Chinese Universities vs American Universities

Applying to College
1

<p>Let me begin by saying that I'm sorry if I published this post in the wrong forum but this one seemed like the most appropriate.</p>

<p>I currently live in the United States, and my general plan is to attend a community college for 1.5-2 years and then transfer over to DePaul University (for financial reasons). I want to study Computer Science. But recently, whilst browsing the internet, I stumbled upon Chinese universities. Many of these universities are completely English-taught and if you feel ambitious, the universities that seem to be more well regarded globally really only require a pretty basic Chinese comprehension test called HSK (or maybe I'm underestimating the difficulty of this test)? But even if I choose not to take this test, I can join universities that are on par with DePaul and cost MUCH less. For instance, Zhejiang University of Technology only costs 16,200 yen per year which turns out to be $2612!! THAT COSTS LESS THAN MY COMMUNITY COLLEGE!</p>

<p>Originally I have been born in South Africa (I'm white), since my parents escaped communism from Ukraine. I speak fluently in Russian so I feel like it wouldn't be too difficult to grasp a couple of Chinese phrases if needed. Also, I feel that maybe my adaptation to such a radically different nation might be a little easier than somebody who grew up in the US and has never traveled overseas. The problem is that I've never been to Asia in my entire life and have no idea what the life is like. Furthermore, I have no idea how future employers will treat a degree from any of these kind of Chinese universities vs. a degree from DePaul. </p>

<p>So should I make a bland yet safe choice and go to DePaul whilst getting a fairly significant dept? Or should I go to China googly-eyed and ignorant, but with the fascination to have an experience like no other with tuition costs that come close to a plane ticket to the country itself? Does this all seem too good to be true or are most people simply too narrow-minded to research education in other nations? How do companies evaluate China's universities in comparison with American ones? Is there anything that I should know before I make my decision?</p>

<p>Please, whoever can, assist me. I have very recently stumbled upon this opportunity and the deadlines in China are approaching very fast. I was unable to find too many helpful resources on the internet to assist me with my dilemma, and my decision needs to be made fairly soon. Any input will be greatly appreciated.</p>

<p>Thanks!</p>

<p>With best regards,
rbb1996</p>

2

<p>Hi. I have taught at Beida and have worked with many academics and businesses in China. While I would not discourage you from gaining international experience, I would caution you on getting a degree in China.</p>

<p>Because admissions are largely by rote-memory exams, even the best students may not have learned to think for themselves. Yet those that get into the elite universities presume that the world owes them recognition, so they have a terrible reputation among many employers in China (I don’t know how outside employers would view a chinese degree). My point is that there is a different mentality and it may not be a good learning environment. </p>