okay thanks a lot guys. I will look into that program. The only reason I need to decide soon is if I don't go this summer then I need to look hard for an internship for the summer. I just don't want to be SOL when summer comes around.

[abcdefg]

Location: Beijing or Harbin.

... I'm drawn to Harbin because it seems my Chinese would improve because the distraction from fellow English speakers is less.

Harbin Putonghua is very standard and Harbin living expenses are substantially lower than Beijing. Also I can't imagine your running out of weekend sightseeing destinations during one summer in Harbin.

I'll readily admit to being biased, but for me it would be Harbin hands down.

[Zhong]

I'm getting rather lost, too... though I'm sure there's plenty of time to make a decision (if it comes to June and nothing is decided, I'll start to worry).

I seem to have something against private language schools. I studied at a language school in Berlin a few years ago and, whilst it looked fantastic, it was far from it. My language skills didn't progress whatsoever and no one seemed to care. I wasn't unique - quite a few of us were in the same boat.

As for homestays - avoid them like the plague! They are the sort of thing which will destroy your otherwise enjoyable study-abroad experience. I have only had a homestay once - but it's something I'd rather not repeat. Again, I'm not unique, they're something I rarely hear highly of.

I don't really have a 'plan' yet, though I think I'm going to look at one of the universities in Beijing and probably stay in international student halls or something similar. Ideally, I'd like to stay in a shared appartment with other students, but I think that's somewhat unlikely

[dillon1530]

Hi MarsBlackman,

Firstly, let me say that I'm impressed with how much thought you've given your study abroad options - the work on the front end will save you a lot of frustration, money, energy, etc. on the back end.

You may have already made your decision, but I thought I'd weigh in. I live in Beijing, and have found it to be both foreigner-friendly and a great place to practice my Mandarin. I know you mentioned looking for an internship if you can't find a good program. Let's say that you do study in Beijing this summer - you'd also be able to start networking with US/EU/UK companies that have offices in Beijing -- perhaps making connections for a future internship for 2011 or post-graduation. This isn't something you'd be able to do nearly as easily from Harbin.

I studied at a big Chinese university when I first arrived in China in fall 2007, learned next to nothing, and then switched to a small, private language school called That's Mandarin. I ended up loving it, have studied there ever since, and started working at the school at the end of the summer. We offer one-on-one and small group lessons that I think would be perfect for someone in your situation. That being said, we don't offer college credits if that's something you'll need for graduation...

Best of luck with your decision and please email (cdillon@thatsmandarin.com) if you're interested in learning more.