People applying for CSC for language program?

[Awais Kazi]

I had one question in my mind for so long, thought to create a separate topic and ask it here..

I've seen so many people, going for "One/two year language program(s)" through CSC ..

I just wanted to ask .. WHYYYY ??

I mean why would any American come to China to study Chinese, and then go back to the states? what did they gain? instead, they could learn something back there in the states, that would help them in their career eh? one/two year(s) is a long time to spend just learning chinese don't you think so?

I don't mean to be rude, just had this question to ask for so long.. no offense brothers, I really don't mean to be rude.. just asking though..

[Liebkuchen]

A response from a sister here:

From what I've read one/two years learning Chinese is just getting a good base level. You really want 4-5 years in China to get good. But the scholarships are free money so you take what you can get.

Some folks might find it useful for careers in business or traditional Chinese medicine. And western employers love language ability on a CV as most of us are monoglots- so any language at a decent level makes you stand out. And China is taking a greater and greater role within the economies of both Asia and Africa. If you can't beat 'em, join 'em.

One or two years will always seem a long time, if you're not interested in the subject to begin with...

[kdavid]

You're assuming that those coming to China to study aren't doing anything China-related with their lives.

There are a number of reasons why someone would be interested in this:

1. International experience.

2. Chance to have studies financed.

3. Looks good as a gap year (very few Americans travel abroad as compared to other western countries, especially Europeans).

4. Relevant to degree coursework or future graduate studies.

5. Looking to live/work in China on a semi-long-term basis, and want some language under their belt first.

Not everyone is just "slacking off" by studying for a year or two. Surely, someone with a degree in say, biology, who had no plans whatsoever to do anything related to China or Chinese would have their time better spent doing something else, but even these people may be interested in spending some time learning about the world's second largest economy's history, culture and language.

[Lu]

I mean why would any American come to China to study Chinese, and then go back to the states?

Because they want to? Because they're interested in a faraway culture?

what did they gain?

The experience of living in another country, plus likely they had fun. Granted, you can have that back home as well.

Not everything in life has to be utilitary or help your future career.

[Shelley]

Hello,

I don't see why you think that it leads to nothing. It could open many doors for people. The reasons for people learning Chinese or any other language are as varied as the the people learning. Some may have partners whose family speaks chinese and they wish to make an effort to learn and understand their partner's culture. THey may work in another country that does business with china and need some to communicate with them. Or as it is with me, just for the sheer pleasure of learning about china, chinese language and people. Also 1-2 years is not a long time in the long run. Out of my expected (hopefully) long life span, 1-2 years in a mere drop in the ocean.

I have to ask: Are you learning chinese? and if so why? If you were learning another language, say french for example, would you not take a trip to France to help if you could?

Also they are not all from the USA, quite alot are from UK and other countries.

I didn't find your question rude just not thought through. I am sure if you think about it it will make sense. ^_^

Shelley

[Brian US]

The vast majority of long term students are Korean. The HSK (Chinese proficiency test) score is very important for finding a job in Korea.

From your other posts it seems you are not very interested in studying the language. Keep in mind this will put you at a HUGE disadvantage if you decide to study in China.

[Awais Kazi]

@ all : thank you for clearing my doubts ..

@ Brian US : Its not like I have no interests in learning a language, its like I feel, if Im living in China .. I'd study Chinese in the evening, take it as a side course .. as you will learn the language on your own if you live in China .. thats natural, people who're living in Pakistan now from outta countries can speak Good urdu now .. so whats the point in especially learning those is what I wanted to ask ..

no offense guys I really din't know why did people go there .. and sorry I din't mean to only speak about USA .. but other countries too .. actually, I've applied for CSC as an Undergraduate student, who wants to study B.E in Mechanical (English Medium) .. but what I've been reading on the forums is, they don't allow the international student to study in English medium. Instead, what they want us to do is, learn Chinese in 1-2 years and then continue with out course in Chinese .. like some of you said, it take 4-6 years to master a language .. how can I just learn Chinese in just 2 years and start my whole studies in Chinese? .. that seems a wrong option for me to chose isn't it? ..

