China ranges from mostly plateaus and mountains in the west to lower lands in the east. Principal rivers flow from west to east, including the Yangtze (central), the Huang He (Yellow river, north-central), and the Amur (northeast), and sometimes toward the south (including the Pearl River, Mekong River, and Brahmaputra), with most Chinese rivers emptying into the Pacific Ocean. In the east, along the shores of the Yellow Sea and the East China Sea there are extensive and densely populated alluvial plains.

China's traditional values were derived from various versions of Confucianism. Most languages in China belong to the Sino-Tibetan language family, spoken by 29 ethnicities. There are also several major linguistic groups within the Chinese language itself.

The majority of China's population lives a traditional life in villages and small towns. Outside of the city, China has some of the world's most pristine natural beauty. Rare wildlife can be found in many of China's more remote regions and amazing scenic sites can be found throughout the country. Places like Yellow Mountain in Anhui province and Chengdu's panda preserve are great places to get a look at China's natural wonders.

There are few countries in the world today that are more complicated, more fascinating, or more important than China. Indeed, as its influence in world affairs grows by the year, and as its political system remains in as great a state of flux as it ever has, students would be very well advised to consider studying in China for college. Spending four years for study in China will help in acquiring the language skills, the cultural sensitivities that will be gained, and the understanding of the culture of the country.

Chinese higher education has seen a dramatic change in the last 20 years. China's overall educational level is increasing: the number of Chinese holding Bachelor's degrees has multiplied by five since educational reforms began in the 1990s. China is producing record numbers of master’s and doctorate students.

China is in the midst of an educational revolution. The government is spending more resources than ever before to make China's universities internationally competitive. In the past, overseas students generally chose from a limited range of subjects, mostly focusing on Chinese language and subjects like painting and martial arts. Today more and more international students choose more advanced subjects, ranging from modern dance and literature to engineering, computer science and international business.

China is the fastest growing country in the world and something new happens everyday and everywhere. The sheer pace of development means there are more chances to try new things, learn new skills and expand horizons than in another location.

Education in China is advancing and top institutions can give world-class training in practically any field. You can work to obtain a degree from a Chinese institution or transfer credits you earn while in China to your school back home. China's educational institutions are advancing at a rapid pace and more and more overseas students are coming to take advantage of world-class Chinese facilities and instruction.

There are countless reasons to study in China, and the affordable cost makes it possible for almost anyone. China's developing economy makes the cost of living much lower than North American and European countries.

China's cost of living is quite low compared to the United States, Canada, Australia and many parts of Europe. Food products and consumer goods are the least expensive items in China. A meal at a local restaurant for one person could cost one or two dollars. A good pair of jeans might be about $10 at a local market.

Transportation can also be very cheap. Riding a bus is usually about 15 cents, and a subway ticket in Beijing is about 30 cents. Taxis are considered expensive by local standards, but even in big cities a trip across town is a fraction of what it would be anywhere in Europe or North America.

Chinese higher education is undergoing tremendous growth and changes. There are over 2000 institutes of higher education in the country and the government is working towards transforming a handful of schools into world-class institutions. Research in the areas of science, technology and medicine are at the forefront of these reforms. College enrolment continues to climb as more spaces are made available.

Foreign students are increasingly choosing to study in China. China is the 6th largest host of international students in the world. China receives many students from elsewhere in Asia such as Korea, Japan and India, as well as from countries like the United States, France and Russia. The number of foreign students in China has multiplied several times in the past decade.

Education in China has developed several specialties. The government is in the process of growing a number of China's key universities into world-class centers of education and research. Institutions like Tsinghua University, Fudan University and Peking University are climbing to the top of global educational standards.

These universities seek to attract the best international and domestic talent in instructors, researchers and students. Some of these universities have attracted brilliant faculty from institutions like Harvard, Yale and more. Facilities are state-of-the-art and educational methodology is modern and innovative.

Programs at these key universities can be very competitive, but offer excellent instruction comparable to a first-class institute anywhere in the world.

There are areas in which certain Chinese institutions excel, not only compared to other domestic schools but internationally as well. These programs give overseas students the benefits of a first-rate education along with a unique Chinese experience.

Engineering programs are often considered some of China's most competitive programs. China produces more engineering graduates than anyone else in the world and many programs are conducted in English. Students can choose a wide variety of specialities including aeronautical, mechanical and electrical engineering. Institutions like South China Institute of Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University, Southeast University and Beihang University all offer outstanding engineering programs.

Overseas students increasingly choose China as a destination for medical studies. Chinese medical programs offer high-quality instruction and are an attractive low-cost alternative to the high price of medical schools in many other countries. Wuhan University, Southeast University, Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University, Sichuan University and Huazhong University of Science and Technology have excellent medical programs with state-of-the-art facilities and training.

