Studying abroad is definitely getting tougher for international students.
The US, UK, Australia, and Canada — the traditional “Big Four” — have made things harder by increasing student visa fees and limiting the number of students allowed in.
But not all is lost, especially since there are still plenty of other study destinations available.
China stands out especially. With its fast-growing economy, the country holds plenty of promise, especially in industries like technology, finance, and business.
In fact, the Chinese Ministry of Education reported in 2021 that there were four million undergraduate students and over 700,000 postgraduate students — of which more than 90,000 were international students.
But what’s it like studying in China? Here’s what some of our international students have to say:
What studying in China is really like, from the people who’ve done it:
Takaya Inoue was only 22 when he joined Tsinghua University’s engineering management programme. Source: Takaya Inoue
Takaya Inoue
Degree: Master’s in Industrial Engineering and Management
University: Tsinghua University
Before Inoue left to pursue his goal of studying in China, he had little knowledge beyond what he could find on the internet.
“Most of what I knew came from news sources in Japan or online, and China always seemed like a mysterious place to me,” said Inoue. “I didn’t have many Chinese friends, so I relied on what I had read. However, when I arrived, I quickly realised how different the reality was from what I expected.”
One of the biggest cultural differences he noticed was the fast-paced lifestyle while studying in China.
Inoue was also surprised by how quickly Chinese people responded to messages. “Chinese people use WeChat and they reply to messages almost instantly — sometimes within 10 seconds! This was a big change for me, especially coming from Japan, where replying to a message might take days, or even a week.”
As China leaps ahead in science, talents like PhD in Microbiology graduate Christopher Rensing are switching lanes to go east. Source: Christopher Rensing
Christopher Rensing
While not a student, Rensing is a Distinguished Professor at Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University in China, and has lived there for almost a decade, and he has great things to say to those planning on studying in China.
Here, Rensing gets to lead his own research group at the Institute of Environmental Microbiology, while obtaining support for his degenerative neuropathy that affects his lower limbs.
In 2020, he received the Fujian Friendship Award, one of the province’s highest awards for foreign experts who contributed to its economic and social progress.
Rensing returned to the US, his home country, during the pandemic, but remained enthusiastic about going back to teach in China when Study International spoke to him during COVID-19.
“In 2013, I accepted a visiting professorship at the Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen,” said Rensing. “It was here that I fully realised China’s investing capabilities in scientific research.”
One thing he didn’t expect was to find a warm community. “The relationships in my research group are different from what I experienced in Europe or the US. In China, one views the lab more like an extended family, frequently spending long work hours and leisure time together. For instance, we cook hotpot meals at my apartment and frequently cook in my room.”
While he admitted there were difficulties accessing certain classrooms and locations with his condition, members of his research group have been a great help.
“Members of my research group have arranged for a car and driver to take me where I need to go,” he explained. “I also have a mobility scooter that allows me to get around campus and the city. With my scooter, I am able to take the trains and get on flights when I need to.”
Albert Mhangami (middle) is grateful for the opportunity to research rural China provided by Tsinghua University. Source: Albert Mhangami
Albert Mhangami
Degree: Master’s in Chinese Politics Foreign Affairs and International Relations
University: Tsinghua University
Mhangami has always been curious about Africa’s place in the world — especially how regional economic communities can shift the continent’s global role.
Along the way, his research led him to examine how outside players shape Africa’s international relations. That journey eventually brought him somewhere he hadn’t expected: China.
“China has been the most foreign to my studies,” said Mhangami. “Most African political studies focus on Europe. So, to broaden my perspective, I chose to study Chinese Politics, Foreign Policy and International Relations at Tsinghua University.”
His experience living and studying in China taught him a lot and he has three practical tips for students planning to do the same.
First, be flexible and ask questions. “Communication with anyone or any institution in China can be quite the challenge, so try and get a friend abroad to help you,” he said. “And if you are trying to communicate with someone outside of this country, skip email. WeChat and phone calls tend to get better responses.”
Second, follow up. “China is making massive leaps to engage the international community after being closed off from most standards and practices, but some processes are still taking time to catch up,” he added. “If your documents or concerns haven’t been addressed, don’t be too shy to ask.”
Finally, embrace the differences. Chinese bureaucracy can feel overwhelming at first, especially if you haven’t had much intercultural exposure.
But Mhangami advises trying to be flexible and patient. “Many actions or policies are not inherently right or wrong. Rather, they reflect a different set of norms. Keeping that in mind when studying in China can make your experience smoother and more rewarding.”
Jordan Kronen, a graduate from the Schwarzman Scholar programme in China. Source: Jordan Kronen
Jordan Kronen
Degree: Master’s in Global Affairs
University: Tsinghua University
When Kronen first arrived in Beijing from the US, he had never studied Mandarin. In fact, he didn’t even know a Beijing dialect existed.
However, he had to learn quickly; he had a compulsory language class four times a week and a virtual quiz after each session.
Despite the steep learning curve, Kronen adapted. He eventually earned a Master of Global Affairs with a concentration in Public Policy, but it was his daily interactions and cultural experiences that left the deepest impression.
“Some of my favourite memories centred around engaging the culture and people of Beijing,” said Kronen.
One thing that made the transition smoother was going to China with no expectations. “If you live in the West, especially in the US, the news tends to present China in a mostly negative light. Very few stories highlight the country’s positive aspects,” he explained.
“Even if you already have a positive impression, try to arrive with a clean slate. Let your curiosity guide you and absorb as much as you can through firsthand experience.”
Kronen also offers an important reminder: don’t let the small frustrations shape your entire outlook. Life in China — especially Beijing — can be intense and challenging.
“Take all of these interactions with a drop of soy sauce,” said Kronen. “Make time to reflect and appreciate the rare opportunity to witness a country in the midst of rapid transformation.”
Above all, he urges future students to enjoy the ride. “Drink baijiu, ride a Mobike/Ofo with your friends, (though maybe not at the same time) and explore as much of the country as you can! Jiā yóu! 加油!”
Shamiel Hagee is having the time of his life learning Chinese at Fudan University, Shanghai. Source: Shamiel Hagee
Shamiel Hagee
Degree: Bachelor’s in Business Administration.
University: Tsinghua University
Hagee, a model from South Africa, travelled to Shanghai to study Chinese at Fudan University (FDU). His goal? Overcome the intimidating challenge of learning the language, and complete his business degree in China’s biggest city.
“My advice would be to learn some basic Chinese before coming to China, just like you would in any other country that has a foreign language to yours — it’s very helpful,” he said. “Moreover, you need to remember that you are coming to another country with their own set of rules and identity. Learning to adapt to your surroundings is key.”
He reminds readers to keep in mind that they shouldn’t expect locals to adapt to your individual situations, and to do thorough research before coming to China.
“Also, know what you should bring from home because you most likely won’t find it here even though most things are made in China,” he joked. “Other than that, adhere to the laws and you’ll be fine. You’d be surprised to know how spoiled you are for being in such a safe country.”