(oh and lol, I wrote three times that I don't mean to be rude .. yet I got -2 on my post . Im still sorry to whoever thought I was being rude)

[rezaf]

I'd study Chinese in the evening, take it as a side course .. as you will learn the language on your own if you live in China .. thats natural, people who're living in Pakistan now from outta countries can speak Good urdu now

With something like Chinese unless you are a genius using your method you will just learn some basic Chinese enough for buying veggies or some other simple stuff after 1~2 years.

learn Chinese in 1-2 years and then continue with out course in Chinese .. like some of you said, it take 4-6 years to master a language .. how can I just learn Chinese in just 2 years and start my whole studies in Chinese? .. that seems a wrong option for me to chose isn't it? ..

I think one year is not enough for gaining anything but two years can give you a good base for doing whatever you want to do. I learned Chinese for a little bit more than 2 years and then started my bachelor's degree in TCM. At the beginning I couldn't understand much in the class but after a few months of hard work I almost had no major problem and I don't think that I could improve that fast by just continuing studying Chinese. At this point after 4 years of being in China I almost have no problem in my classes and I'm on a good track. I might take one year off to improve my Chinese but that's just because I have some perfectionist issues with myself. So if you work hard on your Chinese for 2 years that would be almost enough for starting a bachelor's degree.(Of course the first year will be hard but you'll get used to everything in the second year of your degree program)

[Lu]

as you will learn the language on your own if you live in China .. thats natural, people who're living in Pakistan now from outta countries can speak Good urdu now .. so whats the point in especially learning those is what I wanted to ask ..

This may work with, say, Spanish or French, but not with Chinese. Even when in China, you need to study or you won't learn it. Hence the classes.

And you are actually aware of this:

like some of you said, it take 4-6 years to master a language .. how can I just learn Chinese in just 2 years and start my whole studies in Chinese?

If you would just learn Chinese 'naturally' once you've set foot on Chinese soil, it wouldn't be a problem to study in it after a year or two, would it?

[cheung3k]

This topic could invite some hostility so I'd be a bit more careful....

I received the 1 year language scholarship and that is exactly what I applied for. At my home university I'm doing two concurrent degrees, one in Accounting and one in Chinese.

The 1 year language exchange will get me the courses I need to complete my chinese degree.. this exchange is going to let me finish 2 degrees within 5 years. But honestly I took it for the experience, things like credits and finishing my degree were things I realized afterward. Alot of people do different things before/during their university life, simply because when they start working they'll never have the chance to.

When am I ever going to find the chance to go to China with all expenses paid again? Never, it's a once in a lifetime opportunity, so take it!

Also, about learning chinese "on the side" or just from living/talking to be people there; good luck. I know someone who received a different scholarship and lived in china for 2 years... but never went to his classes, went exploring the countrysides in stead, yes he has a decent vocabulary but his pronunciation is god awful and grammar is nonexistant.

[Awais Kazi]

hmm, I see what you people are trying to make me understand and I really appreciate this .. thank you so much for all this

So, you guys mean to say .. that it is a Good idea to go to China and spend 2 years learning Chinese and then start with my B.E in Mechanical in Chinese? cause I think I'll get that kind of scholarship .. that means around 7 years ..

btw anyone of you had experienced this? my friend in china told me, the classes are conducted in Chinese, but if the student is willing to, can give the exams in English language as well? is that true?

Suggestion please

Plus, one more thing I'd like you guys to suggest me .. that is (please don't consider me an idiot )

I'm enrolled in a University here in Pakistan, that is among the very best Govt. Universities here (though its not listed in world ranking I Guess) .. and I've paid a fair amount of $5, 000 as a one-time admission fees .. the course is of 4 years here too .. I wanted to ask, what would you guys suggest me? to leave all this here and accept the scholarship to China? that of course means 2 years of Chinese learning and 4 years of the course .. I know if I compare to the money the Chinese Govt. would pay for me is way way higher than this, still wanted you guys to suggest me, whats best for me .. and I'd really love to go to China and visit new places, learn a new language and culture etc.. but its like, Im not really rich here .. so these $5,000 means a lot to me .. I just feel, what if I can't learn Chinese in 2 years? that means I'd be ruined if I can't study my Bachelors course in Chinese(if my Chinese level is not that improved) .. then I wouldn't be able to pay those $5,000 again to the university here to get an admission .. SUGGESTIONS PLEASE Thank you

