学习还是工作？

[hongputaojiu]

Hi everyone,

I am pondering this question and as such am hoping to get some thoughts. Due to work/life committments I have only 1 semester free to persue my studies. The goal is to better improve my Mandarin, so I have 1 semester, and must choose studying full time or perhaps teach at a univesity and get a private tutor. I am trying to balance enjoying my time in China, but improve my Mandarin too. I have been studying for 4 semesters at university in my home country. I have lived in Beijing for a few years already, and am looking for perhaps different experience next time. (Rivertown appeals!).

Any thoughts from people that have trodden this path before?

hongputaojiu

[muyongshi]

If you only have one semester and money isn't an issue. I'd say study. Cause you can do a full class load or a partial class load, spend the rest of your time off campus making friends and hanging out with non-english speakers and you will grow a lot in your language.

[imron]

Agree. Unless you already speak good Chinese, and you'll be working in a Chinese-speaking environment without anyone wanting to practice their English with you. Otherwise work will just be one more distraction from studying.

[stoney]

I'm back in China teaching English at a university. I'm too busy and too distracted to study Chinese and I feel like my Chinese is getting worse.

If you can do it, I strongly recommend studying full time.