An interesting offer, I need some advice.

[Kaskadian]

Hi all,

I received an interesting offer from my wife's mentor. My wife is a Chinese citizen and completing her second masters in the United States, she has just recently completed her first masters at her home university in China. Her mentor offered me a full ride scholarship to a good Chinese university; this includes living costs (apartment, bills, food, spending money, etc), full education coverage including books, moving costs, etc. It's a university in the far north (I won't mention the exact university since I don't know whether or not I was supposed to), and they offer some pretty amazing benefits to get some students up there every year. The offer is to complete a masters degree in Chinese language. I'll have my bachelors in Business Admin (TESC) very soon, and they've already promised me acceptance into this program. The program is 3 years long and teaches Chinese from the very basic levels to advanced levels. I guess I should add in that this university is accredited by US standards (my wife's degrees were accepted when she transferred here).

The only downsides I can see to this program are delaying my career for 2-3 more years (I'm 25).

I know it may sound stupid for a total stranger to ask for you guys opinions, but I'm really kind of mixed on this proposition. What do you guys think?

Kas

[JohnnyHeck]

From the prospective of a 67 year old retired aerospace engineer, project manager, and manufacturing VP, it would seem to be a very valuable investment of 3 years delay to become an accomplished Chinese speaker in today's world. Your cross cultural knowledge and language skills will put you way ahead of your competition in many, many areas of U.S. business you may pursue. Due to military service, I did not start my career until 28. The early years of experience are usually totally discounted by any hiring manager and only used to gauge whether you were mature and responsible to use them wisely. This opportunity sure sounds mature and responsible to me if you don't have to separate from your spouse to pursue it.

[Leherself]

I would absolutely do it. That's an amazing opportunity, and they're in effect paying you to go. As far as delaying your career goes - this may set you up for a completely different set of opportunities upon graduation that you wouldn't necessarily have access to without completing the program - especially if there are any internship or work/study opportunities that you can take advantage of. Sounds like a good networking set-up too, probably. I think in the end you'll come out way ahead - as both a Master's degree holder, and also hopefully a fluent speaker of Chinese.

Probably the biggest logistical hurdle in my mind would be whether you want to and are able to live in China for three years or not.

[SuzanneD]

That is an amazing opportunity. If I were you I would do it. Free college and a chance to experience a different culture.:-) My son lives in Xiamen,China and he loves it.

[bamafan98]

I would not pass this up! You have many years ahead of you to work. You won't get this opportunity back.

[Prloko]

Two questions.

1) Are you in any way (military, federal) employed by the US government?

2) Are you already in an established career with an established career path that you are looking to stay in?

If yes:

1) There are serious national security issues if you have been in the military or fed and you may need a clearance to travel. If not, no worries here.

2) In the 90s, I remember everyone telling us kids to learn Japanese because they (the Japanese) were taking over and that was going to be the language of business. That never happened. Now it's "learn Chinese (Manadarin)". Albeit, China has a much larger economy than Japan ever had, but the established international language is English (mainly because of the UK, and now the US), and it will take years of cultural adjustments globally for that to change. Still, knowing a second language, especially one that over 1 billion people speak can be a huge advantage.

If you have an established career and are going to forgo 3 years of income, and investments and not expect to use Mandarin on a day to day basis, besides speaking to your wife's parents, is it really worth it? Even for the life experience? Will your wife be able to teach you Chinese, instead? Do you plan to live in China/Hong Kong after you complete your studies? What's in it for the school? Also, how open minded and adaptable are you? My time living in Germany, I met many Americans who just never felt comfortable over seas, and many like me who loved the experience.

It sounds like a lot of fun and may be a good opportunity, but you need to weigh all the pros and cons before you make a big leap like that. It could be a real rewarding life experience, or it could be a blown opportunity cost. Whatever you decide, good luck and happy travels!

EDIT: Here is a link to an American expat living in China. He gives an honest a thorough review of his experience. I would look for more like this and see what you like and what you don't like.

http://www.expatinterviews.com/china/jared.html

[cookderosa]

Hi all,

I received an interesting offer from my wife's mentor. My wife is a Chinese citizen and completing her second masters in the United States, she has just recently completed her first masters at her home university in China. Her mentor offered me a full ride scholarship to a good Chinese university; this includes living costs (apartment, bills, food, spending money, etc), full education coverage including books, moving costs, etc. It's a university in the far north (I won't mention the exact university since I don't know whether or not I was supposed to), and they offer some pretty amazing benefits to get some students up there every year. The offer is to complete a masters degree in Chinese language. I'll have my bachelors in Business Admin (TESC) very soon, and they've already promised me acceptance into this program. The program is 3 years long and teaches Chinese from the very basic levels to advanced levels. I guess I should add in that this university is accredited by US standards (my wife's degrees were accepted when she transferred here).

The only downsides I can see to this program are delaying my career for 2-3 more years (I'm 25).

I know it may sound stupid for a total stranger to ask for you guys opinions, but I'm really kind of mixed on this proposition. What do you guys think?

Kas

If you and your wife plan on starting a family inside of three years, you have an obligation that colors the question and the finances surrounding it. If you guys can hold off cranking out yungins, 3 years is a microsecond in your lifespan and starting your career 3 years later with this on under your belt would be amazing! I'd be all over it!