Summer Job Ideas

[natra]

I am going to graduate with my bachelors degree in Chinese this May. There will be a period of 3 - 4 months over the summer where I have nothing planned before I go to China to pursue a masters. Any ideas on what I could do over the break that is related to my major?

[chinadude2006]

How is your Chinese level? Are you planning on coming to China during the summer? If so, you could always enrol in a Chinese language program over the summer to further your skills.

[zhouhaochen]

studying Chinese would be the obvious thing. Its hard to find work for just a few months...

[skylee]

Travel. Like go to Taiwan, travel from north to south and then back, play and experience.

[Daan]

I worked at my home university's Department of Chinese Studies for a few weeks last summer, which was quite interesting. I got to deal with lots of different chores, as well as some library work. You could consider enquiring whether your university library might need someone who can read Chinese - to process newly acquired books, for example.

[natra]

I suppose it could not hurt to enroll in more 对外汉语 classes. I studied abroad for 1 year before, and during the end of my studies told myself that I would not enroll in one of those programs again. I think though, that I will just continue reading/studying with a private tutor.

I am going to try contacting the school I will be attending to see if I am able to come in advance to work for a few months.

[whereishunter]

Travel. Like go to Taiwan, travel from north to south and then back, play and experience.

I could not agree more with this. I would get right out of the cities and experience something different. It will also be great for your Chinese.

[isela]

If I were you I'll certainly travel in China!

Long vacations like this won't come easy later on. Just think about it!

I'd suggest: Go to inner-Mongolia to ride horses and see the scene of "风吹草低见牛羊", then fly to Si-Chuan to hug pandas and walk in the valleys of 九寨, and then take a boat along 长江 to Shanghai to see the Expo! There are countless things you can do, and three months may not even be enough.

You can always learn Chinese and/or make money, but this summer should be your fun time!

[skylee]

You can always learn Chinese and/or make money, but this summer should be your fun time!

I agree.

[xiaocai]

then fly to Si-Chuan to hug pandas and walk in the valleys of 九寨,

It's just going to be very very crowded... But well, since you are planning to stay in China for a much longer period than just a 3-4 month summer break, it might not be such a bad idea to get used to the "crowdedness" in advance.

[clevermae]

Well, since your major is Chinese, it should be assumed that you are also familiar with the Chinese language. If what you really want and need is to earn extra money for your stay abroad, what I suggest is that you offer your friends some Chinese lessons or tutorials for a small fee.