The twentieth century was a difficult time for Confucius's country: revolution, change of power, unstable economic and ambiguous political situation. Today many problems have been overcome: China has become one of the fastest developing countries in the world, and medical tours to China are in high demand in many countries. The growth of industrial production and the economy places high demands on the quality of education, so the Chinese government is making huge investments in educational programs.
One of China's most ambitious projects in education is "Project 211", according to which one hundred Chinese universities should occupy leading positions in the world by 2021. Judging by the development of the economy, the Chinese do not let their words and deeds diverge. Already many Chinese specialists and scientists who have received education in Europe and the USA and achieved success there are returning to teach in their homeland, where the government provides them with decent pay and living conditions. State subsidies also go towards ensuring a high technological level of the educational process and supporting gifted students. This policy makes higher education in China more accessible and popular, breaking down false stereotypes about the country.
FIRST STEREOTYPE:
Chinese is very difficult to learn
Today, many students from Europe, the USA, and Japan study in language schools in Beijing and Shanghai, and businessmen from Russia who are interested in developing business relations with China also come. Many of them claim that spoken Chinese is not as difficult to learn as it seems: it lacks grammatical elements such as conjugations, tenses, etc. Musical ear is desirable, but one can do without it – Chinese has only four tones, which most students can master. Teachers believe that spoken language is especially easy and quick for Russian-speaking students, as they have a more developed articulatory apparatus: it is easier for them to pronounce complex sound combinations, which are also numerous in Russian speech.
Written Chinese presents a certain difficulty: mastering the five thousand characters that an educated person must know requires time, concentration, and patience. But this step is necessary only for those foreign students who plan to receive higher education in China. Most students come there with almost zero knowledge of Chinese and after just one year of language study they enter the first year of university.
In language programs, instruction is mainly in English, but some schools have Russian-speaking teachers. There are several good linguistic centers in China offering programs ranging from a two-week introductory course where you can learn the basics to serious one-year preparation. You can combine the language program with martial arts, calligraphy, and the study of Chinese history and culture.
SECOND STEREOTYPE:
Chinese means unreliable
The Chinese take education very seriously: universities invite the best foreign teachers, the state invests huge amounts in education, many universities are equipped with the latest technology and use the most advanced teaching methods. To develop successfully, the country needs more and more qualified workers, and Chinese universities successfully cope with training personnel.
As an example, we can cite the University of International Business and Economics (UIBE), located in Beijing. UIBE, a participant in "Project 211", is recognized by the Ministry of Education of the PRC as a leading university in most academic programs. Applicants are offered more than 30 undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs. Moreover, instruction can be in both Chinese and English.
THIRD STEREOTYPE:
terrible living conditions
Over the past twenty years, China has turned into a modern country where high technologies and the most advanced scientific achievements are actively used in all areas. China's economy shows stable growth of 8-10% per year. The standard of living is rising in large cities, skyscrapers are being built, new shopping centers are appearing, and if ten years ago it was difficult for a European to find a supermarket with a familiar range of goods, now there is practically no such problem. Of course, things are not so rosy in the provinces.
Universities offer foreign students comfortable dormitories specially built for foreigners. These can be apartments – a separate apartment on the dormitory premises with all amenities and at a fairly low price (about $15 per day). A cheaper option is a double room with a bathroom, TV, and telephone ($2.000 per year).
PROSPECTS
The growing demand for Chinese education and language programs indicates that China is increasingly integrating into the global economy, and specialists who speak Chinese are in greater demand. Moreover, they are in demand both in China and abroad. Life and education in China are still much more affordable than, for example, in Europe. Thus, the cost of studying at one of the leading modern technical universities is from $2.500 per year, at the leading economic university UIBE – $3.100 per year (in Chinese) and $6.200 per year (in English).
China is gaining momentum, and education in Confucius's country is a modern, high-quality product, still inexpensive and extremely promising.
HOW TO ENTER A CHINESE UNIVERSITY
The educational programs of Chinese universities correspond to the European system: here you can study for a bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degree. For example, the University of International Business and Economics (UIBE) offers the following study programs.
Foundation. A program for students who need an additional year before enrolling in the first year of UIBE. The main goal is learning Chinese. Upon completing this program, the student is automatically enrolled in the first year of undergraduate studies. When applying to UIBE for programs taught in Chinese, applicants must pass the Chinese language exam – HSK, while for English-language programs, a TOEFL score of 80 or IELTS 5.5 is required.
Undergraduate studies. Admission is guaranteed for students who successfully complete the Foundation program; others must pass exams: Chinese (written and oral), English, mathematics, Chinese history and culture, and an interview. The duration of study is four years. There are programs in Chinese (in the specialties: "International Economics and Trade", "Finance", "Law", "Marketing", "Accounting", "Business Management", "Chinese Language and Literature", "International Risk Management", "International Politics") and in English ("Economics", "International Trade", "Finance and Logistics").
Master's degree. Graduates of domestic universities who have obtained a bachelor's degree can apply for master's programs at UIBE with a duration of two years, and three years for lawyers. If you already have a master's degree, you may be enrolled in both standard postgraduate programs and doctoral studies, upon completion of which a Doctor of Science degree (PhD) is awarded. Master's degree programs in Chinese: international trade, finance, accounting, business management, law, international risk management, international economics and trade management, MBA. In English: applied economics, international business, MBA.
Furthermore, Confucius (and Confucianism lies at the foundation of all Chinese culture) considered education, devotion to family, and law-abidingness as the highest values. Moreover, education takes the top spot. A person who has embarked on the path of knowledge is worthy of infinite respect. A student in China is a person with a special philosophy and way of life, entirely focused on learning. Adherence to traditions, concentration, a clear daily routine – these are the priorities of a student on the path to achieving a goal.