How to Study in China in English

Rumor has it that you are thinking about studying in China, you, my friend, have made a wise decision. As a major influencer in international affairs and global economics, this country is an invaluable place to study in. On top of that, there is a diverse culinary scene, a complex historical background, endless natural beauty, and a deep appreciation for performance and visual arts. It’s quite possible that you may never want to leave! And why would you? You can see all of this—and more—all while you pursue English study in China.

Although China tempts with its many highlights, the one thing that students are often unsure of is the language. A completely understandable concern, since Mandarin is seen as one of the hardest languages to learn for those who are not familiar with it. Fortunately, in major cities like Beijing, Shanghai, or Guangzhou, there are classes taught so you can study in China in English; these cater largely to the growing international student population. The number of universities in China that teach in English are continuously growing, which is great news for those of us that lack the foreign language gene.

Are you convinced enough now to buy your plane ticket? You should be. 

Now comes the monumental task of deciding where you will feel most comfortable studying and living language-wise. Let’s get started! Here are some essential questions for international students to ask themselves before they decide to study in China, without any Chinese language skills, to make sure you will have the best experience possible. Whether you are interested in engineering universities in China for international students, a zillion other university programs, or would rather study in China in English for the short term, here's what to consider:

Questions to ask before you study in China without knowing Mandarin

1. What city is best for primarily English-speakers?

English-based educational exchange is more likely to be found in China’s larger cities, where there are well-established opportunities to study in China for international students and a greater number of Chinese universities; hence, also plenty of international students that you will be able to communicate in English with. Here are three major cities that have plenty of English taught courses for international students:

• Beijing. Are you fascinated by Chinese history? Beijing, the ancient capital of China could be an ideal home living among relics of the past, while at the same time having the advantages of the present. Follow in the footsteps of great scholars by choosing to study in China in English at Peking University, which is the oldest university in the country (but has some of the most progressive courses) and Tsinghua University, which has one of the top-ranked business schools in the world.
• Shanghai. For those craving something more modern, Shanghai is the heart of modern China and the country’s largest city. If you are pursuing a degree in finance, business, or economics, this city should be a strong contender for your heart and home base when you study in China. This city does not skimp on schools, which include Shanghai Jiao Tong University, one of the most prestigious research universities in the country, with a huge international student population to boot. Another option is Fudan University, a renown Chinese university that is known for being one of the first schools to accept international students in the country, since the 1950’s, and has top-notch intensive Mandarin programs for those wanting to take the language leap.
• Hong Kong. Hong Kong is another major modern metropolis that is a popular draw for international students who want to study in China, with an incredible food landscape, a wide variety of different cultural influences, and plenty of English taught courses. Contrary to popular belief, it is not just a concrete jungle, but has plenty of intriguing places waiting to be discovered in its back alleyways and side streets. The University of Hong Kong is the region’s oldest institution and is known for its excellence in research. Something to keep in mind is that if you are interested in enrolling in beginner Mandarin classes, Hong Kong’s official language is Cantonese instead.

2. Have you considered studying in China—in English—through an expert program provider?

The opportunities to study in China for international students can be an exhilarating, but also an overwhelming experience, even before you board your plane. We understand the draw of finding and coordinating independent study at universities in China that teach in English, but we also know that formal programs can help smooth out your entire experience in the Middle Kingdom.

Signing up through a program provider, such as Go Abroad China, CISabroad, USAC, or CEA Study Abroad can help alleviate some of the sleepless nights, since they take care of housing, other logistics of settling in and best of all provide you with a strong support system to help you through anything from culture shock to translating situations where language barriers are an issue. More importantly, program providers are a good safety net if you have some language-barrier concerns before or while you study in China.

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The majority of programs will have a residential director who lives locally in your city and is the on-ground support for you throughout the duration of your stay. Study abroad program providers also help enroll their students in smaller English-based classes within a school, that are tailored more specifically to their needs.

Signing up to study in China universities is a lot tougher than you might think—especially when you consider your ease of making friends. A program provider that is based in an English-speaking country will also help guarantee that the other participants will also be English speakers. So you can study in China in English, with fellow English speakers! There are plenty of study abroad programs in China that offer housing in the form of dormitories or apartments, as opposed to a more intimidating homestay, where communication can be tricky. Often program providers will even make sure that your roommates or flatmates are fellow English speakers that will make the transition much easier.

3. How long should you study in China?

After you have zeroed in on where exactly you want to study in the Middle Kingdom, there is the equally important question of when you should go and for how long. Do you have an aversion to cold weather or begin to melt when the thermometer reads above 80 degrees Fahrenheit and the air is heavy with humidity? Consideration for the weather is a very real thing, where in Beijing it can get mind-numbingly cold during the winter and in Hong Kong it can be unbearably humid and hot in the summer months.

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Speaking to duration of stay, China is a country that especially takes time to begin to understand its complexities to those not familiar with its culture and language. You may think a semester might seem like a long time, but it is not! If you can, stay for two semesters or better yet if you have the resources and time, a whole year will allow you to truly immerse yourself in the cultural intricacies of China. Though you will be taking English taught courses in China, the longer you stay, the better chance you will have at learning the basics of the local language if you wish to do so. Understanding even a few simple sentences will allow you to have a deeper understanding and appreciation for your adopted country.

4. How should you mentally prepare before I go?

China is the very definition of culture shock, especially if you are coming from a Western country. Studies are taken very seriously, and there is often little room for error. It can be a tough environment to study at. China didn't earn it's reputation as a leading innovator by accident, after all!

Within the classroom, teachers are shown the utmost respect and classes are usually in the format of lectures, instead of discussions where students are encouraged to participate. There is also a high level of expected social obedience infused into the cultural fabric, as China is a country where individualism is not always encouraged.Truth be told, the magic of a study abroad experiences lies deeply within the varying degrees of differences you are bound to experience.

While trying to communicate in broken Chinese, flailing your arms about, or seeking the help of others isn’t necessarily a pleasant experience, but it’s not a bad one, either. Just because you don’t speak Mandarin doesn’t mean you can’t have a meaningful, cultural exchange as an international student in China. It just means you will have to get a little better at charades (only kidding).

5. What is the cheapest university in China for international students, where I can still learn in English?

Keep in mind that most universities in China are quite cheap, especially if you are coming from countries like the United States. The cheapest university in China for international students can likely be found in a small city outside of the eastern corridor. However, a great budget university option in Beijing is Capital Normal University, which charges around $5000 per year. If Shanghai is more your style, you will be happy with a low-cost university experience at Tongji University. For something more far-flung, consider universities in China like Beihang, Hunan, Guangxi Normal, or Sichuan University. 

Be advised that while you can study in English at these Chinese universities, your classes will be slim pickin's and your support system isn't guaranteed to be fluent in your native tongue. That's why we often encourage students to consider program providers when going to China for study abroad.

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In short, there are three ways to study in China in English:

For all the folks in the back, here is a snapshot summary of the ways to study in China in English

• Find universities in China that teach in English—direct enroll
• Sign up for study abroad programs in Hong Kong, where English is widely spoken
• Use a program provider with their own faculty or pre-established teachers to enjoy community with other English language speakers, as well as an education in China in English

English speaking students are welcome in China!

Come see the glories of this fascinating country for yourself! China <3s international students and you're bound to <3 it right back.

Adjusting to life in China without knowing the language can take extra effort, but the transition can be made easier by doing some individual preparation beforehand. Reading literature about China, speaking to other students who studied in China in English about their experiences, and most importantly, keeping an open mind will help you have a successful time both inside and outside of the classroom.

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