Intensive Chinese vs. Chinese + Internship

[柯曼雅]

I took 2.5 years of Chinese in college, although I finished last fall to focus on my major requirements. Next year, once graduated from college, I am planning of going to China or Taiwan to fortify my Chinese, hopefully achieving fluency. However, I would like your advice on whether I should take one of those "Chinese + internship" programs vs. an intensive Chinese course. As a college grad, I would like to gain some work experience in my field, however, since my language capabilities are intermediate, I don't know if it would be best to focus on an intensive language course. Or would any of you recommend an intensive Chinese program that also provides access to some sort of work experience?

Thank you!

柯曼雅

[Brian US]

From many of the long term foreigners I have met in China, many have suggested studying for a few years and then finding a job. Yet, I think this really varies from person to person. One friend started at a Chinese company and was only one of two foreigners working. Her circle of friends soon became predominately Chinese and her language skills improved rapidly.

Keep in mind, surrounding yourself with native speakers doesn't always have the discipline of the classroom. My Chinese friends aren't going to correct my grammar every time I make a mistake. I think the question on working depends entirely on the kind of work and company.

Mind sharing a few more details on what might interest you? I don't have any experience working in China, but I'm sure a few members will have better firsthand advice.

[imron]

I am planning of going to China or Taiwan to fortify my Chinese, hopefully achieving fluency.

but I'm sure a few members will have better firsthand advice.

My 2 cents, is either plan to be spending several years at this, or readjust your expectations of what fluency means.

I also think it's a better idea to spend time concentrating solely on the language if language acquisition is your primary goal.

[roddy]

Be very careful about what the internship actually is - very often the main skill they want is your English. If you can find one where you're sure you'll actually be using your Chinese, and you're confident your Chinese is good enough that people won't prefer to speak English to you, I'd say go for it.

[Brian US]

Yeah, it's amazing how much your perception changes once you get over here. I originally planned on staying in China for 1-2 years, which turned into 3-5 years, which might lead to a job, which might keep me over here for a long time.

[rezaf]

I think there aren't any serious internship programs that would need your beginner Chinese. I have a few friends in Shanghai who work as interns and they could only find English related internships in foreign companies. However I have a classmate who also has a small trade business and he uses his Chinese a lot for dealing with Chinese factories. So maybe if you want to have a part time job that can actually help your Chinese you should be looking for something like that.

[WestTexas]

I took two years of Chinese in college before coming here and when I arrived I was a bit shocked at how bad my language skills actually were. I couldn't understand much or have anything more than a minimal conversation for about six months. And despite what people will tell you, the Chinese spoken on the ground in mainland China is quite different from the cartoonishly standard Chinese you will hear in instructional materials.

In other words, if you really want to achieve fluency, go for the intensive Chinese. Also, talk to a lot of people outside of class, because there's lots of stuff they won't teach you in class that you need to know. And I agree with what someone else said, if you get hired here you will likely be expected to only speak English at work, so don't expect to improve your Chinese skills greatly just by having Chinese coworkers - chances are their English is vastly better than your Chinese, so you'll end up speaking to them in English.

[柯曼雅]

Thank you for all your replies! They have been very informative. Do you think it would be possible to get an internship outside of an intensive Chinese course, such as ICLP or IUP?

Thank you!!!