Business and economics are highly popular subjects for foreign students in China. China's position as a growing economic force in the world makes the decision to study business and economics in China a smart one. Wuhan University, Capital University of Economics and Business and Southwestern University of Finance and Economics have some of the finest economics programs in China while Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University has a dynamic business program with many international students.

While these are some of the more famous programs, Chinese universities have impressive programs in virtually every field. History, traditional Chinese medicine, philosophy, literature and more are all available. Use our service to find a program that fits your needs and interests.

Tuition fees in China are substantially lower as well. Chinese language courses can be as cheap as $1700 for a full-semester at Beijing Language and Culture University. Private institutions are somewhat more expensive, but offer smaller classes and more individual support.

Opportunities exist for international students to offset the costs of studying in China. The China Scholarship Council offers a scholarship for students studying in China universities. Students can also take advantage of a variety of other grants to help pay for their study in China.

In addition, individual schools often offer scholarships to international students. Contact us for more information about a particular school's scholarship opportunities.

Student Visa (X Visa) is issued the students who comes to China for study, advanced studies or intern practice for a period of more than six months. Students who comes to China to study, short-term advanced studies or intern practice for a period of no more than six months shall apply for a (F) Visa.

To obtain an X-visa, you will need the documents below. Note that once you arrive in China with an X-visa, you will need to change it into a Residence Permit.

After entering China on an X-visa you have 30 days to convert their visa into a Residence Permit. The Residence Permit (not the X-visa) is what allows you to live in China on a long-term basis. A Residence Permit requires certain documentation that you school will provide. If you live off-campus, you must register with the local police and get a Temporary Residence Certificate. You must also have a health examination certificate at a Chinese hospital. Your school will have information about how to get a health examination as well as where to submit your paperwork in China for a Residence Permit.

To apply for a Residence Permit, renew any visa or change your visa type while in China, you must submit a Temporary Residence Certificate along with your paperwork. To get a Temporary Residence Certificate, you must prepare the following documents:

Once you get your Temporary Residence Certificate, keep it safe; you’ll need it the next time you apply for or renew a visa or Residence Permit. You are required to register with the police within 10 days of each time you change residences. Not registering with the police can get your fined; repeated violations will result in deportation.

If you’re staying on campus or in a hotel, the school or the staff can help you obtain a Temporary Residence Certificate and will register with the police for you.

College life in China has some differences when compared to college life in many other countries. Unlike in North America and Europe, almost all Chinese college students live in dorms on campus, especially undergraduate students. Foreign students have the option of living in special dorms with other international students, renting an apartment outside the school, or even arranging a home stay with a Chinese family.

Students in Chinese universities are allowed to choose classes, but a heavy emphasis is placed on one’s major. Generally there is less choice as to what classes a student will take. Changing one’s major can be difficult or impossible, depending on the school and the student’s situation.

Chinese college students typically take more hours of class than students in some other countries. For example, a typical class load for an American undergraduate student is 15 hours a week. This would be considered quite light in China, with averages of 20 – 25 hours a week being more common. For this reason it is fairly uncommon for Chinese students to get part-time jobs while in school.

Chinese schools are based on a semester system. The first semester of an academic year runs from September until January. Schools stops for around a month for the Chinese New Year, when most students return to their hometowns. The second semester runs from February to May or June.

There is a strong emphasis on test scores over class grades in Chinese institutions. As more and more students attend college in China, these tests are becoming more competitive. Even a small difference in grades can mean the difference between getting into a good college or graduate program or receiving a scholarship.

In other ways, Chinese college life is similar to that in other countries. Numerous clubs, organizations, volunteer activities and sports are available. The school serves as a center for both academic and social activity for college students.

Employers love to hire people that have lived or studied abroad. The reason is that the type of people that voluntarily leave their home for long periods of time are exactly the type of people that make good employees: risk-takers, adaptable and independent.

China is a challenging and fast-paced environment and employers know it. More than any other country, study abroad experience in China signals to an employer that you possess valuable personal and professional qualities. Students find that their experience in China gives them an advantage in finding the job they want.

Most Chinese universities and colleges provide various levels of on campus accommodation to international students at different cost to suit different needs. International students are able to choose their accommodation when you arrive at the school. The on campus accommodation is usually much cheaper than the market price.

Housing might be the most expensive aspect of living in China. In a city like Beijing or Shanghai, a rent for a small apartment will be at least $200 to $300 per month. In smaller cities and towns, housing prices are much lower.

Prices for all things, especially housing, are much lower in smaller cities than in the large cities like Beijing and Shanghai. Foreign food and imported products are also quite expensive compared to local varieties. Overall though, the cost of living in China is much lower than in other popular study abroad destinations.

Foreigners who live in China for the purpose of work and/or study for no less than one year may purchase residential housing. Foreigners are only allowed to purchase one house or apartment per person; they should present a written declaration about the requirement and private use of the residence when registering for pre-purchase and ownership.