One or Two

[Heidegger]

Here is my question: I am planning to study in China direct enrollment. My plan is to study for fall semester in Hangzhou or Ningbo, then spring semester in Chengdu or Kunming. I have a little bit of putonghua under my belt (15 lessons).

Well, that wasn't a question, but this is: Does anyone think I should just pick one city and spend both semester's there? I am sure one city vs multiple cities both have ups and downs. Just looking for advice.

If I did the two city thinger, then does anyone have any advice for getting from one city to the other. Flying vs train vs bicycling. j/k.

I have been told to try one of the northern provinces to familiarize myself with the dialect change, but I have a hard time with extremely cold weather. (I live in South Florida).

Also, I've changed my mind about forty times, but at least I've narrowed it down to four. So any advice would be helpful. If these questions have been asked, my apologies.

Heidegger

[zn970263]

I won't think there'll be any problem doing your two semesters in two different cities. You'll need to take the flight to go from Ningbo/Hangzhou to Chengdu/Kunming though, again, it's not that expensive anyway. Mind you, you can always change your mind if you want to stay in the same city afterwards.

[youpii]

I think there is one inconvenient in switching places: study material.

There are a lot of books now so it's very unlikely that you use the same ones in both places. In the 2nd place, you'll be in a class whose level will be more or less yours BUT the new books will include some words & grammar that you already know and expect you to know some that you don't.

On the other side, I think it's great to get to know two places ;)