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Hi TL, so I was supposed to go to university in England in September, however due to some problems that was impossible.
Anyways, my dad got fed up of my constant talking of Korea, Japan and China (SC, Anime and Kung Fu) so he said to me 'why don't you go to university in Shanghai?'
First I thought he was making fun of me, but he asked me that question several more times so I asked him how China is. Since he's been there alot the last two years, he told me Shanghai is a great city.
My first reaction was 'china? hell no, too far away!' but after a lot of thought I've warmed up to the idea, I mean how many oppurtinities do you have to go live in China in a life? This is a unique oppurtinity!
I'm still kind of torn on the idea, so I'm asking my fellow TLers for their thoughts and advice.
EDIT: Just so we're clear, I have NOT decided to drop everything to rush off half assed to China, I'm simply considering it, a lot of people seem to think I've already made up my mind when I haven't
 
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If you're going in that direction at least go all the way. Show some Seoul!
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Sure sounds like an adventure if nothing else. I've heard it's quite hard to get into uni in China, though? Like, only the very top chinese students get in, but you might have a better chance because of being a foreigner, I dunno.
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On November 20 2010 06:13 gm.tOSS wrote:
If you're going in that direction at least go all the way. Show some Seoul!
thing is my dad has friends in china at least  whereas in Korea... plus I looked at courses in english in Korea and nothing appeals to me
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Calgary25998 Posts
What are your other options? Is it basically no school or school in China?
I'd think you'd want a base school somewhere closer to you, and then just exchange somewhere for a semester or two.
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Baa?21245 Posts
It's much easier to get into a top university in China as a foreigner than as a Chinese student. Also, you get treated much, much better as a foreigner in Chinese universities lol, in terms of accommodations (room and board) at least.
If you come from France, or any other European/American country, you can most likely to feel that the cost of living in China is quite low thanks to the exchange rate + just lower absolute prices. An euro/dollar goes much further in China than it does in US/Europe/etc. xD
I can't speak for Shanghai out of personal experience, but Beijing is pretty international, and I would imagine Shanghai can only be more so. A foreigner living in the city shouldn't have too hard of a time getting by. I've been told living in Shanghai is quite similar to New York in terms of metropolis/city life, so take caution if that's not your cup of tea.
Which universities are you considering?
Edit: Those are some of the benefits I can think of, whether or not it's a "good idea" is ultimately up to you to decide base don your situation/interests/needs... There are plenty of inconveniences too I can imagine, many associated simply with being in a foreign country, but also Chinese specific ones if you're not used to them.
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It's a surprise to see anyone interested in going to school in China. Chinese people usually try their best to get out of the country for college, but most of them can't find the money. The problem about chinese universities is that they are hard to get into, hard work while you are in there, and after you graduate, you are not highly recognized either. Unless you get into one of the top 5 universities in china, it will be tough for you to find a job afterwards. When I was in China, a taxi driver I met had a master's degree. If you do get into one of the top 5 universities, you are probably better off going to harvard or oxford instead.
The best option would be to do an exchange in a Chinese university, but your primary school should be close to home. Shanghai is a pretty nice place to live if you have a bit of money, but be sure to train up your immune system as everything you eat will make you sick.
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On November 20 2010 06:19 Carnivorous Sheep wrote:
It's much easier to get into a top university in China as a foreigner than as a Chinese student. Also, you get treated much, much better as a foreigner in Chinese universities lol, in terms of accommodations (room and board) at least.
If you come from France, or any other European/American country, you can most likely to feel that the cost of living in China is quite low thanks to the exchange rate + just lower absolute prices. An euro/dollar goes much further in China than it does in US/Europe/etc. xD
I can't speak for Shanghai out of personal experience, but Beijing is pretty international, and I would imagine Shanghai can only be more so. A foreigner living in the city shouldn't have too hard of a time getting by. I've been told living in Shanghai is quite similar to New York in terms of metropolis/city life, so take caution if that's not your cup of tea.
Which universities are you considering?
Edit: Those are some of the benefits I can think of, whether or not it's a "good idea" is ultimately up to you to decide base don your situation/interests/needs... There are plenty of inconveniences too I can imagine, many associated simply with being in a foreign country, but also Chinese specific ones if you're not used to them.
Well, University of Shanghai has a course on Advertising, and that's actually something I'd be real interested in. So, that's my main choice for now. I havent looked at all of the possible choices yet, but I've looked at some in Shanghai and Beijing and Hong Kong.
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On November 20 2010 06:17 Chill wrote:
What are your other options? Is it basically no school or school in China?
I'd think you'd want a base school somewhere closer to you, and then just exchange somewhere for a semester or two.
