Summer Mandarin: Best Bang for the Buck?

[caomei]

This summer, my university adviser expects me to gain another year's worth of Chinese. While there seem to be plenty of intensive courses, my funds are pretty limited. I have about US $4,000 for the entire summer, including airfare, courses, accommodation, etc. Where can I gain this level of proficiency this quickly without going over budget? I have taken about a year and a half of Chinese courses at my university. Personal experiences and advice on specific universities and/or programs would be much appreciated.

[roddy]

First question would have to be, if it's possible to learn a years worth in a summer, why haven't they taught you six years worth in the last year and a half

Do you need to attend a recognized university, or would private school study / self-study be acceptable? Do you have any idea of a city you would prefer to go to? And how long is your summer - will make a big difference to budgeting.

[quanxie]

It sounds like your Chinese is pretty good already... Just come and find a place to rent long term, and emerse yourself in the daily routine of using Chinese... If you need something more structured PM me... I have a friend running a small language school here in beautiful Guiln, Yangshuo that offers a "culture exchange" program, free rent, food, tour guide, etc....

I prefer life outside the box of the big city and the big schools....

Phil

[caomei]

In response to roddy's questions, I don't think it matters whether I attend a private school or a university as long as my Chinese improves enough to do well in next year's courses. I'm thinking of trying to combine a university program with one-on-one tutorials if I can afford it. I'd really like to hear anyone's personal experiences with specific language programs.

I'm not really set on one particular city. I've got a few in mind, but I'm open to suggestions.

My summer starts at the end of May and ends at the end of August.

Quanxie, while I appreciate your advice, I don't think that my Chinese is really good enough to do that. Also, since my university is funding me this summer (though, unfortunately, with only $4,000), I think I'm expected to do something more structured in order to prove that I'm not just hanging out. And while Guilin is beautiful, I'm pretty sure that if I went there, all I would do would be hang out, language program or no. Having been there before, I know it'd be difficult to do much studying (at least for me).

[roddy]

I'm not really set on one particular city. I've got a few in mind, but I'm open to suggestions.

Sorry, but if you aren't going to tell us which cities you have in mind, or what you are looking for in a city (weather? nightlife? pollution?) then it's hard to make suggestions.

If you aren't willing to sort out your own accomodation then you are pretty much restricted to university courses, either direct application or via one of the study-abroad companies.

[caomei]

I'd like to study in a city with a moderate amount of nightlife and a decent expat scene, but not one that's so thriving I'll be tempted to go to bars every night. Weather's not a major factor. I'd like to go some place that's got some nice scenery, parks and where the pollution isn't too bad. I don't want to study somewhere where I won't be forced to use Chinese.

This summer isn't about traveling and seeing China so much as it is about improving my Chinese. I've spent time in China before and as an ethnologist, I have plans to return in the near future. I just have to improve my Chinese so that I can conduct fieldwork in China within the next few years.

I'm definitely planning to sort out my own accommodation. I'd like to avoid living on campus if possible. Preferably, I'd like to rent a flat with a roommate.