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| Education
in China |
This page
offers general advice regarding Educational Issues
in China (September 2008) |
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Learning Chinese:
We are very proactive concerning languages in
general, and offer free support for those wishing to
learn either Mandarin or Cantonese.
China has 7 distinct languages, and 57 general Internationally
distinct dialects. All of these can be written in Mandarin
characters. Each Ethnic Minority, or City, and town;
may also have it's own language and a few specific characters.
There are also spoken languages only for women, and
some older forms of Calligraphy earn the right of language
status
Chinese languages are very complex for Westerners. They
are conceptual languages, used via the artistic side
of our brains (Unlike Western tongues). Mandarin is
the standard language of China, is spoken by over one
billion people (1, 000, 000, 000). By contrast, Cantonese
is spoken by around 350, 000 million people worldwide
(Similar to English and International Spanish), but
is the language most ordinary Chinese people who live
outside of China speak
30% Rule
About 30% of Cantonese words are extremely similar to
Mandarin. So are a different 30% of Japanese words.
30% of Khmer languages share common Cantonese words,
but no Mandarin. However, pronunciation, and especially
intonation are extremely different for all
Cantonese for Idiots
I am currently writing a Cantonese for Idiots guide
- basically a very easy way for you to make appropriate
sounds, ordinary Mainland Cantonese will immediately
understand. This is not the revered and small Hong Kong
dialect that all Western phrasebook's use! This is what
all Mainland Cantonese actually speak. And it is very
simple to use.
I am currently on Second-Edit, and checking this with
both Cantonese friends, people I meet in the streets,
and have a couple of Westerners trying it our for real
- I hope to publish this next year (2008)
You are also welcome to our English and Cantonese Salons,
held locally in Foshan, Nr. Guangzhou, Guangdong Province
- please follow menu links top left of page for more
details
Teaching English in China:
We have placed, and offer on-going support for
English teachers in Guangdong Province.
Usually these are TEFL, TEOFL vocational teachers, who
may feel stranded in a bewildering country. We offer
simple personal contact, and an insight into Chinese
educational practices + what they expect from you. Contact
Us immediately if you are in trouble, or seek free
and impartial advice
We can also place Teachers with schools and Universities,
or find you extra-curricular teaching opportunities
in both the private sector, and 'One-to-one'. We are
not an agency, nor affiliated to any - we just live
here and know a lot of people
Study in China:
We are very well connected and offer assistance for
all types of study and related activities in China -
especially Guangdong Province. Areas include:
University Courses - from one semester
to 4-years at Bachelor Level, and shorter periods at
Masters Level. State run Universities usually require
Mandarin as a core subject for foreign students. Private
Universities are always more flexible, and expensive.
Age range from 18 upwards, and mature students very
welcome. For example,
ZhaoQing University has an excellent English website
with both video guides and galleries
Summer Camps - All our camps are based
in modern Universities, and have specially trained International
staff who also speak English. Camps can be quite varied,
some focusing on Chinese language and culture, whilst
others are geared more for activities such as Kung Fu,
or general local tourism and significant cultural exchange
Schools and Kindergarten - Primary
assistance and advice for those living in China with
young children. Choosing the right educational establishment
is a major task in your hometown - it is far more critical
for your child's future to get this right in China.
We also suggest your child is exposed to Chinese language
at the earliest possible opportunity - as it only gets
more difficult the older you get!
Placement - One year placements available
for University students. Our connections with both Western
and Chinese Companies operating in China mean we can
tailor a placement for the demands of your course
Employability - If you are serious
about maximising your chances of employment after completing
studies, we strongly recommend you consider one of our
Employability schemes run in conjunction with local
factories we know well. Normally this would be a one-year
project, but do consider a summer recess also - especially
as this empowers your cv. I have written an associated
Prospective Employers Interview Questionnaire which
you may find enlightening:
This simple Q&A guide shows - how you choose to
spend your summer months may reflect on your chances
of future employment.
Summer
Holidays Questionnaire with Employer Answers
The following are quite detailed, but provide you with
serious support:
What
is Employability?
Interview
Questions from Employers
Gap Year - Taking a year out is now
considered to be a great gift for your Personal Development.
We can help find you the right place to be, such as
volunteering on Panda conservation or Great Wall restoration
project. Work experience and travelling options are
also available, as is our unique point of contact if
you want to do it yourself - simply keep in touch so
we know you are ok, and call us immediately if you get
stuck or are in trouble. Easy
Exchange Schemes - for Students, Teachers
and Officials. Let us know your area of interest so
we can advise you about the best options |
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| This
information is as supplied by the Chinese Embassy in
UK, as dated 20th June 2008, and/or other reliable sources.
Please check this information yourself as it may alter
without notice, and whilst we try our best to ensure
it is correct, please do not hold us responsible for
any errors - this is intended as a simple guide only |
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