Want To Start Studying In China Asap. Suggestions?

[michael23]

Hi everyone,

I just got back from a two-week trip in Hong Kong and Southern China and loved it. I want to go back as soon as possible for a long-term stay.

I studied Mandarin in high school for a year, and I would like to start a language program in China, Hong Kong, or Taiwan as soon as possible (ideally this month) to prepare me for eventually enrolling in an undergraduate university program somewhere in China.

I'll need a job over there, and of course it seems like the easiest thing is to teach English (I'm a native English-speaking American). I heard in order to do so legally you have to take a six-month teaching certificate course?

Anyway, I would really appreciate any suggestions you guys can offer. As I said, I'd like to get over there as soon as possible, and I'd be willing to stay with a host family, or in a dorm, or whatever. Do you recommend I sign up for a whole program from a company, or simply call a university or language school?

There are so many China resources on the Internet that it's hard to figure out where to begin.

Thanks very much,

Michael

[kdavid]

If you're really looking to start as soon as possible, and serious about teaching English, my school's TESOL course is what you're looking for.

Next starts are July 12 and August 23. The sponsorship program includes: 160-hour TESOL Certification course accredited by the Chinese government, Mandarin lessons, accommodation throughout training, meals, transportation and a guaranteed six-month job placement. Some sponsor schools also provide Chinese lessons for their teachers.

[roddy]

Seriously, you need to sit down and have a good long think about what you want to do. Narrow things down geographically, by length of stay, by work / study balance, by budget, by what you want to achieve. Come back with a clearer idea of what might be suitable and you might get some more useful advice.

[GreenArrow45]

Hong Kong speaks primarily Cantonese or English, so, if you want to study Mandarin, you should probably stick with mainland China or Taiwan. Like roddy said, you should try to narrow down what exactly it is you want. Something I have noticed, if you don't have a college degree, you may find it more difficult to get good job opportunities - unless of course you have a good bit of experience or some really good connections.

[Kobo-Daishi]

Dear Michael123,

I studied Mandarin in high school for a year, and I would like to start a language program in China, Hong Kong, or Taiwan as soon as possible (ideally this month) to prepare me for eventually enrolling in an undergraduate university program somewhere in China.

China - Mandarin, simplified.

Hong Kong - Cantonese, traditional.

Taiwan - Mandarin, traditional.

What's that saying about nothing worse to hear than a Cantonese speaking Mandarin? Old stereotype? But something to think about if planning to study Mandarin in Hong Kong.

Kobo-Daishi, PLLA.

[michael23]

Thanks very much for the replies, everyone!

You're right - I'll do some more research and figure out exactly where I want to go first.