whether to take the HSK or not
adam_p_lax
May 08, 2013, 07:08 AM posted in General DiscussionHi all,
I've been living in China for about 3 years as an English teacher at university. During that time I've learned a lot of Chinese and have become somewhat obsessed with learning the language. At this point I consider myself highly proficient in Chinese if not fluent.
Now I'm going back to the US this summer to go to graduate school for the next 2 years (unrelated to Chinese learning). In my future I don't see Chinese being a part of any jobs or careers I undertake (I think I want to continue teaching TESOL).
I was wondering though if people thought it would be worthwhile for me to take HSK 4 or not. Is it a respected qualification to put on your resume or something merely related with just those who want to study in China?
adam_p_lax
I think HSK 4 is more around my ability, I hate using the word fluent just cuz when you say that people expect a lot when u speak another language
pretzellogic
Then following up on baba's idea, I'd suggest taking level 4, if that's what you think you're at. Take level 5 if you score 85% or higher on the level 4 exam (I don't know how these exams are scored). As you move back to the States, take the level 4 exam again and once per year thereafter, to see how your Chinese is doing. In other words, I'm suggesting using the exam to help you baseline where your Chinese is at the time you leave China, and quantify how quickly and in what areas your Chinese might be improving (or degrading).
Given how much work you put into learning Chinese, it seems a shame to lose what you have.
helzcurrah
May 08, 2013, 11:32 AMJust take it. You have nothing to lose except a few hundred kuai. I just did level 2 for the heck of it. Don't need it for anything particularly.
mark
May 09, 2013, 06:43 AMI have a couple thoughts:
Studying Chinese has had absolutely no career benefit for me.
The HSK is the one of the only ways for an independent student, such as myself, to objectively assess my ability.
Continuing to improve my Chinese enriches my life, but not my pocket book.
DragonflyXingFu
June 15, 2013, 02:40 AMYou should get recognition for your skills! Every little bit all adds up and you never know when it lands you an opportunity. Besides, it was only $20 for me to take HSK1 and it is offered every month. I passed 2 months after starting out with the langauge; go for HSK6. Do It while everything is fresh.
bababardwan
May 08, 2013, 07:16 AMIf you are more or less fluent, then why sell yourself short at HSK 4 ?...you should be going for HSK 6 on the new HSK surely.