College in China

[Kassie]

So, I've been worrying about college and how I'm going to pay for it for the majority of my senior year now. I had picked a college in state I would probably go to that offered courses I liked and plenty of majors (since I can't decide. The problem was that I don't have the best grades and had to hunt for scholarships or student loans. Needless to say, I was stressed about the entire situation.

Now, recently, the vice principal at my school has been given 5 scholarships he can award to 5 students of his choosing. So far, only 3 people are considering it: me and two of my friends. The scholarship pays full tuition, full room and board, a monthly stipend, and I could also have a fairly easy job and make an additional $500 a month. The only catch is, it's in China. The university is called Xi'an Jiaotong University.

I want to go extremely badly, but my father is having a breakdown. He's thinking of every possible scenario that could happen where I'm injured or killed and is extremely worried about the entire thing. I'm sure I can go, but that along with getting everything organized is going to be tough. There's no simple way to basically move to another country.

 

[pjoa09]

Think about everyone else who has done it. I don't think it is too hard to find an exchange student who is in your country.

 

[Kassie]

Well, it's not so much an issue of exchange students, because that university has relations with the university I was originally considering. The issue everyone's having is that I'd be living in China, and they can't seem to handle that, since I'd be studying there for 4 years. My dad isn't planning to stop me (like I would let him) but he and the rest of them are a bit overprotective for my liking.

The main thing I need to do now is work on my Mandarin.

 

[Vrecknidj]

If you really want to go, find a way to do it. Work on relationships with your family so that they can handle your absence. Come up with plans (Skype or whatever a couple times a week). If you're going to be gone that long, save up some money while you're there -- invite them to come visit you after a couple years, whatever.

If I had a chance to do it, I'd go.

 

[pjoa09]

In that case... think about the Asians in your university.

 

[Pride]

China is great; I am from there (and I certainly like it more than the United States). Of course, my opinion is biased but consider:

- Xi'an is relatively cheap compared to other large (huge) cities such as Hong Kong and Shanghai.

- Living expenses in China, in most places (even in metropolitan areas) is usually cheaper than the United States and you can get a better apartment than here with less money.

- Food is very fucking cheap. And delicious.... very, very, delicious...

- People in China tend to be a bit distrustful of foreigners but if you are white that's not much of a problem, just don't be an asshole and people will take to you shortly.

- Chinese language - learning to read & write is the most difficult part but grammatically, Chinese is easier than English in that it follows the same rules and patterns for most things (there are exceptions, of course, but I think to speak is easier than English).

 

[Words]

I'm for going, for new experiences, and for change. Why fear the "unknown", when it's "unknown?" But seriously, I think a lot of people create their own fears and thus, hinder themselves from experiencing new, and most likely safe environments. I'm sure you've heard of China being the next superpower in a few more years. It might be economically advantageous. Most chinese, even in Universities, are absent of english, I believe. I've been to some Asian states but not China per se.

 

[Dapper Dan]

Well lets see here.

China pros: All expenses paid. Great cultural learning experience. More responsibility. Incredibly marketable. Friends are going (I assume). Probably lots of fun.

China cons: Huge commitment. Far from home. More responsibility.

USA pros: Less stress. Close to home. Less responsibility.

USA cons: Much more expensive. Close to home (it's not always a good thing). Much less marketable. More likely to stall out. Less responsibility.

Not to mention that complacency is a huge trap for INTPs. You've been handed a free pass. Use it.

 

[speiss]

*going to be a chinese major*

You've got to be kidding me.
I'm so jealous I can't even move!

I would take the opportunity, despite what your father says. It's an incredible opportunity, as you probably very well know, and it might be hard to find another just like this one again. Staying in your own state, nice, safe and near your parents is all well and good, but then there's also taking the risk of flying to another country and learning all about what you've never known before.

You could listen to your parents and be one of those kids who didn't take the risk and who doesn't live a life of adventure, snapping your fingers every time you think of what your life could have been..
Or you could make your own decision for your own soon-to-be-adult self and go.

 

[ellett711]

IF...crowds,congestion and small space is not a problem for you..then go. THE FOOD is fantastic.

 

[Otherside]

The best thing might be to contact other Americans who are already there and get their opinion.

 

[yopman]

I've done it.

I graduated from Fudan university in Shanghai (ranked among the best universities in China), I went through a masters degree built in cooperation with my university in Paris. I lived there for three years (including one year of work).

I learned chinese for 2 years before going (10hours/week) and kept learning at the same pace on site. Why China? Just out of curiosity (been in Japan before, I wanted something new).

The overall experience was very interesting. A few points though:

• Don't expect high level classes. Usually the teacher would just come up in front of the class, read a text and leave. Sometimes they pretend they are "modern" and encourage you to ask questions, but soon you'll discover that they can't fake it and interaction between a teacher and a student is just not in their way of doing it.
• Self educate, most nytimes bestsellers are available for almost free in the streets. Spend as less time as you can in class/doing homework, you'll get good marks anyways, stay within the rules, if your uni rules say that you should attend 70% of the classes, make sure you comply with that. Make sure you understand which rules you can bend/break and which are mandatory. Don't hesitate to pay other students to do your hw if you have better things to do.
• Go outside and discover as much as you can, find a job (make sure they pay you, too many people are ready to work for free in Shanghai)
• Try creating your business, people are ready to pay an incredible price for basic things there. Just focus on real quality, experience and value (apparently very hard to do in China).
• Never forget your education and common sense, people might encourage you to think that the Chinese way to do things is superior because of their good economy or other kind of bullshit. You'll soon discover that it's a race to the bottom. Stay away.
• Travel, get that book and visit the entire South East Asia, that will probably be your best chance.
• Train yourself and master your negociation skills - on markets, at jobs interviews, anywhere you can.
• Make sure you buy a decent vpn. strongvpn.com was a good solution for me.

Those are the things coming to my mind at the moment