China Culture for Future Study Abroad in China Students

Language:
The official language is Mandarin Chinese. When you study in China however quickly does it becomes evident the amount of dialects and accents flying around. In fact there are an enormous number of local dialects, large groups speak Cantonese, Shanghaiese (also known as Shanghainese), Fuzhou, Hokkien-Taiwanese, Xiang, Gan and Hakka dialects in the south. Inner Mongolia, Tibet and Xinjiang, which are autonomous regions, have their own languages. Needless to say, when you travel around the nation as a beginning student Mandarin in China student it is wise to travel with an interpreter as interpreting services are good. English is spoken by many guides and in hotels.

Religion:
Early students are concerned about a study in Beijing or study in Shanghai experience as they are fearful they would be prevented from practicing their religion. This is a fallacy. Although China is officially Atheistic, it still houses many religions and philosophies including Buddhism, Daoism and Confucianism. There are 100 million Buddhists and approximately 60 million Muslims, 5 million Protestants and an increasingly expanding Roman Catholic population.

Social conventions:
To Study Chinese in China means an experience full of learning and first hand cultural differences. Prepare yourself for cultural differences and understand the process opens your eyes to tolerance. If you choose to Learn Chinese in China outside the major hubs of Shanghai and Beijing, do not be offended if you are followed by a crowd; this is merely an open interest in visitors who are rare in the remoter provinces. The Chinese are generally reserved in manner, courtesy rather than familiarity being preferred.

The full title of the country is 'The People's Republic of China', and this should be used in all formal communications. 'China' can be used informally. As a study abroad in China student remember your role is to learn and not to solve political problems. To mention Taiwan as a stand alone nation usually causes irritation.

Quick Facts for China Study Abroad:
If using chopsticks, do not position them upright in your rice bowl as the gesture symbolises death

In China, the family name is always mentioned first.

When dining, guests should wait until their seat is allocated and not begin eating until indicated to do so.

Toasting at a meal is very common, as is the custom of taking a treat when visiting someone's home, such as fruit, confectionery or a souvenir from a home country. Yes, it is true many Study Mandarin in China students end up a little tipsy after this experience.

Visitors should avoid expressing political or religious opinions.