Learn Chinese In China

HIT here in Harbin is around 5 - 6,000 RMB, if I'm not mistaken.

Zheda it is 9000 per semester. I have found it not worth it so far. Hangzhou is so damn expensive to live in.

Southwest University for Nationalities in Chengdu is still only USD 700 per term, I believe

I also want to wander

Those who have studied at a school in China - worth the cost? I now work as a foreign teacher and study in my spare time, and I've been able to make a lot of progress this way, but I'm considering being a full-time student next term. However as a student I would no longer have a furnished apartment provided with computer and internet, thus no ChinesePod, ironically taking away my main source of Chinese study now. I'm debating about studying as a student (and paying money) vs. studying as a hobby while teaching (and making money).

I really think it depends on a number of factors. First, what's your level? The higher your level, the higher the chances that your classmates will be dedicated, disciplined and motivated. I don't think it'd be wrong to assume that lower-level classes are filled with lots of transients who may or may not share the same goals as you. Also, location. If you're in an environment in which you are forced to speak Mandarin every minute of every day, why would you pay to speak to a classmate with less-than perfect tone usage, grammar and word choice when you can speak to a local for free? Costs. I'm not sure what the going rate in your place of residence would be, but for what it costs to attend one semester as university here in Harbin, I could hire a private tutor for 300 hours. On the other hand, attending university is good for a lot of reasons. Perhaps amongst the top are that universities provide structure, experience and guidance. However, I truly believe that at higher levels the best learning is done in the outside world.

I really think that U can learn chinese for free because that there are a great number of ppl in Chian want to learn english for any of reasons , espcaily for finding a better job. So ,if u come to china ,it must be easily for u to find chinese friends to teach u how to speak chinese well .they will be very happy to do that . And also , studying chinese with the local friends is much better for u to understand the langage of the meaning they only speak in life . For suggistion of learning chinese , its better to come to beijing ,because other of china ppl say the dialect

Actually, I'd stay away from the hectic mega cities as much as possible until you have mastered a basic fluency. Cities like Beijing have lots of foreigners and lots more Chinese that can speak English. And while you're still immersed in a Chinese environment, you're much more likely to find someone that insists on speaking to you in English than someone who is forced to listen to you speak Mandarin in order to communicate. I'd also be weary of language exchanges. They've never worked for me. I find it much better to just roam around the shops / malls aimlessly and talk to bored workers and/or hire a tutor.