<p>Hey y'all! SO I'm planning on studying abroad through EAP this next year and have to register soon, for those of you with experience overseas (or people from China specifically), which do you think would be better, to study in Beijing or in Shanghai? Also more in general, would you get more out of living with a family or in an international dorm? I'm attending UCSC and still deciding on my major and I'm hoping this experience traveling and living in another country will help me learn more about myself and the world we all live in.</p>
<p>good question, ive talked with an author who lived in both cities. Her name is Debora Fallows and she just released a book called Dreaming in Mandarin you should maybe check it out. I asked her the question, "how did your experience living in Shanghai compare with living in Beijing. She responded by saying that one was not better or worse than the other, they are just very different. “Shanghai feels like a more modern and global city, while Beijing its a massive city where you can almost feel the weight of the government on your shoulders.” She also told me that if you are learning Mandarin Beijing would be a better fit because they speak very standard Mandarin, while Shanghai speaks with a very different chinese accent, and they speak Shanghainese*. Hope this helps i dont think you can go wrong with either one!</p>