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
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
CLEPS Passed: 10 DSST Passed: 11 TECEPS: 1
PrLoko-isms
Don't waste time by trying to save time. The only sure way to complete your degree is to knock out credits quickly and efficiently.
Don't let easiness bite you in the rear. Know your endgame (where you want to be) and plan backward from there. Your education is a means to an end.
Be honest professionally, socially and academically. There are people (especially little ones) who look up to you and they're going by your example.
Be proud. Whether you're an Engineer or Fast Food worker, there is honor and dignity in hard work.
Picking on people weaker than you only proves that you are a weak person.
PrLoko-isms
Don't waste time by trying to save time. The only sure way to complete your degree is to knock out credits quickly and efficiently.
Don't let easiness bite you in the rear. Know your endgame (where you want to be) and plan backward from there. Your education is a means to an end.
Be honest professionally, socially and academically. There are people (especially little ones) who look up to you and they're going by your example.
Be proud. Whether you're an Engineer or Fast Food worker, there is honor and dignity in hard work.
Picking on people weaker than you only proves that you are a weak person.
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