So, I'm going to China

Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share
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Really. I got a loopy idea about three weeks ago to try to study abroad in China for the fall term. Most study aborad planning begins about a year in advance, rather than a few months, no idea where I’m going to get the money, don’t speak Chinese, also trying to graduate as its my last semster…Can’t hurt to try, right?

Yesterday I was accepted into the Lexia program in Shanghai. I’m going. I may have to find a loan using my soul as collateral, but I’m going. I’m going to get both of my degrees (Chemical Engineering and Philosophy) at the end of it and spend two months doing a field research project on the environmental aspects of engineering in China (if I can get any insight). I’m going to build my own Eastern philosophy class. If I can find one, I’d like to take a brush and ink calligraphy class while I’m there. And learn Chinese. In general, its going to be an amazing experiance.

Now I am looking for advice for international traveling (which I have never done), getting along as a tall, blonde, female, American engineering student in China, where to find money this late in the game to get me there, and anyting else helpful. I’m very, very excited, but I know my sudden inspiration didn’t allow me much time to plan for things.

And now, bcak to my day of getting all the paperwork done while smiling hugely. I’m going to China!

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Talk to your university’s financial aid office ; you may be very pleasantly surprised how much of your aid is transferable to a study abroad program, provided your own university will grant you academic credit for the program you want to do.

Eva Luna, NYU in Spain 1988, paid in full by home university grants

P.S. Have a great time! I really believe everyone should do at least a semester abroad, if at all possible. And don’t spend your free time hanging out with all the English speakers!

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One really good website for female travelers abroad is Journeywoman.com which has tons of advice on what to wear, tips and warnings, etc.

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Wow, congrats! Good luck!

Man, learning Chinese. I’m still struggling with English. Sounds like it’ll be a great experience for you, too.

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Eva Luna, I’m applying for all sorts of scholarships, but its still looking like I’m going to come up about $6000 short. I’ll find it somewhere. Do you happen to know how much kidneys are worth on the black market?

Dan, the Chinese learning will hopefully come easier when I can’t avoid it.

Any travel tips? I’m beginning to get worried about culture mismatches and getting in trouble for something (in my eyes) innocent and stupid and ending up in a Chinese prison for the rest of my life.

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Congrats, Medea’s Child!!

Have a great time!

Unfortunately, I can’t offer you any advice whatsoever on what a kidney goes for on the black market. When do you leave town?

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And now the most important question:

Will you have Internet access while you’re there?

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I’m jealous! I visited Hong Kong pre-1997, but I’ve never been to the “real” China and would really like to.

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I was in China for two weeks last September and loved every moment of the visit. I would love to go back and I envy you your good fortune. Make the most of it, good luck, and have a great time.

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Welcome to China.

Shanhai is a great place to be. I live in Tianjin in the north, but I liked Shanghai when I visited.

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Mahaloth Any culture notes I should be aware of?

Dan, I’m getting that info soon. I certianly expect to.

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Wow. That really sounds great. I’m envious of you.

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well, I’ve lived in Shanghai for 7 years and it’s really my home. My first trip abroad was to Taiwan but I had 2 years of Chinese under my belt when I did that.

Fudan University (aka Fudan Daxue) is one of the best Universities in China. You’ll have a great time!

First off, you don’t really have to worry about being a tall blonde woman in China, except for all the Chinese guys that will want to go out with you. Obviously, I’m not female but China in general and Shanghai are largely free of the challenges that women face in many places. Eg, one of the safest places for women to visit.

Understand that for most people Chinese is a real tough language, so just be a little realistic about how much you can learn in one semester. Not sure what the language program is geared toward, that is survival chinese or beginning base for a formal study in Chinese. I’d vote for the survival Chinese myself unless you’re going to spend a few years in language study.

Another issue is that the native language of shanghai is Shanghaiese, which is really different from Mandarin. But University students should speak good Mandarin, and most people under 40 speak decent mandarin. Just the Shanghaiese people tends to slip into Shanghaiese automatically, but you’ll do okay.

Calligraphy should be fun if you’re into that thing. You could learn to write your Chinese name and some other characters really well and impress Chinese people the rest of your life. :cool:

If you have the time, there will be many students that would be more than happy to do language exchanges or calligraphy with you. Pick and choose.

www.thatsshanghai.com is a monthly magazine that has all sorts of articles, bar and restaurant guides, personals section (you could put in a personal now about your engineering hopes). Check it out.

I don’t really know any engineers but could introduce you to some architects that would certainly point you in a better direction if you firm up your plans.