China Study Abroad

Looking for a different study abroad experience? The ancient and complex culture of China has influenced eastern Asian customs and traditions for centuries, from traders on the Silk Road to people worldwide through the Internet. Elements of Chinese culture can be found in modern cultures, from fashion design and technology to cuisine and architecture. China also has one of the world’s oldest written languages, and today Standard Chinese or Mandarin Chinese is the most spoken language in the world.

Great Wall of China

China is also the number five destination for study abroad worldwide, and number one in Asia (IIE Open Doors Report).

Student Interview

Yilong Zheng, a Chinese student from Shenzhen, Guangdong currently attending Maryville College in Tennessee, was asked to describe China to prospective study abroad students. His favorite elements of Chinese culture are the language and the food.

“I know Chinese language is super-difficult to learn, and plus there are many [dialects] besides Mandarin, but that’s the interesting part, isn’t it? Chinese people do not know all the words, they cannot even pronounce some of the words, just because there are too many. Food, oh me, it is just splendid, you got variety. Just try.”

Zheng added, “Personally, I love small town near regions that have beautiful natural scene… If you like modern convenience, surrounded by English speaking students, try big cities like Beijing, Shanghai, Hong Kong, Guangzhou, Shenzhen.”

Chinese woman in traditional bridal attire

So why should students come to China? According to Zheng, “First, to know about Chinese culture. Second, to know there is something really different: the country is different, and people are living and thinking the way you are never able to know and understand, probably. Third, to know how Chinese people live their decent life with limited resources. Last but not least, it is a place that has many opportunities.”

“It is just so hard for me to describe China… I would say it’s a big country with a long history. However, to be honest, in order to really know other things (bad things/ good things) about China, you really need to come here,” explained Zheng.

Fast Facts

The People’s Republic of China is a country in Eastern Asia. Its many neighbors include Russia, North Korea, Mongolia, Kazakhstan, India, and Vietnam. Slightly smaller than the US, it’s the 4th largest country in the world by land area and the largest by population. The majority of Chinese people are of Han descent, and practice Taoism or Buddhism. Confucianism has also been a major historical influence on Chinese culture. Although it is a Communist state, it has increasingly become more open to international trade in the past 30 years and has become a major participant in the global economy. China currently has the highest number of Internet users worldwide.

The Diverse Cities of China

Because of its size, the climate varies from tropical in the south to subarctic in the north. You can find a diversity of terrains as well, including mountains like Mt. Everest, beaches, desserts in the west, and hills and plains in the east. With the variety of terrains comes a variety of outdoor opportunities as well, anything from beach front activities to mountain top views. Cycling, hiking, climbing, river cruising, caving, and horseback riding are popular activities.

There are a wide variety of customs between regions and sub-cultures, which gives rise to the Chinese saying, “The wind varies within ten [Chinese miles], customs vary within a hundred.” China combines a mixture of rural and agricultural areas where you can find traditional lifestyles with metropolitan areas full of big-city opportunities.

City nightlife

The capital city Beijing in northern China is a popular hub for culture and history and a modern international city. As a major political, educational, and cultural center, visitors to Beijing can find plenty of museums, artifacts, palaces, universities, temples, and art. Home of famous historical sites such as the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, and The Great Wall, it was also the host of the 2008 Olympic Games.

Shanghai is currently hosting the World Expo 2010 from May 1 through October 31, 2010, with the theme of  “Better City, Better Life.” It’s easy to see why; nicknamed the “Paris of the East,” Shanghai is the largest center of commerce and finance. Shanghai boasts modern architecture, landmarks like the Jade Buddha Temple and the Old Shanghai Bazaar, and famous shopping streets and specialty goods stores.

Inside a temple at the Big Wild Goose pagoda complex

For the visitor looking to learn more about Chinese culture, Hong Kong offers a comprehensive Cultural Kaleidoscope program created by the Hong Kong Tourism Board. Practice Tai Chi by the harbor, watch a Kung Fu demonstration at Kowloon Park, learn about traditional Chinese medicines and Chinese tea appreciation, and more. Hong Kong is also a great place to experience one of the many Chinese festivals, such as the Chinese Opera Festival that features Chinese traditional theater in the summer, or the excitement of the Chinese New Year Celebration in January.

This is just a taste of the culture, and a few highlights of such a broad and diverse country. Come see for yourself why China is such a popular destination. Experience its rich culture, history, politics, language, and society first-hand, and learn about yourself in the process. China is full of opportunities for growth, education, excitement, challenges, and fun that you simply can’t find without getting out there and experiencing it for yourself. So what are you waiting for?

How to Study Abroad

If you’re considering to study abroad in China you should do some research into this ancient and colorful country, or look into any country you’re considering. The opportunity to learn about cultural elements like language, food, and religion first-hand can be supplemented by pre-departure preparation. Knowing about Chinese people and culture beforehand will give students an idea of the kinds of people they will meet and experiences they will have abroad.

Giant Panda at the Breeding and Research Center in Chengdu

When considering what kind of study abroad program to choose, several factors are important. First, consider your goals. Think about what you hope to gain, what your realistic expectations are, what an ideal location would be, etc. Then choose a destination or program that meets your goals and expectations. For example, if your goal is to learn the language, consider long term or immersion programs. If you want to learn more about the people and culture, pick a destination with a homestay option, or one near a major cultural hub. Other factors to consider include:

1) Academics – Do you need to take classes in your major when you’re abroad, or can you make due with some elective credits? Does the academic schedule match that of your home university? Can you take a program in the summer? These are things to discuss with your academic advisor or registrar.

2) Language – You can study in English in many countries, but you will have access to a wider range of schools and programs abroad if you have some knowledge of the language. Some countries are friendlier than others to foreigners and English speakers as well.

3) Program features – You will get a very different experience, depending on where you live (international dorm, local apartment, or homestay). There are also different possibilities for meals; you may receive a stipend, meal tickets, or a meal plan.

4) Finances - Consider cost of airline tickets, living expenses, transportation, etc. to figure out your program’s total cost. There are lots of scholarships available, especially for semester or longer study abroad programs.

5) Length of stay – “While a full-year program may seem daunting, most students who go for a semester come back wishing they had stayed for a full-year.” –ISEP.org. It’s true; many students who only stay for a semester wanted to stay longer, or want to go back!

To search for the right program, start here for a directory of programs, reviews, and scholarships: http://www.abroadscout.com/directory/study-abroad-programs.php

Sources: IIE OpenDoors 2009 Report on International Educational Exchange, DiscoverHongKong.com. All photos by Dan Thompson and used with his permission.

Posted by Roslyn Ayers. Roslyn holds a B.A. in Writing & Communications from Maryville College. She studied abroad in Japan as an undergrad and interned at the Maryville College Center for International Education for the 2009-2010 academic year.