Hello everyone,
I am an international student from Kazakhstan and I have been recently admitted by two universities listed above. At NYUSH, I received a renewable 4-year scholarship of $40k per each year and at HKUST, I received a one-off scholarship of 140k hong kong dollars, which is equal to 18600 american dollars. In my future, I plan to work in America, hopefully in a good tech company as a computer engineer. HKUST has a better tech reputation worldwide, but NYUSH is probably better known in the US. Each school has it’s one advantages and disadvantages, so, I am confused to choose between them. What option do you think I have to pick? Any advice would be greatly appreciated!
Most employers in the US would look at you for your 1) academic experience plus your 2) China experience. While HK is part of China technically, and it’s very Chinese, it nonetheless has a much stronger British feel because of its more recent colonial past. You can speak English there and get by. You can say things like “lift” and “lorry” and will be understood. Also HK has been trying to stay relevant since the 1997 handover to the Chinese, when it started to lose its importance to the financial market of Shanghai. Is it irrelevant? By no means. HK is its own vital and amazing city with a rich culture. Also, it offers some securities and freedoms that mainland doesn’t offer (although this seems to be eroding daily). HK will give you a sense of the “one country two systems” policy and the friction therein first hand. Further, the mainland is a quick trip over the border at Shenzhen a booming city and the entire southern region of manufacturing and commerce is at your feet. My choice however would be with the Shanghai option as you will be exposed to mainland China much more consistently than in HK. HK culture and mainland China culture can be very different. To make the most of your time in Shanghai or HK,whichever you choose, be mindful of getting away from the ex-pat groups. sure, make friends with folks from the USA and other foreign students, but be sure to get immersed in Chinese culture as much as possible. Being able to negotiate among several cultures and languages (your native ones, that of Chinese mainland, and the USA as your eventual place of work) will be important to your future. This ability to flexibly go among cultures and lnaguage PLUS having genuine skills to offer in business, finance, or tehcnology, will ensure your future. Who you know is as important as what you know, esp for China. Street cred is won by doing the tough stuff in China. Go north or into the interior during the cold, dull months. Go home to visit the families of your friends. Meet people starting businesses in Shanghai. And whatever you do, become fluent in Chinese. Shanghai native language is different from Putonghua. You want to learn Putongua (or Beijinghua or Mandarin) fluently. This means immersion. In addition, I recommend that you start internships in the USA/ NYC early. You will need to network through NYU for US/ NYC internships, also among your USA-originating classmates. Best of luck.