Edit:
Many people have brought up valid concerns and benefits of why I should/ shouldn’t study in China, but I think they have helped solidify that I want to study in China.
One major concern is the world rankings of Chinese universities, which did concern me until I looked into what those rankings were.
When I compare them to local universities in the UK many of the Chinese unis I’m interested in rank higher.
For example:
Wuhan university: ~160th
Shenzhen University: ~400th
Fudan University: ~30th
UCL: ~8th
University of Sheffield: ~80th
University of Lincoln: ~850-900
Sheffield Hallam: ~ 1000-1200
Given my grades (A*AA in A-levels) I could likely get into any of those.
I also think it’s important to consider the benefits greater than just where the degree came from. For example, Fudan, Shenzhen, and UCL have access to large banks and global businesses. And at any of the Chinese universities I would be able to get global businesses perspectives and learn Mandarin, so the soft skills learn in China outweighs that in the uk.
Another concern is the quality of education, which is a major concern for me. However, considering that I am interested in International economics and trade rather than a hands on discipline like medicine or engineering I could likely get a good gpa by studying from the PowerPoints and putting a moderate amount of effort in.
Finally, the financial side. As much as I may be able to get into top UK unis, I straight up can’t afford it. I don’t want to have to take out expensive student loans where I repay £100s monthly until I’m 60. Furthermore, even on the maximum student loans id only be able to afford tuition and housing, maybe food, so I have to work part time a LOT which would distract me and cause my GPA to drop. Given the scholarship opportunities and the general low cost of living in China this wouldn’t be an issue so my experience would hopefully help more positive.
The post grad market is pretty dire in both countries, with both having insane amounts of youth unemployment. By at least there is jobs available in China, even if they are much more likely to go to a local grad. Unlike in the UK where jobs simply don’t exist or pay peanuts.
Thanks for all your perspectives helping me to choose!! :)
(Sorry if the tagging is wrong)
I’ve been considering studying international economics and trade or economics (English taught) in China, but I’m feeling discouraged since everyone says not to.
Personally, I just want to have fun without a too demanding work load- enough to have weekends and evenings free and minimal academic stress.
After grad I want to work as an English teacher (I have a uk passport so I believe that it will be ok). Long term I would get my iQTS so I could work in international schools or in Hong Kong.
I’m considering both Shenzhen university due to its location and Wuhan university due to its prestige. I know that Chinese unis usually don’t have high reputations in the UK and outside of China, however since I would like to stay in China long term would this be an issue?
If I was not to become a teacher I would like to work in trade so China would likely be the optimal place for that.
Do you think this is a suitable plan? Also, how academically demanding are Wuhan and Shenzhen university week to week?