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7 Awesome Reasons to Study in China for Your Masters Degree

By Laura Bridgestock Updated Apr 15, 2021

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Introduction
1. Gain first-hand experience in a rising world power.
2. Prove your readiness for the global workplace.
3. Learn Mandarin.
4. Live in a Chinese megacity.
5. Marvel at 5,000 years of culture and history from up-close.
6. Hop on low cost flights during the Chinese New Year break – and any chance you get!
7. Build a network of contacts in China and elsewhere.

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Sponsored by Concordia University Irvine

Do you want a master’s degree that will send you abroad for at least a year… to China? A growing economic power, international trader and leader in high-tech, China has taken great strides in recent decades – particularly in terms of research, higher education and innovation. Interested? Keep reading to discover seven awesome reasons to work and study in China for your master’s degree, with an accredited US university.

1. Gain first-hand experience in a rising world power.

One of the fastest-developing countries in the world, China is a great place to start off or enhance your career. If you choose a master’s degree which incorporates work experience, you’ll have a chance to gain first-hand experience of work in China, becoming immersed in Chinese culture and business practices. Concordia University Irvine’s MA in International Studies (MAIS) offers the opportunity to take on paid teaching jobs in China, while earning a master’s degree from a US-accredited university. Those who choose the international business track of the program can also choose to complete business internships.

2. Prove your readiness for the global workplace.

The insights gained from living, working and studying in China will provide a major talking point in job interviews, internationalizing your résumé. Focusing on instances in which you overcame cultural or language barriers and resolved all kinds of challenges, you’ll quickly differentiate yourself from other applicants. Even when answering the most common job interview questions, you’ll have fresh perspectives to offer, showing an understanding of this important market and an ability to adapt to new cultures and environments.

3. Learn Mandarin.

Knowledge of Mandarin, one of the world’s most-spoken languages, could open plenty of doors in your future career. Whether you intend to work in China, join an international company maintaining Chinese partnerships and market knowledge, or work in non-profit organizations or on university campuses, being able to speak Mandarin will make you a very attractive hire. You don’t need to speak the language before studying in China; you can learn it once you arrive. Concordia University Irvine’s MAIS program, for instance, is taught entirely in English, but offers opportunities to learn Mandarin as part of the course.

4. Live in a Chinese megacity.

Home to 15 of the world’s ‘megacities’ (with a population above 10 million), China is full of thriving and dynamic urban centers. The best-known of these, Beijing and Shanghai, have both been celebrated among the world’s best student cities – but there are many other great Chinese cities to choose from. In Concordia University Irvine’s MAIS program, you could be based in Shanghai, Hangzhou, Kunming or Xiamen. While these four cities share in common a large population, mild climate and strong international links, each offers a distinctive experience. Hangzhou, for instance, is known for its beautiful lake, Kunming for its diverse ethnic groups and cultures, while Xiamen is a historic port, and Shanghai is famed for its iconic skyline and large expat population.

5. Marvel at 5,000 years of culture and history from up-close.

This is your chance to feel humbled by the 17m high statues of Buddha in the Longmen Grottoes or discover the beautiful ramparts and watch towers of the Great Wall of China… Take it.

Testimonials

"I formed such great bonds with my teammates and our mentor, it was an absolute pleasure collaborating with such remarkable individuals"

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Caryn CallistaChinese University of Hong Kong student, Future17 participant

“It’s exciting to work alongside experts in the field, where I get to learn and contribute to technologies that could help reshape the future.”

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Tanika DuivenvoordenUniversity of Queensland student, Future17 participant

"Canada offers a high quality of life and student experience, known for its peace, safety, and stunning natural beauty, especially in Vancouver"

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Nidhi Mohan KamalMBA student, UBC Sauder School of Business

"CUHK’s MBA programme provided me with the stepping stone into a larger sports Asian market wherein I could leverage the large alumni network to make the right connections for relevant discussions and learning."

Read my story

Abhinav Singh BhalChinese University of Hong Kong graduate

6. Hop on low cost flights during the Chinese New Year break – and any chance you get!

This is your chance to explore South Korea, Singapore, Japan, Mongolia, Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines…

Enough said.

7. Build a network of contacts in China and elsewhere.

Whatever your situation, whether you wish to work for an NGO or pursue a career in the financial sector, building a strong network of contacts across the globe will help you access more opportunities. Studying abroad in China for an extended period of time is a chance to do just that, as you’ll study and work alongside both Chinese nationals and others from around the world. Find out what graduates of the MAIS program have gone on to achieve here.

If you’re looking for a slightly more unusual university experience, a serious résumé booster and personal experience in one of the most important economies for the coming century, then the MAIS program in China might be for you!

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