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Top 5 Reasons for Studying in China

From more than 180 countries, there are more than 230 000 students come to China to study either non-degree or degree courses in 2008. The reasons why they choose to study in China are:

In 2008 alone, from more than 180 countries, there were more than 230 000 students who came to China to study for both degree and non-degree courses. Some main attractions for coming to China in comparison to other countries are:

1. Travel and exploration

Studying in China is an excellent opportunity in exploring the world's biggest country. You will experience China's unique blend of ancient and modern civilization, as well as its scenic beauty and bustling nightlife. Visit new places with other students from across the world that you'll meet, and you'll find yourself opening your eyes not just towards China, but the whole world.

Situated towards the equator and spanning a large portion of the Earth, China contains an amalgam of climates. Head northeast to Harbin to experience freezing winters with the potential to surpass -25 degrees Celsius, or just to see the water in your eyes form icicles around your eyelashes. You could also head south to Hong Kong where once you enter the scorching heat, you wish you had never left Harbin. Almost every type of climate exists during different times of the year, both extreme and comfortable. However, it is your job to check it out yourself!

Not only are there ancient structures such as the Great Wall or Forbidden City, with the growth of China there are also places on par with modern architecture, such as the towering skycrapers of Shanghai and the Bird's Nest of Beijing. China has 5,000 years of civilization under its belt, so you can be assured about cultural richness and an endless amounts of attractions. At night, you can also look forward to going to bars or clubs to relax.

China has plenty of transportation methods for getting around too. For local travel, one can use the metro, the bus, or a taxi, with China's highway systems ranking best in the world. For traveling to further places not feasible by road, the aviation handling capacity is also top-ranked. Also popular in China for more affordable long distance traveling is the high-speed railway, which reaches a maximum speed of over 300 km/h and provides beds as well as dining services.

For a more complete description about China, please see China Today>>

About where to study in China, you may browse City Guide>>

You may also visit the following websites for more information:

2. It's Affordable

Studying and living in China is cheaper compared to studying and living in European countries, America, Japan, South Korea and other Asian countries

For example, for non-EU citizens the tuition fee for studying in a UK University is at least 7000 pounds (about 10000 U.S. dollars) annually. The cost of living can even reach up to 13000 pounds. On another note, The United States and Australia hold the world's most expensive tuition fees.

Even in other parts of Asia studying is not a cheap activity. Japan boasts high living expenses soaring up to 1800 dollars a month, while South Korea is one of the world's five most expensive countries for foreign residents.

On the other hand, in China, the tuition fees per semester is generally no more than 1000 U.S. dollars, a number of short-term language courses even cost just a few hundred dollars. Food and consumption in China are as affordable as it gets. A good pair of jeans sells for 10-20 U.S. dollars, the bus fare only 15 cents, and a subway ticket in Beijing only 30 cents. All in all, everything is more than affordable in China, it's cheap! If you are curious about the cost of other goods, please browse How much does it cost.

For more information about the life in China, please see Living in China.

3. Quality of education and international recognition

China is striving to build more world-class universities. Aside from China's unique Chinese language, calligraphy, martial arts and other cultural subjects, majors such as engineering, science, medicine, economy and trade, MBA as well as finance are highly revered. And for those who don't know Chinese, most universities have masters and doctorate courses taught in English, so there are actually no requirements to know Chinese for particular areas of study.

The academic qualifications awarded by Chinese universities are recognized by most of developed countries. The Chinese government including the United States, Britain, France, Japan and 65 other countries and regions has signed the agreement on mutual recognition of academic qualifications.

More information about China's education

4. Employment advantage

When it comes to economics, China has had the world's fastest growing economy for the past 30 years. Even during the financial crisis, China's economic growth maintained a level of 8%, which other countries could not achieve. In 2009, China's GDP is expected to surpass Japan as the world's second largest economy after the United States. The world's top 500 companies all do business in China, with Asia-Pacific headquarters in China's cities such as Hong Kong, Shanghai and Beijing.

The current rise of China has made it very clear that people who can speak Chinese and have experience living in China are going to have a great advantage in terms of employment.

China serves as a huge market for all the multinational corporations, and employers are well aware that having experience of living and studying in China is a big plus for those who want to become the world's next generation of leaders.

5. Experiencing the Culture Firsthand

To many a surprise, Chinese culture is multi-dimensional, consisting of 56 different ethnicities. For example, in Lijiang of Yunnan province, twelve different minorities have dwelled together in social harmony for thousands of years and the bounty of religions span from Chinese Buddhism, Taoism, Christianity, and Islam, to many lesser known ones like Tibetan Buddhism and Bimo Religion of Baiyi.

Compare that to completely different Inner Mongolia, where drinking Chinese rice wine is mandatory when entering the homes of locals, and whole lambs are eaten in one meal.

You'll run into unique customs as you travel to different parts of China, but everyday life, believe it or not, will be just as new and fulfilling. Living and interacting with local Chinese and immersing yourself in Chinese society will provide you with a new way of visualizing the world. Whether or you come solely to study, you'll find learning about how Chinese people live their lives and what it means to be a part of it, stuff that doesn't come from textbooks.