<p>I really would like to learn so speak Chinese, so I'm thinking of taking a year off before I go to college to study in China. I'm not sure exactly how this would work; I figure I could either get a job (maybe teaching english?) and study independently or part time at some academic institution or enroll full time in some academic institution. Anybody have any recommendations?</p>
<p>I am also considering doing it becuase I imagine that it will help my chances at getting into a better university here in the states when I return, especially if I'm academically productive while I'm there (independent studies). Do you think so?</p>
<p>I am a senior and I plan on applying to colleges this year just to be safe. Lets say I decide to take the year off and reapply to colleges when I get back: when I return will those universites that accepted me originally still be willling to take me? I guess this depends a lot, but in general? I am assuming this means I cannot apply ED if I plan to try again?</p>
<p>What some universities will let you do, is once they accept you, you can defer entrance for a year. That way, you know for sure there's a spot waiting for you at an university, and you can take the year off and study Chinese.</p>
<p>But in that case I will be obligated to attend that universtity right? I've been arguing with my parents about this: they say that I will still be able to change my mind and go somewhere else after I've told a college that I'm coming and I've been saying that once I'm committed, that's it. Am I right or are they?</p>
<p>krygeN, Are you obligated to attend after you've deferred for a year or is it legal and/or ethical to change your mind? This is a tricky question. The legal part is one for the experts. The ethical part, only you can answer. My guess is that it's not so unusual as kids do mature and change during their gap years.</p>
<p>On the second part, can you be accepted ED and then defer? I'd recommend that you ask the individual school for their policy. I see no reason why the policy would be different for ED than RD, but it would be better to check. I would also think that the ED commitment to attend would apply, even after a gap year.</p>
<p>In my opinion a year in China would be a positive both for admissions and on a personal level. There are several universities that offer language courses for foreigners, in Beijing and Shanghai particularly. It can be expensive living overseas so be sure to factor this into your decision. Teaching or volunteering is possible if you arrange it before you go, but don't count on it as being much of a money making venture.</p>
<p>You should, however, think about the timing. If you study in China for a year then apply upon return, you'll actually be taking two years off. It would be better to defer admissions or apply while in China.</p>
<p>Hey, your plan is very plausible, but contact people in china NOW! How much Chinese do you know? Definitely find an american contact in china. Bureacracy can be scary in China. Teaching English? You will probably have a better bet doing that at a private school. I'm not sure about that at universities. It depends on the school and your luck. What city are you thinking of? Shanghai? Beijing? Or smaller cities?</p>
<p>sorry for borrowing your thread...but i was thinking about doing the same thing, but studying in Spain instead. What are some good Spanish Universities that help students who only know high school spanish?</p>