- Mandarin is spoken by more than a billion people worldwide, making it one of the most dominant languages on the planet alongside English and Spanish.
- China is the world's largest economy by Purchasing Power Parity, and multinational companies actively look for people who speak the language and have lived in the country.
- The cost of living in China is significantly lower than in most of Europe and the Americas, so students can enjoy a high quality of life on a modest budget.
- Between its storied cultural traditions and its enormously varied landscapes, China gives students far more than a classroom, which is why a semester abroad here is one of the most rewarding choices a student can make.
The Middle Kingdom is fast becoming one of the most popular destinations for international students, and it's easy to see why.
The following are CLI's top 5 reasons to spend a semester studying abroad in China. If you are still weighing your options, our guide to studying abroad in China walks through the practical planning side in more detail.
01 Mandarin Is One of the World's Most Spoken Languages
Presently, more than a billion people around the world speak Mandarin, and this number is only expected to continue growing. Mandarin, along with English and Spanish, is already one of the most dominant languages in the world.
Those learning Mandarin today are positioning themselves within an ever-growing global trend. They are also better equipping themselves for an increasingly globalized world.
| Rank | Language | Speakers (millions) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mandarin Chinese | 918 |
| 2 | Spanish | 480 |
| 3 | English | 379 |
| 4 | Hindi (Sanskritised Hindustani) | 341 |
| 5 | Bengali | 228 |
| 6 | Portuguese | 221 |
| 7 | Russian | 154 |
| 8 | Japanese | 128 |
| 9 | Western Punjabi | 92.7 |
| 10 | Marathi | 83.1 |
02 China Is the World's Largest Economy by Purchasing Power Parity (PPP)
China consistently ranks among the fastest-growing economies on the planet. Its rapid growth from 1978 to present day has propelled China to be the world's second largest economy by GDP and largest by Purchasing Power Parity.
Much of that growth was driven by market reforms and by experiments like the country's special economic zones, which opened whole regions to foreign investment.
Most of the world's largest multinational companies have business interests in China. They are constantly on the lookout to hire individuals that can speak the language, have lived in the country, and have experienced the culture firsthand.
| Rank | Country/Territory | GDP (millions in current int. $, measured in PPP) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | China | 27,804,953 |
| 2 | United States | 20,289,987 |
| — | European Union | 18,377,114 |
| 3 | India | 11,321,280 |
| — | ASEAN | 9,326,707 |
| 4 | Japan | 5,451,452 |
| 5 | Russia | 4,176,350 |
| 6 | Germany | 4,160,925 |
| 7 | Indonesia | 3,778,134 |
| 8 | Brazil | 3,316,920 |
| 9 | United Kingdom | 2,975,557 |
| 10 | France | 2,860,018 |
| 11 | Mexico | 2,458,339 |
| 12 | Korea, South | 2,307,718 |
| 13 | Turkey | 2,257,987 |
| 14 | Italy | 2,244,767 |
| 15 | Saudi Arabia | 1,869,288 |
| 16 | Canada | 1,797,170 |
| 17 | Spain | 1,780,996 |
| 18 | Egypt | 1,427,432 |
| 19 | Iran | 1,411,093 |
| — | Taiwan | 1,293,972 |
| 20 | Thailand | 1,293,924 |
Source: Wikipedia List of Countries by PPP (as of May 19, 2020)
03 The Cost of Living in China Is Affordable for Students
Living in China is significantly less expensive than living in most countries in Europe or the Americas, and even several countries in Asia. Education costs, rent, transportation, food, and entertainment expenses are lower in China than in most places, and this means students can enjoy a higher quality of life without breaking the bank.
That affordability is one of the practical reasons so many students choose to Learn Chinese in China rather than at home, since a semester abroad often costs less than a comparable term in a Western city.
04 China's Cultural Traditions Are Among the Most Storied in the World
One of the oldest civilizations in the world with a long and proud history stretching far back in time, China is a country teeming with immense cultural heritage. Our Chinese history hub covers the major dynasties and periods that shaped it.
One can get a sense of this cultural pride and heritage almost anywhere in the country. Those living here can witness, firsthand, the blend that takes place between long-standing traditions and rapid economic development for the future on an everyday basis.
05 China Boasts Countless Beautiful Landscapes and Cityscapes
The fourth-largest country in the world by land area, China contains a distinct and diverse landscape. From the karst mountain formations of Guilin and Yangshuo in the south to the gorgeous Tibetan plateau in the west to the booming metropolises of the east, there are simply too many beautiful places worth exploring in the country.
Traveling in China Offers Something for Everyone
Interested in a beach vacation? Then head south and check out Hainan, the Hawaii of China.
Hoping to learn more about Qing Dynasty history? Then a trip to the northern city of Shenyang might be for you.
Each of China's different regions offers something new. Each of them also provides travelers with unprecedented opportunities to explore Chinese culture for themselves.
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06 What CLI Students Say About Studying Abroad in China
The following testimonials were given by students who have studied with CLI. Many of them came for the language and stayed for the city, which is one of the reasons students choose to study in Guilin in the first place.
"I wanted to learn Mandarin and study in China, but the big cities were way too much for me. CLI and Guilin were perfect. I fell in love with the place, and had a comfortable environment in which to learn about the country."
~ Babar
"CLI offered assistance with applying for the visa, getting to CLI from the airport or train station, familiarizing with the city on arrival and basically anything else that I needed to know before I left home or when I got there."
~ Peter Cahill
"I attended CLI for 5 weeks and I truly loved every minute! Everyone from the teachers, to the staff were fantastic! Everyone was very accommodating, warm, friendly and supportive of me learning Mandarin. Guilin was beautiful, even though it was winter and some times cold & rainy, it was beautiful. I loved the city, the local people were very nice and polite. The local food was fantastic and very, very inexpensive. The food was so good I am now a snob when in comes to Chinese food."
~ Brian Mason
Study Chinese in Guilin or Start Online
CLI offers personalized Chinese instruction built around your goals. Join our Immersion Program in Guilin or begin from anywhere with a free Chinese lesson .
07 Start Your China Study Abroad Journey
We welcome you to learn Chinese online with CLI's team of amazing Chinese teachers!
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