ChatGPTWhen studying in China, focus on Mandarin proficiency, understanding cultural norms, navigating the academic system, complying with legal requirements, accessing healthcare efficiently, and choosing suitable accommodation.
Table of Contents
Language Preparation
Learning the basics of Mandarin is vital when considering studying in China. About 70% of locals do not speak English fluently. Consequently, without speaking the language, simple daily activities from ordering food to asking for direction may become a daunting task. The following are recommendations for learning the basics of Mandarin.
Language uses in daily student life
Start by learning practical vocabulary and phrases that will be helpful for daily use. For example, practice negotiation in markets where sellers expect to reduce the price by about 20% – 30%. Practice using simple expressions in the academic environment, like phrases to talk to the professor or ask the library staff.
Course
Enroll in a Mandarin course before departure. There are preparatory language courses designed for international students; they are available in most Chinese universities. The official language usage system that combines both spoken and written languages intensifies the learning process. Taking a consistent course can enhance your language power by 35 – 40% compared to self-teaching.
applications
For efficiency, include apps in your daily life, such as Duolingo, HelloChinese, among others. These apps develop language proficiency; the lessons are interactive and have a variety of expressions that are fun to learn. Within a year, you will have boosted your basic conversation skills. From user experiences with regular practice, the time is reduced to three months.
Language exchange
There are many language exchange programs in the university city that provide the opportunity to learn the language by practicing with native speakers. In turn, the locals are motivated to learn from you the English language. This system stimulates learning since people are communicating, and learners can improve conversation within a few weeks faster than in the classroom.
Dealing with regional languages
It is important to note that China is a vast country with numerous dialects and regional languages. Anyone studying in cities like Shanghai, Guangzhou, or certain catchment areas in Beijing, should learn basics in the main dialects Shanghainese or Cantonese. Even though the official language is Mandarin, locals use the local dialects in their daily communication.
Cultural Understanding
If you consider studying in China, you must be prepared to understand the peculiarities of the Chinese cultural context. Otherwise, cultural insensitivity may have a great impact on your social and academic success because the Chinese adhere to many traditions in everyday life.
Learn Cultural Practices
There are several practices that you should be aware of. First of all, the concept of ‘face’ should be understood as a person’s reputation of his or her dignity. Giving and maintaining face are associated with many social practices in China, such as business negotiations or classroom-style discussions. Deficient-paying attention to social image may lead to serious misunderstandings and social exclusion.
Observe Local Etiquette
A good understanding of the basic rules of Chinese etiquette can facilitate your integration. For instance, when dining, always pass the dishes to the other guests before taking a portion for yourself. This gesture denotes respect. Also, business cards should be collected with both hands to show humility and attention to detail that are highly valued in China.
Participation in Local Festivals
In addition, it is advisable for students to participate in local festivals, such as the Spring Festival or Mid-Autumn Festival. These festivals have deep historical roots. At the same time, they help to gain insight into the Chinese family and society. This approach allows students to learn how important family is in Chinese culture. Nowadays, Chinese people continue to celebrate these holidays and shape their society through cultural forms.
Understand Communication Styles
Communication in China is often indirect; foreigners must learn to take hints. There is a great difference between the use of the words ‘yes’ and ‘no’ in the East and West because in China most refusals are polite. For example, the Chinese may refuse you, but instead of using the word ‘no,’ they will show hesitation. This approach is unacceptable in Western culture, but in China, it is considered perfectly possible.
Relation to Hierarchy
Finally, in China, as in many other Asian countries, the academic authority is highly valued. Questioning the teacher is unusual in the Chinese context. Tutors are highly regarded. If you can resolve any issues, you can do that individually, outside of class. Otherwise, open questions in the classroom can be insulting to teachers or professors.
Academic System
For an international student, getting acquainted with the academic system in China is essential to manage the expectations and adapt learning strategies looking forward. Here are the crucial elements one needs to be prepared for.
Emphasis on Memorization
Traditionally, Chinese education demands memorization and recitation, not analysis or critical thinking. Therefore, students who are used to the Western educational system may find this fact challenging. On the one hand, during a lecture, one will be given enough time to make notes of the material in order to come back and memorize it from a physical form. What is more, students in China participate in study groups meaning they can revise a lecture by repeating information and discussing with other members.
Teacher-Student Interaction
The relationship between teacher and student is highly formalized in China. In accordance with the rule, the student is expected to be all ears and not interrupt his or her teacher. Thereby, it is critical to be prepared for the case of teacher’s explanations of certain materials being inconsistent. In order to overcome misunderstanding, I will try to visit the teachers at office hours or talk to them directly after the lesson instead of arguing with a teacher during the class.
Standardized Test Preparation
One can work hard to get qualifications in education and save time on irrelevant activities like preparing for essential tests. Chinese education is essentially based on standardized tests. These multiple-choice tests regulate not only entrance or graduation from the university but guarantee a postgraduate job as well. As such, it is crucial to how these exams are made and who they are tested. Early exams will surely be a worthy investment in the future as many Chinese experts state that increased exam score by three points can completely change your career.
Group Work
Although in most cases the majority of grades will concern one’s individual performance, there will also be assignments to do in groups. This is relevant primarily to such subjects as Business or Technologies. Therefore, it is advisable to be aware of the specifics of Chinese group work as they include some well-established rules an international student may not be aware of. Before implementing a project, I will try to learn my group members’ strengths and weaknesses and comprehend their style of communication.
