<p>My first study abroad was in China and I'm planning to study abroad at least once more before I graduate. I'm not sure if I should study abroad again in China to build on my language skills or study abroad in another country for a more worldly experience. I'm contemplating becoming an exchange student in Australia or South Korea while also doing a program with my school that takes place in England and France. I really want to study abroad in England/France program (2 week program) as well as Australia (I would study abroad for 2 weeks in May and then again for 5 months). What are some factors to consider?</p>
<p>You don’t say what your major is or what career plans you have. Those are incredibly important to factor in aside from, can you afford it?</p>
<p>Also, what are you planning to do with your Mandarin skills? If you enjoy the culture then I’d say take the opportunity to improve. Getting another 5 months to do that after college will prove hard with student loans to pay off. Like any language, you’ll never be perfect but that isn’t an excuse to stop trying. It’s such a large country you could try a different province from the first time. I loved Shandong but would also have liked to stay in Sichuan or Haikou Island…Beijing is great culturally but too cold for me!</p>
<p>Only if you’re sure you’ve had enough of Mandarin then look at Australia or South Korea. Think about where you’d regret not going to most of all. How immersed are you going to be in the local culture?</p>
<p>Also, don’t forget to weigh up what you’d be missing back home. Are there any really juicy courses you could sign up for? Any local causes that need volunteers? How are your intercultural skills when it comes to disabled people e.g. learning sign language, people who are a lot older or younger than you? People with a lot less money than you? People near your college who can’t speak English? Could you start up a small business? Get fit? </p>
<p>‘Worldly’ experience isn’t gained by the number of stamps in your passport. I’d be dubious about these 2 week study abroad trips. You’d do far better to read about the countries yourself, develop an interest in one aspect and design your own trip for a fraction of the cost. Otherwise you’re learning from an American textbook, with American students, visiting touristy locations. That gives you no true ‘experience’ either of the country or its people. You could get as much or more self development by rolling up your sleeves closer to home. </p>
<p>Happy Moon Festival!</p>