[rezaf]

Why exactly do you want to come to China? As far as I have seen, people who come to China for their university degrees are either interested in doing business with China or study something that is related to the Chinese culture(like TCM in my case) or people who can't get to good universities in their own countries(or maybe can't pay the high tuition fees in their own countries). Your major doesn't seem to be that related to China and your current tuition fee doesn't seem to be that high. As you said it's 7 years in China and although I said that 2 years of Chinese is enough, it is gonna be very difficult to study in your major using Chinese.

[Awais Kazi]

@rezaf : well, if you ask from every Pakisatani, he'd be telling you that he'd love to go abroad ..

Its no fun being here mate, no fun at all .. No clubs/Bars/Disco's .. Roads are always broken(the place where I live in, karachi is much better) .. and there's no paypal, no internet shopping and all .. we're behind in technology, we're behind in almost everything .. the electricity, is not available every 6 hours a day, due to load shedding they just cut that off for about 2 hours in the morning 2 hours in the evening and 2 hours at night .. that SUCKS big time man .. Its sooooo HOT in here, its 55 degree centigrade today and my electricity is about to cutt off for 2 hours now, can you believe it without electricity 2 hours in 55 degrees ?? .. Its the worse experience man, (though karachi again is much better) ..

not to mention, the society here is so conservative .. you don't get girls to date so easily, and if you do .. you need to promise them about marrying them and all that .. lol, and then sex is not very common too..

[Abdul Sattar]

Result Announces...!!!

Lanzhou University has announced three list are there.. 1st announced on 3-06-2011 and two has been announced today... Pakistani students also got scholarships to this uni.. Congratulations to all!!!

http://sice.lzu.edu.cn/

[Dr.Haseeb Sattar]

@Awais i am very disappointed after reading your comments about your own country..

We peoples makes a country Not country make peoples...so plz be mature when you talk about your own country...

Pakistan is heaven on earth we have largest coal,Golds,Salts,oil etc mines but its our negligence that we cannot use that resources..

1st be a Pakistani and then talk about Pakistan..according to your wording its seems you are Not Pakistani sorry to say.

Be Mature..Pakistan is most beautiful country in world.

[rezaf]

@awais: Just consider yourself lucky you were not born in Iran.

[Awais Kazi]

hmm, I know guys, and I really am thankful that I was born in Pakistan ..

but the thing is, I really want to experience the world outside Pakistan .. what I've seen in the world is fairly limited to some neighboring cities .. I want to explore more in the world, I want to discover other things too ..

@ Haseeb : Buddy, I know Pakistan is a beautiful country and I surely love being here, but you see Im really disappointed by the situations here for about everything, I don't like it much .. Plus, I'd like to see how other countries are like, I'd like to see everything from a tourist point of view .. there's so much to see and so much to know about China ..

Dr. Haseeb : may I know why exactly do you want to go to China? while you can also get quality education here?

[Dr.Haseeb Sattar]

@Awais ...Being your Friend or brother i am saying being a Muslim can we do sex with girl before marriage?can we drink alcohol??No Cuz all these things are prohibited by Islam..and you are Mashallah born in Muslim Family and you are muslim too.

so these things are never ever belongs to us ....

Try to avoid these things...

According to tourist point of view Have to explore Northern area of Pakistan??

i did and i can confirm you that No other part of world is more beautiful then it..

and for your electricity problem this is because of currpt leaders...

Our Health Minister dont know about Pharmacist who is important part of Medical Area.

if you select currpt and those persons who dont know about the the concern Ministry e.g if you select a LLB or B.A qualified minister for your energy sector then how he can understand the basic necessity of this area..so its all our fault because we selected them..

According to Quran

jaysy loog waysy Hukamran..

so we need to change our self..

[Awais Kazi]

Haseeb : Yea, right .. absolutely

[gato]

Awais, it would be better if you can finish your degree in Pakistan first before considering China. Abandoning what you have right now is too risky. China has many engineering grads of its own. I think it may be hard for you to find employment as an engineer in China.