Legal Requirements
Adhering to the legal requirements is indispensable for international students in China to ensure they are in line with the country’s laws and can concentrate on studies without having to resolve legal issues.
Visa and Residency Regulations
Having the appropriate student visa (X1 or X2 visa) is the first and foremost legal requirement for international students. The X1 visa is supposed to be used by students who plan to study in China for more than six months, whereas the X2 visa is suitable for shorter periods. After arrival, holders of the X1 visa must get a residence permit within 30 days, which includes a visit to the health center and provision of the university admission notice – the policy permitting to get registered as a resident.
Registration with Local Authorities
Within 24 hours of arrival to an off-campus place of stay, students must register with the local public security bureau. Violation of this requirement will result in a fine of up to 2,000 RMB or detention by the police. Students accommodated at the university campus should clarify if the administrators do the registration on their behalf in order not to face the penalty.
Internet Use Compliance
It is necessary to check the current Internet policy of China not to breach it, as the majority of international websites are blocked. The use of VPNs is prohibited and can result in the interruption of the entire internet body and legal implications. At the same time, many students are using VPNs to get access to the irreplaceable international educational resources. Checking the current regulations is indispensable.
Employment Restrictions
As a rule, the owners of student visas are not allowed to work in China. However, internships or part-time employment with the university and the government’s consent are exceptions. At the same time, it is necessary to make sure the job position is not outlawed, as unauthorized employment can bring about punitive charges and deportation.
Cultural and Legal Conformity
Finally, local laws and customs must be respected. It is important to remember that actions classified as minor offenses in many jurisdictions or culturally acceptable in students’ home countries may carry serious charges in China. Specifically, while the usage of drugs might result in a fine or enrollment in the rehabilitation procedure in other countries, it might justify a sentence of life imprisonment or even capital punishment in China.
Healthcare Access
All international students in China must understand how they can access healthcare services while in the country. All international students must have health insurance, either from their country which covers their stay in China or acquiring cover from a Chinese insurance provider. Most of these insurance cover everything from ordinary doctor visits to more complex issues. The plans have annual premiums of about 400-800 RMB only depending on the category. The plans must meet the requirements of the university where one is studying in because in case they show that their cover cannot meet the requirements they will not be allowed to register.
Students must first know which healthcare facilities are close to their campuses. All major cities like Beijing and Shanghai have Public Hospitals and International Clinics that have services provided in the English language. However, in smaller cities or towns in rural China, there are very few English-speaking doctors and the quality of service may not be the same as in major towns. They should get a list of these facilities from their universities.
There are some medications that a person can only get in a pharmacy in China only on presenting a prescription. There are some that one can only get with prescription in other countries yet in China they can buy them over the counter. However, some medications from some other countries yet are not available in China, for example, some medicines for mental problems. The student should do an investigation on the availability of these medications before they come. If there is a need to use the medications, it is advisable if you stock pile them and get a doctor’s note explaining the necessity of the medicines.
There is a lot of pollution in several Chinese cities which is why respiratory problems in China are very common. The students should take caution on the quality of air in the various Chinese cities and wear masks in the cities in case such cities are registering high pollution. In case there are vaccines available for certain local diseases, for example, hepatitis A and B, get them to avoid future complications. There is an emergency number one can call in China. It is 120 for the ambulance and 110 for the police. Students should ensure that they get a medical ID card with English and Chinese writing to help if there is an emergency requiring a third party. The card should list any chronic disease or allergies such a person suffers from.
Accommodation and Living Arrangements
Getting the right accommodation is an important part of study planning in China—it will be a place where you will spend the majority of your time and activities while being in the country. Moreover, choosing accommodation that suits your taste would be an essential point for the successful start of your program.
On-campus or Off-campus
Most of the institutions in China offer on-campus dormitories. However, many universities also provide off-campus accommodation to scholars. The cost of living on campus costs around 1,000-1,500 RMB per month, which is cheaper compared to living off-campus. Meanwhile, off-campus accommodation provides more options and independence to students, but prices are significantly higher: those can cost from 2,500 to 4,500 RMB or sometimes even more per month-depending on the city and accommodation closeness from the university. Almost all apartment contracts include a deposit, which is usually two months’ rent and one to three months’ rent in advance.
Make sure the contract properly states your and landlord’s obligations to avoid conflict in the future. In addition, other points to consider are additional costs such as utilities. Some landlords ask you to pay your water, gas, and electricity bills, while others include these in the rent. Initial set up usually costs between 200-500 RMB. For the off-campus accommodation, three factors to consider would be location, money spent on the transportation to the university, and the cultural effect of living off-campus. One the one hand, choosing an apartment close to the school will be very beneficial to you not only in terms of convenience but also safety and money.
National University of Singapore research found out that average transportation expenses are around 300 RMB per month. Subways and bus routes are recommended—these are not only useful in terms of traveling to the university, but these are usually the safest modes of transportation in Beijing. On the other hand, off-campus housing allows to be more exposed to the local Chinese culture. Thus, living on campus will allow you to integrate more easily into student life. Many universities offer on-campus activities, clubs, and societies to students. Off-campus culture includes the chance to know more about the local Chinese community.