This is definitely the less adventurous (read: hell of a lot safer) option. If you get accepted somewhere close to home, then apply for an exchange it will be a year before you leave on the exchange. The plus side being that you might figure you don't want to go, the downside being you have to wait for a year and you might not get accepted to the exchange program. Also, if you really really like it, and want to go then you will have to transfer. On the other hand if you go to a school in China you will be there immediately, and could be there for a while. If you find out you really don't like China, then you can always just transfer to a school closer to home.
My advice would be to apply to several schools close by (in Britain, France, ect.) and one in China. Then in the next year you can make up your mind as to where you want to go, and if you aren't completely sure then you can always choose the exchange route. But, yeah- if you really want to do it then go for it. I mean the worst that will happen is that you don't like it, and move back after a year. Yeah, a bit of money and time will be lost- but I think in the grand scheme of things that will be pretty minor.
Good luck :D
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On November 20 2010 06:39 emperorchampion wrote:Show nested quote +On November 20 2010 06:17 Chill wrote:
What are your other options? Is it basically no school or school in China?
I'd think you'd want a base school somewhere closer to you, and then just exchange somewhere for a semester or two. This is definitely the less adventurous (read: hell of a lot safer) option. If you get accepted somewhere close to home, then apply for an exchange it will be a year before you leave on the exchange. The plus side being that you might figure you don't want to go, the downside being you have to wait for a year and you might not get accepted to the exchange program. Also, if you really really like it, and want to go then you will have to transfer. On the other hand if you go to a school in China you will be there immediately, and could be there for a while. If you find out you really don't like China, then you can always just transfer to a school closer to home. My advice would be to apply to several schools close by (in Britain, France, ect.) and one in China. Then in the next year you can make up your mind as to where you want to go, and if you aren't completely sure then you can always choose the exchange route. But, yeah- if you really want to do it then go for it. I mean the worst that will happen is that you don't like it, and move back after a year. Yeah, a bit of money and time will be lost- but I think in the grand scheme of things that will be pretty minor. Good luck :D
Yeah, you're right, I'm gonna apply to 5 schools in Britain as well as some in China, but i really think if i get accepted in China I'll go, its a pretty unique oppurtinity.
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On November 20 2010 06:52 PlaGuE_R wrote:Show nested quote +On November 20 2010 06:39 emperorchampion wrote:On November 20 2010 06:17 Chill wrote:
What are your other options? Is it basically no school or school in China?
I'd think you'd want a base school somewhere closer to you, and then just exchange somewhere for a semester or two. This is definitely the less adventurous (read: hell of a lot safer) option. If you get accepted somewhere close to home, then apply for an exchange it will be a year before you leave on the exchange. The plus side being that you might figure you don't want to go, the downside being you have to wait for a year and you might not get accepted to the exchange program. Also, if you really really like it, and want to go then you will have to transfer. On the other hand if you go to a school in China you will be there immediately, and could be there for a while. If you find out you really don't like China, then you can always just transfer to a school closer to home. My advice would be to apply to several schools close by (in Britain, France, ect.) and one in China. Then in the next year you can make up your mind as to where you want to go, and if you aren't completely sure then you can always choose the exchange route. But, yeah- if you really want to do it then go for it. I mean the worst that will happen is that you don't like it, and move back after a year. Yeah, a bit of money and time will be lost- but I think in the grand scheme of things that will be pretty minor. Good luck :D Yeah, you're right, I'm gonna apply to 5 schools in Britain as well as some in China, but i really think if i get accepted in China I'll go, its a pretty unique oppurtinity.
Apply to a Canadian school as well, way better than Britain 
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TossFloss
Canada606 Posts
This blog post pertains only to grad studies in China; but still has some relevant points http://www.sinosplice.com/life/archives/2010/02/23/why-china-for-grad-school
The best universities in the world are in Europe, Canada, United States, and Australia. Having lived in China for three years, I can tell you that Chinese universities are still decades away from catching up to their western counterparts.
That being said, there are several good reasons to study in China. As other posters pointed out, most Chinese want to study abroad. But you are not Chinese, so you play by a different set of rules. If you're interested in stuff like international business, law or diplomacy, then having a 4 year degree from a university in Shanghai will look good on your resume. Also, living abroad will help you grow as a person - assuming you don't spend all your time coddled up in your room or hanging out with your English speaking friends. For example, I spent the first 18 months without a single English speaking friend because I came to China to learn the language. This is bloody hard and not for everyone.
Shanghai is a great city. But not everyone can live in China. I personally loved my time there, but many many foreigners I know hated it. The culture is quite different, they have a completely different point of view regarding respect and social responsibility.
So what I suggest if you're considering China: Get a plane ticket and go live in city-of-your-choice for 2-4 weeks. This should give you a good idea if you can live there for another 4 years.
