HELP: Peking School of Government MPP MPA/Peking MBA/Tsinghua MBA

[cnpride]

Hi guys,

I'm 22 female, ethnically Chinese but educated and raised in the UK. I graduated at the age of 19 and have over 2 years work experience within investment banking. I want to get out of London and experience higher education in China.

I am considering studying either a Masters degree or Masters in Business Administration in Beijing mainly due to the fact that I may receive full scholarship (providing that I get admitted to the course that I want).

I have many of the topics on this forum regarding an MBA at Tsinghua and Peking University - there has been very mixed feedback. I am very attracted by the dual degree that Tsinghua offers in collaboration with MIT. What worries me about studying in China, Tsinghua in particular is, I've heard, very academic, there's little socialising and societies compared to those in the US or Europe. I partly go for an enjoyable experience as well as an academic degree.

I am currently looking at a MPP or MPA degree at the school of government http://www.sg.pku.edu.cn/en/Overview.asp

There is an equivalent at Harvard University and it doesn't take a genius to conclude that the one at Harvard is obviously much more reputable. Can someone please shed some light on this? I imagine it would be difficult to get a job in the Chinese government given that I'm not a Chinese national. Although I thought perhaps, consultancy in the public sector would be an option. Can anyone suggest where this would get me?

I'm very open about what to study, I've even thought about philosophy - at the end of the day, I want a reputable degree (even if it's just within China) from a reputable University. Other suggestions of courses would be very welcome!

[Xiwang]

What worries me about studying in China, Tsinghua in particular is, I've heard, very academic, there's little socialising and societies compared to those in the US or Europe. I partly go for an enjoyable experience as well as an academic degree.

What you may also want to consider is that part of the reason for choosing an MBA school is the future networking contacts you will be making that may help you out in the future. Those contacts will be more limited if you go to a Chinese school, even an elite Chinese school.

[gato]

It depends on your future plans. You didn't say why you are tired of London and investment banking, but if you still intend to pursue a career in IB or public policy, I would encourage to get a Master's degree in the UK or the US, particularly if you want to pursue a public policy career. There's very little chance that you will be listened to by the Chinese government as an outsider. Most advisors to the Chinese government are loyal Communist Party members.

If you are simply looking for a break, or a chance to connect with Chinese culture, then maybe you could take a year off and just study language in China. After that year, you'll have a better idea of what you want to do and you could apply for Master's programs at the same time.