CHINA

China, which has the official name of the People's Republic of China (PRC), is the country with the largest area in Asia and fourth in the world after Russia, Canada, and the United States. The population in China in 2014 is around 1.3 billion and makes this country of bamboo curtain as a country with the largest population in the world. The capital of China is Beijing and the largest city is Shanghai. This country, where panda comes from, has more than 22 provinces, and two (2) special autonomous regions, namely Hong Kong and Macau. The currency in China is Renminbi (RMB) / Chinese Yuan (CNY) at the rate of 1 RMB = IDR 1,900-2,300 in 2016.

China is one of the countries of international students that is popular in Asia. Last year, there were more than 350,000 international students in various universities in China. This time the emergence of private universities and university branches from other countries started to become a trend in this country. Universities such as the University of Liverpool in Suzhou, hospitality schools such as Les Roches Jin Jiang, Shanghai, and the Blue Mountains International Hotel Management School in Suzhou began to appear in this country. Meanwhile, if an international student interested in going into public universities such as Nankai University and Dongbei University, they can go through the INTO China in Tianjin or Dalian.

STUDY INFO IN CHINA

  1. Learn two (2) languages, namely Mandarin and English simultaneously.
  2. Culture exploration.
  3. The cost is affordable and internationally recognized diploma.
  4. With so many qualified labor demand in China, the opportunity to find work in this country is plentiful.
  5. Expand the network in the professional world.
  6. Students can learn firsthand about the advanced Chinese economy.
Cost of living like elsewhere, will vary according to the residential area where the population lives and the lifestyle of each individual. On average it takes students from RMB 4,000 – RMB 5,000 per month. This fee covers the cost of accommodation, meals, and transportation, and telecommunications, and other daily necessities. Other addition typically includes such textbook, photocopies, and other school needs that can reach RMB 2,000 per year.

Things to consider:
  1. Student Visa

There are two (2) main types of visas for students namely the long-term visa (X1) and short term visa (X2). Short-term visa is often also referred to as a tourist visa but can also be used for students with study period of less than six (6) months. The academic program chosen by the student will determine what type of visa to be obtained.

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  1. Accommodation

Most universities in China have a dormitory for international students, especially for new students. Students are also able to live off-campus with permission from the university, and must be registered with the local security office within 24 hours after arrival.

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  • On-campus accommodation

Many students choose to live in a dormitory because of the reasonable price, well-equipped facilities, and security, and close proximity to the campus. Facilities provided cover the internet connection, bathroom and toilet, as well as hot water, a shared kitchen and heater, and other details for student dormitory. Rent for accommodation on campus ranging from RMB 750 RMB 4,500 per month.

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  • Off-campus accommodation

Students who want to live in off-campus residence can find information in English via the internet or by contacting real estate agents that can easily be found in China. The rental fee depends on the condition of the apartment residence. In Beijing, students usually pay around RMB 1,500 RMB 3,000 per room per month, excluding bills.

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  1. Part Time Work

International students in China are prohibited from working part-time. Besides, the opportunity to study while working is also very low in this country.

Typical Age Education Levels Compulsory
18–22 University or college Varies No
15–17 Senior high school (middle school) or Vocational school Grades 10–12 No
12–14 Junior middle school Grades 7–9 Yes
6–11 Primary school Grades 1–6 Yes
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  1. Elementary, Secondary and Vocational

In general, the duration of primary school education in China is the same as in Indonesia that is six (6) years. China's basic education curriculum consists of Chinese language, Mathematics, and Physical Education, as well as music, drawing, and Science, and Social Studies basic level that are combined with practice. General knowledge of political and moral emphasis on love of the homeland, the party, and its members are part of the curriculum.

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Students will undergo a six (6) years studying at the Junior High School and High School / Vocational. Secondary school graduates are regarded as educated as competition for university in China is very strict.

