Studying in China
nick_ib
October 17, 2012, 04:20 AM posted in General DiscussionHello all. I am seeking advice.
I am looking to come to China over the upcoming winter period (Dec 2012 - Feb 2013) for the purpose of studying Chinese intensively.
Based on Cpod lessons, my level is Upper-Intermediate to Advanced. I have a good grasp of Upper-Intermediate lessons & am just making the transition to Advanced lessons. I can read around 80% of a Chinese newspaper.
I am looking to base myself in Shanghai or Hangzhou. Northern China is not an option as it is too cold over this period (I want to play golf regularly during my stay).
My original plan was to study at a university, however it seems that winter intensive courses aren't widely offered. I have a fairly generous budget, therefore regular private tuition would definitely be an option.
From CPod, I am wondering if you have any teaching offerings to suit my circumstances. While I will continue to use the online content, I am seeking face-to-face tuition.
And from the wider CPod community, I am seeking any relevant advice.
Thanks in advance,
Nick
nick_ib
Thanks Mark. I will do as you suggest and contact some universities directly to ascertain if they would accommodate my schedule. The golf is competitively much easier to arrange! Cheers.
bodawei
October 17, 2012, 08:57 AM'I am looking to base myself in Shanghai or Hangzhou. Northern China is not an option as it is too cold over this period'
I'm sorry to disappoint you Nick, but Shanghai and Hangzhou are fiendishly cold in this period - which might not be a problem if you happen to come from an equally cold part of the planet. I spent a winter in Hangzhou and could not get rid of chillblains; up to that point in time I had only heard about them in Charles Dickens. The published temperatures are a rough guide - the climate is also damp and humid. Never been colder in my life.
As Mark says, the universities will probably accommodate you - but private colleges (and there are many to choose from) are even more flexible.
nick_ib
Bodawei, I have been to Shanghai in January & played golf. It was definitely cold but bearable, although I did find myself running between shots to keep warm. I have also been to Beijing and Harbin in January, and couldn't have even contemplated playing golf.
I'm from Sydney Australia so Shanghai's winter is still far removed from what I am used to.
mark
October 17, 2012, 06:11 AMI studied for a month at 北京交通大学。It seemed like they were willing to accomodate students with irregular schedules. I imagine that there are other universities that would do the same and suggest you try contacting some in your desired locations. I suspect it is money that oils the gears. As to golf, I wouldn't know which is the business end of a golf club. You're on you're own there.