Living and studying in China requires preparation in several important areas:
1) Students must purchase health insurance to cover medical costs as the Group Overall Insurance does not cover outpatient services. 2) Tuition and living expenses are relatively low, ranging from $2,000-$8,500 annually for tuition depending on the university, and $100-$500 monthly for living expenses depending on the city. 3) Universities provide dormitories for $500-$2,650 annually depending on bedroom type and university.
1. Education Abroad in China
Cleto Mhuru
Living and Studying in China
Are you thinking about studying abroad in the People’s Republic of China? Do you
want to know more about your chances and opportunities in China, and what you
need to prepare? In this article I will help you to deal with the day-to-day challenges
of living and studying in China. This will give you useful information on how things
work and how to survive in China. Studying in a foreign country means that you need
to begin a new life in that country. So if you want to make your studying experience
in China more pleasant, you need to pay attention to the following important aspects.
Health Insurance
All international students studying in China should buy the Group Overall Insurance
which covers Accidental Injury Medical Treatment and Hospitalization Medical
Treatment. The Group Overall Insurance costs US$50 for half a year and US$100 for
a year. The Group Overall Insurance does not cover outpatient service fees. This
means international students should pay outpatient service fees by themselves. The
medical establishment is limited to the public hospitals in China mainland only.
Tuition Fees and Other Expenses
The cost of studying in China is relatively low and much cheaper than studying and
living in European countries, the US, Japan and South Korea. Above all, international
students can benefit from Chinese Scholarship Council (CSC) which is continuing to
offer more and more scholarships to study in Chinese universities. Such scholarships
can be accessed through the Chinese Consulate or designated education agencies in
the country. In general, tuition fees for international students are priced between
US$2,000 to US$8,500 per academic year depending on the university’s location. A
large city will cost more in tuition and accommodation fees whereas a small town or
city may cost significantly less. Tuition fees does not include other costs associated
with your study in China like studying materials, accommodation etc.
University Accommodation
Most Chinese universities provide very good and comfortable dormitories especially
for international students. Standard international students’ dormitories are categorized
into four types: single bedroom, double bedroom, three-bedroom and four-bedroom.
The single bedroom and double bedroom usually have private bathroom, TV, Internet
Access, Washing Machine, Refrigerator and sometimes a small kitchen. The cost for
each type of accommodation varies from university to university. A single bedroom
2. cost about US$2,650 per academic year while a double bedroom ranges between
US$800 to US$1,675. Three bedroom and four bedroom dormitories cost an average
of US$500 per year. You can rent an apartment outside the university in consultation
with the international students’ office. Renting an apartment outside the campus
without the university’s permission is violation of the rules and regulations.
Cost of Living
In China’s affluent big cities like Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou the cost of living
is roughly US$200 to US$500 a month while living in a small town or city usually
cost around US$100. Three meals a day at the local school’s dining hall or at a local
noodle restaurant will cost you around US$5. International food is also widely
available; the bigger the city, the wider the variety. Western fast food chains like KFC
and McDonald’s are popular in China.
Daily Products
All universities have convenience stores inside or nearby where you can buy your
basic necessities. Usually a good pair of jeans would cost you around US$8; a pair of
shoes around US$15 while a suit cost US$40. A T-shirt cost US$5 and pair of socks
US$1. In China, you can buy nearly all things you need at a very cheap price.
City Transportation
China has one of the world’s most well-developed railway systems, making it both
convenient and affordable to travel in and around the city. Urban public transportation
systems including subways and busses are very efficient and cost effective. The only
challenge is that, with so many people, it’s not always easy to get a seat! Taxi is
available 24 hours a day and also cheap and convenient but after some more taxi
experiences like crazy taxi driving and wrong directions in the highway you will not
like it much. Bicycle is a convenient vehicle preferred by many. Having a durable
bike when you study in China is helpful. With a bike, you have all the freedom of
riding anywhere you want to.
Travel in China
China has a rich cultural and natural heritage, which is worth experiencing and seeing.
For international students to travel in China, a passport and valid visa is always
needed. Take good care of your credentials and valuables. Students may travel during
weekends, holidays, winter and summer vacations.
VISA & Residence Permit
International students wishing to study in China need a valid Visa. You can apply for a
student Visa X at the nearest Chinese Embassy with your most recent Medical Health
Report, Passport, and Passport size photo, Admission Letter and JW202 / JW201
issued by your enrolling university. Upon arrival at your university in China, you will
need to apply for a Residence Permit. The Residence Permit is an important document
that certifies your legal residence in China and assures you to successfully and safely
3. complete your studies in the country. Always consult with the International Students
Office of your university so as to avoid residence problems during your stay. The
residence permit should be applied for within a month of entering China. The period
of validity of residence permit depends on how long you will pay the tuition and
accommodation fees.
Currency Exchange & Other Banking Services
The currency of the People’s Republic of China is Renminbi (RMB) which means
people’s money. The basic unit is Yuan, and the fractional currency is Jiao (or Mao)
and fen. Jiao is 0.1 of Yuan, and fen is 0.01 of Yuan. The face values of the Banknotes
are 100Yuan, 50Yuan, 20Yuan, 10Yuan, 5Yuan, 1Yiao, 5Yen, 2Yen, 1Fen. The face
values of coins are 1 Yuan, 5 Jiao, 1 Jiao, 5Fen, 2Fen, and 1Fen.
Money Exchange
The following currencies can be easily exchanged into RMB at any Bank of China:
pound sterling, Hong Kong Dollar, US Dollar, Euro, Japanese Yen, Canadian Dollar,
and Australian Dollar. Agricultural Bank of China, Construction Bank of China and
Industrial and Commercial Bank of China are other big banks which can handle
currency exchange between RMB and U.S. Dollars. Always remember not to
exchange money on the streets for fear of getting cheated.
Mandarin Language
Mandarin or Putonghua, is the official language of China and is spoken throughout
the country. Most Chinese people also speak the local dialect of their hometown.
Standard Mandarin is based on Beijing dialect, but this does not mean you will not
learn to speak “proper” Chinese language if you study in another part of the country.
You Chinese teacher will certainly speak Standard Mandarin which is mandatory for
teaching foreign students. You may have heard that Chinese language is one of the
world’s most difficult languages to learn. Yes, it is true! However, you might actually
be surprised how quickly you can pick up basic phrases. If you cannot speak any
Chinese, it will be difficult and a struggle for you to get around in China. However,
nowadays young people especially primary, high school and college students speak
English to a reasonable level. This means it could be possible for you to get around
China with no any knowledge of the Chinese language. But if you really want to get
the best of your time in China, you have to learn Chinese Language.
Given China’s rapid economic growth and its charming culture, China is the best
place to live and study now. I hope the information helped to answer most of your
questions. But if you might need additional information and wish to contact the writer,
feel free to do so.
Cleto Mhuru is an Educational Consultant and Managing Director of SOZS
Communication Training Consultancy P/L. You can reach him by e-mail:
cmhuru@gmail.com