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  1. International School

Commencing from January 2015, China had 481 international schools according International School Consultants (ISC). International schools themselves implement learning activities in English and incorporate some of the curriculum that is not included in the national curriculum.

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  1. University

Students who graduate from school or vocational institution are able to continue to pursue further education such as universities. Cost per academic year at the university ranges from RMB 12,000 to RMB 24,000 in public universities and to private universities ranges from RMB 50,000 to RMB 80,000. There are approximately 27 institutions included in the list of the best universities in the world by QS World Ranking. Application for entry usually closes in May or June.

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Students who would go on to university must follow Gaokao or national entrance exam like SNMPTN. The main subjects that will be tested in Gaokao are Chinese, English, and Mathematics. For adult learners, they are allowed to take other entrance exam that is already standardized by the government.

GEO & CULTURE

LOCATION OF CHINA
China is located in East Asia along the coastline of the Pacific Ocean and surrounded by 14 countries: Afghanistan, Bhutan, Burma, India, Kazakhstan, Korea, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Mongolia, Nepal, Pakistan, Russia, Tajikistan, and Vietnam.
CHINA CLIMATE
The size of the country is very extensive making this country has a diverse climate. Northeast region experiencing hot summers and dry and cold winter with temperature that can reach -20°C.The northern and central regions experience almost continuous rain. Summer reaches 26°C and winter temperature reaches 0°C. Southeast region rainfall is quite large, with a spring-tropical and cool winters, and summer can reach 30°C. While during winter, the temperature reaches 10°C in January and February.
CHINA TIME ZONE
China has one (1) time zone: China Standard Time (CST) GMT 8, which means the country is eight (8) hours ahead of Greenwhich Mean Time. The time difference with Indonesia is one (1) hour.
PEOPLE OF CHINA
China is famous for its oldest civilization that still exists until today. There are about 55 ethnic groups recognized by the government. The largest ethnic group in China is Han with the amount of 91.59% of the total population. The country has seven (7) dialects, namely the Mandarin, Cantonese, Hakka, Wu, Min, Xiang and Gan. The official language is Mandarin. Chinese culture is heavily influenced by Confucianism and traditional philosophy. Because it is among many other countries, China has various religions such as Buddhism, Christianity, Islam, Taoism, and others.
TRANSPORTATION IN CHINA

Transportation options in China are ranging from land, air, and water. For transportation within the city, there are subways or underground trains that use Mandarin and English languages. Subway ticket price depends on the distance of purposes ranging from RMB 3 for a distance of six (6) km up to RMB 6 for a distance of 22 to 32 km. Ticket payment can be done using the Smart Card Train Transportation for the purpose between cities (intercity) are also available at an affordable price.

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Taxi is a more expensive transportation choice but more practical. A cheaper transportation option is the bus which reaches out to remote areas. Bus ticket prices in China are around RMB 1 until RMB 3. Unfortunately, almost all of the information bus in China using Chinese.

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Avoid illegal buses and trains. Although the prices are cheaper but they tend to be more dangerous. It is not advisable for students to ride these two (2) types of transportation.

GOVERNMENT OF CHINA
The government system in China was originally a monarchy, which then changed to Communist State or a communist country, and then in 1946 changed into Republic. With this latest government policy, then China has a president and vice president as head of state.

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Narcotics or other illegal drugs are illegal in China and the government imposed severe penalties for everyone including students who are found using them.

TOURIST DESTINATIONS IN CHINA
  1. The Great Wall of China in Beijing
  2. The Terracotta Army in Xi'an
  3. Forbidden City (Forbidden City) in Beijing
  4. Mount Huang (Mount Huang) in Anhui
  5. Leshan Giant Buddha in Sichuan
INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT CHINA
  • Fortune Cookies do not come from China. This cake was created in the early 1900s in San Francisco, USA.
  • The first paper money in the world was made in China about 1,400 years ago.
  • Bra Studies Programs can be selected by students in China.