How Should I Study In China

[Ahoy_thar]

So unfortunately I didn't have the chance to study abroad in college, and my graduation is coming up. I've been studying Chinese for about two years now (it's my major), going on my third. However learning Chinese in the US leaves a certain something to be desired, in other words the opportunity to actually learn the language in communication.

I would love to spend a year in China just learning Chinese, because I know what kind of dedication it will take, but I fit the stereotype of being a very poor college student and wouldn't be able to support myself.

Some people say that I should wait to graduate, postponing it for a year in order to study abroad (therefore incurring further student loans...).

Others say that I should get out there and get job experience in China while learning Chinese (therefore seriously diminishing my study time...)

I'm wondering what you all think, being that many of you have come across people in my situation or have been in this situation yourself. What would your opinion be?

[putonghua73]

I would personally wait until you graduate (complete your studies), look for work to work for a number of years to gain (1) work experience - value in marketplace (dependent on type of job) and (2) disposable income. Work, save hard, and then take a year out to study in China.

Unfortunately, money or lack thereof, often plays a pivotal role in deciding our choices. Cost of living in China maybe cheap(er) than the US, but a certain amount of income is needed to fund plane ticket, tuition costs, living expenses and living expenses when you return to the US.

What are you qualified to do in China? Why should a Chinese / International company hire you over a native Chinese person? What work experience / skills do you have that have value in the Chinese market that would earn you a work visa? From your post, I gather your only advantage is being a native English speaker.

English teaching is an option, in which case check out Dave's ESL Cafe for more information on English teaching abroad. Yet again, those with qualifications, teaching skills and experience will find it easier obtaining the plum roles i.e. teaching contract, et al.

Your situation is extremely common, and it's usually the same type of post re: no relevant experience, qualification, skills and money. Hence, why I think it would be much more beneficial for you to be patient, bide your time, obtain your graduate diploma / degree, work for a few years to earn that disposable income, work on your Chinese in the US, and then you'll be in the position to study Chinese in China for a year without incurring more debt, be able to cover your living costs both in China and in the US (if you return), and be in a much better position to look for opportunities in China.

The old adage comes to mind: if you fail to plan, you plan to fail.

There are those who have literally arrived in China (insert country of you choice) without any work experience, qualification, skills and money and found something. However, think about what is more probable (likely to happen) and what course of action would increase your chances of obtaining your goals.

Cheers!

P.s. Get that college degree STAT!

[anonymoose]

This kind of question does not really have a definite answer because in the end it boils down to personal preferences.

If I were in your situation, though, I would definitely finish college first. This is because I wouldn't want the worry of having to finish college on my shoulders during my time abroad. When you graduate, you can then spend a year or so working in China (teaching if necessary), earning a decent wage by local standards, and have plenty of opportunity to practise Chinese even if you don't have time to formally attend classes.

Of course the one advantage of spending a year out before graduating is that you will be back at home and able to apply for jobs during your final year at college. It would be more difficult to arrange a job in the States whilst you are in China.

[mlaeux]

If I were you, this is what I would do - graduate and then apply for a job teaching English in China. There may be a problem due to lack of experience, but you may be able to land a decent gig anyway. Just put your application out there and see what happens, but beware of recruiters! Once you get there you can work in the evenings and take classes at a local university in the morning.

[Ahoy_thar]

Thanks for the advice everyone! I've definitely got some things to consider.

[Lu]

You could also look for scholarships for studying Chinese. Perhaps your own university has some ideas on what to apply for. The Taiwanese Ministry of Education has good scholarships too (that would put you in Taiwan instead of China, but that's just as good an environment to study Chinese).