Non-language Study Abroad

[Mr. Flamingo]

Hello everyone,

I am planning to study abroad for one year in China. Aside from taking Chinese language classes, I want to try to take business classes taught in Chinese. However, I haven't found anything online from anyone who has done this (experiences, difficulties, etc.), so I was wondering if anyone on this board could give me any advice. What I'm not sure of is how proficient I will need to be to understand a class taught in Chinese, and how I'll be able to know if I have reached such a proficiency.

Thanks for any replies

-D

[StealthyBurrito]

A number of business classes are actually taught in English now in China albeit usually in relatively poor English compared to business classes in the States. Reading materials may also be in English, even for courses taught in Chinese.

As for the level of difficulty, I know here at Beida, foreign students are required to take a language examination before they are allowed to take the same classes as natives. As always you can get around the rules, but be advised that this serves as more of a "for your own good" kind of thing.

From my friend's experience, professors are often kinder to you if you are white as they think you are not as capable as the native students. This is borderline racism in my opinion, and more or less ingrained into Chinese culture, but I wouldn't count on this to help you get by.

As for actually getting the opportunity to take classes for native students (as opposed to language courses), at Beida it's possible if you apply as a degree student. I'm not sure about just for short-term study. It's possible through my program because I am going through the study abroad program in my university. If you are still in school, this would be your best bet.

[roddy]

What I'm not sure of is how proficient I will need to be to understand a class taught in Chinese, and how I'll be able to know if I have reached such a proficiency.

The general standard of Chinese proficiency used by Chinese universities is the HSK exam - see here for info). They expect you to have a an elementary pass for science subjects, and an intermediate pass for arts, if I remember correctly.