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I just want to get my undergrad in China and then a graduate degree in Europe so I have a good degree and also have the studied in china bit to add to a resume
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There's a very good chance you'll be accepted to the uni in China because they are usually favorable to foreigners. However, you have to realize that the lifestyle in China is very different. (I'm Chinese-American, born in the U.S. but visit China very often.) There might be a lot of things you aren't used to.
I guess France might not be too different from China in terms of transportation if you use the metro frequently. But if not, that's pretty much the best way to get around in Shangai. The food is also very different, especially from French food. They are starting to have more and more American restaurants in China, but I'm not sure if the French like American food, especially fast-food, which is probably the most common and popular among Chinese young people. The city Shanghai is very nice though, most of it.. It's probably my favorite city in China and it's a lot like Paris.
I would recommend you do some sort of study abroad program in China instead of attending 4year university there. Spending a semester or two there can be really great; I've had American friends do this and they loved it. If you go for a 4year uni in China, you'll miss out on the western college experience. If you really want to live in China for 4 years though, then it's not a bad idea. Just try to get a taste of what you're getting yourself into first. Maybe do some research and if you have the time and money, maybe visit China for a couple of weeks.
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Korea (South)11598 Posts
why china though? why not korea, japan, taiwan, thailand, or hong kong?
i would do some research on the schools and figure out which is best for you, the demographic of the students,the culture, etc... if anything go with your dad to china the next time he goes for work, and get a feel out for both the country and the school. visit the school etc...
would you be at an international school? or do you speak chinese well enough that you can get by on taking the classes in chinese?
just some things to think about imo.
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On November 20 2010 06:54 emperorchampion wrote:Show nested quote +On November 20 2010 06:52 PlaGuE_R wrote:On November 20 2010 06:39 emperorchampion wrote:On November 20 2010 06:17 Chill wrote:
What are your other options? Is it basically no school or school in China?
I'd think you'd want a base school somewhere closer to you, and then just exchange somewhere for a semester or two. This is definitely the less adventurous (read: hell of a lot safer) option. If you get accepted somewhere close to home, then apply for an exchange it will be a year before you leave on the exchange. The plus side being that you might figure you don't want to go, the downside being you have to wait for a year and you might not get accepted to the exchange program. Also, if you really really like it, and want to go then you will have to transfer. On the other hand if you go to a school in China you will be there immediately, and could be there for a while. If you find out you really don't like China, then you can always just transfer to a school closer to home. My advice would be to apply to several schools close by (in Britain, France, ect.) and one in China. Then in the next year you can make up your mind as to where you want to go, and if you aren't completely sure then you can always choose the exchange route. But, yeah- if you really want to do it then go for it. I mean the worst that will happen is that you don't like it, and move back after a year. Yeah, a bit of money and time will be lost- but I think in the grand scheme of things that will be pretty minor. Good luck :D Yeah, you're right, I'm gonna apply to 5 schools in Britain as well as some in China, but i really think if i get accepted in China I'll go, its a pretty unique oppurtinity. Apply to a Canadian school as well, way better than Britain
University of Toronto, University of Ottawa and University of Waterloo to name a few
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I would reccomend exchanging rather than being based in china for 4 years
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On November 20 2010 07:41 TaiYang wrote:Show nested quote +On November 20 2010 06:54 emperorchampion wrote:On November 20 2010 06:52 PlaGuE_R wrote:On November 20 2010 06:39 emperorchampion wrote:On November 20 2010 06:17 Chill wrote:
What are your other options? Is it basically no school or school in China?
I'd think you'd want a base school somewhere closer to you, and then just exchange somewhere for a semester or two. This is definitely the less adventurous (read: hell of a lot safer) option. If you get accepted somewhere close to home, then apply for an exchange it will be a year before you leave on the exchange. The plus side being that you might figure you don't want to go, the downside being you have to wait for a year and you might not get accepted to the exchange program. Also, if you really really like it, and want to go then you will have to transfer. On the other hand if you go to a school in China you will be there immediately, and could be there for a while. If you find out you really don't like China, then you can always just transfer to a school closer to home. My advice would be to apply to several schools close by (in Britain, France, ect.) and one in China. Then in the next year you can make up your mind as to where you want to go, and if you aren't completely sure then you can always choose the exchange route. But, yeah- if you really want to do it then go for it. I mean the worst that will happen is that you don't like it, and move back after a year. Yeah, a bit of money and time will be lost- but I think in the grand scheme of things that will be pretty minor. Good luck :D Yeah, you're right, I'm gonna apply to 5 schools in Britain as well as some in China, but i really think if i get accepted in China I'll go, its a pretty unique oppurtinity. Apply to a Canadian school as well, way better than Britain University of Toronto, University of Ottawa and University of Waterloo to name a few
OP don't go to any of those chobo schools! :O
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EPT
