Changing CSC Scholarship Major

[Brandon263]

Hi,

Is it possible to transfer from one CSC scholarship major to another during the language training phase of your scholarship, i.e. before your major begins? For example, could someone ask to change from sociology to anthropology within the same school. Who would they have to talk to to make the change?

Thanks!

[Don_Horhe]

I've heard of people doing this on numerous occasions. Basically, you have to go pester the university staff in charge of CSC students and affairs, and, preferably, get some sort of written agreement for the change from your embassy.

[Brandon263]

Thanks a lot for the quick reply. I'll try and see if I can contact someone and update this thread as stuff happens.

[Brandon263]

OK, so I sent a couple of e-mails yesterday, first to the International Students' Office recruiter at the university I'm going to, another to the Dean of Admissions and the last to the department I want to switch to. None of them have replied yet. Should I be worried, or is it usual for them to not reply immediately/could they be unavailable because of Zhongqiu jie?

[fanglu]

Chinese universities arent that good at replying to emails. Just wait till you get there then talk to them. I assume you have at least a semester of Chinese study planned, so there isn't any major hurry.

[Brandon263]

My thinking was that I have a better chance of making the switch if I make the request now, before application season and excuses that the numbers won't allow, etc. The course starts next September.

Would I get better results if I ask the education person at the Chinese embassy to help/intervene? She's always been very helpful and asked me to contact her if I have any problems.

[Brandon263]

OK, please help! I sent an e-mail to the administrators of the new school I want to move into and the Dean's reply was "鉴于您的研究兴趣，还是在(XXX)学院好。" Should I send an e-mail explaining why the I believe I would fit better into the school I am trying to get into or does it seem like he has taken a final decision?

[fanglu]

I'd just feel happy they bothered to reply. At least that means they care about you to some degree. I suggest when you get there you try talking in person to the international student office (or whoever coordinates your scholarship) rather than the particular school. Probably wait a few weeks into semester so they are not too busy.

[Brandon263]

Thanks for your reply, fanglu.

I talked to the International Student Office at the university I want to go to (who deal with CSC scholarship students) and they were like "it's all in the hands of the department you wish to attend, they have to approve you first."

The person said that talking to the receiving department was the first step, and only after that step could (would?) CSC consider my request.

Should I not follow his advice and just go to CSC directly?