Start My MBA in Canada or Study Chinese in China???

Question

I've worked on and off supporting myself so that I could go to university. I just finished my undergraduate program. I'm now thinking about whether I should do my MBA in Canada or postpone it by going abroad. I'm thinking that since China is such a popular destination for work that I may head over there to learn some Chinese and possibly get some work experience there before starting my MBA. I wanted to see if there is anyone out there who might have studied and worked in China and whether you can share your experience with me so that I can make a more informed decision. Also, if you can recommend a school and the best city to be in China that would be great. Thanks!

Answer 1

Studying Chinese is pointless if you can not hear the tones.
Listen to Pimsleur conversational Chinsese CDs and learn
how to properly pronounce the chinese romanization system while you get your MBA. I was able to get the CDs at my local library. Learn the romanization here: http://www.pinyinpractice.com
It took me a year before I got to the point where I could hear the tones properly. I figured if I could not hear the tones after a year I would give up.
You can do at least 2 years of a 4 year degree in Chinese online from the school that gives the HSK. The HSK is kind of like the TOEFL exam in English.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_Proficiency_Test
http://www.hsk.org.cn/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beijing_Language_and_Culture_University

Answer 2

If you want to put off the MBA for a year or two, come to China, but DON'T pay a school. If you have a B.A., you can get paid to teach English and live in China. If you're not getting transferable credit worth anything for studying Chinese, instead work 16-20 hours a week, get a free apartment, enough salary to be filthy rich by Chinese standards, and instead learn Chinese by talking to Chinese people.

Most of the teachers I know speak conversational Chinese after 9 months with minimal tutoring. Chinese lessons are always available for next to nothing.

For learning Chinese, the best area is the Northeast, but it's really cold in the winter. In cities like Changchun and Harbin (look for that area), most locals speak perfect "Putonghua" (Mandarin). Even lowliest taxi driver will insist on drilling your tones if you mispronounce something.

Answer 3

The Center for Cultural Learning and Development, , offers programs based in Kunming, Yunnan which are culturally immersive and intended to give you a truly experiential learning experience in China. Yunnan Province is hands down the best place to be in China. We have 15 years of experience working with the School for International Training (SIT) (follow the links to study abroad and then China). But, since you do not need academic credit and you may consider the costs of SIT expensive anyway, we have the same model through our center for students just like yourself (and much cheaper!). Typically, students study Mandarin Chinese and attend many lectures, usually outside the classroom, at sites related to the topics. Excursions to other places in Yunnan and elsewhere in China are provided, but individual immersion by genuine travel independently without guides, etc. are encouraged, as this not only allows (forces) you to learn more about China directly, but empowers you to be able to travel anywhere in the world independently. I truly believe that, regardless of how you choose tocome to China, through the Center for Cultural Learning and Development, on your own, or through someone else (try and match us). Kunming and Yunnan is the place to be. Read about it. And check out the sites above. The Center for Cultural Learning program is based on the SIT model, which my wife and I created in the first place At least you might enjoy some of my photos at the www.ynccld.org site, although the photos are a bit difficult to navigate. Please feel free to contact us for more information. Costs will depend on what you want out of your learning experience here. Contact [e-mail] or [e-mail]. No matter what, a "gap" year in China will definitely enhance your MBA program in Canada. Best wishes, Sam Mitchell

Answer 4

Start My MBA in Canada and then study Chinese.... even company that are not located in China might even offer you to work for then as an expert in China.. that is load of pay.

Answer 5

MBA then go to China

Answer 6

mba