88 Awesome Resources for Studying in China

Okay, we lied. There aren't actually 88 resources listed here - we just know how lucky and auspicious this number is in Chinese culture! Though you can't blame us for wanting good fortune, we instead compiled 35 useful resources for students considering studying abroad in China.

China remains the only study abroad destination in the top 5 most popular that is not located in Europe - congratulations, you are contributing to a rising number of students looking for more unique opportunities abroad. You're at the forefront of a movement to better understand China's longstanding history and vibrant future.

Whether you prefer to study in popular Beijing or Shanghai, or instead pursue an opportunity in an inland city (Chengdu, Kunming, or dare-we-say, Tibet?!), it's our hope these websites will make your upcoming adventure all the more enjoyable.

Grab your chopsticks, turn on Mulan, and sift through our suggested online resources for studying in China.

Administrative Tools

From getting the proper Chinese visa to organizing your accommodation upon arrival, you will soon find that navigating Chinese bureaucracies is no easy feat. We recommend using these resources to maintain your sanity.

Tools for Learning/Using your Chinese

Though not exactly necessary, it will help you in the long run to have a handle on Mandarin prior to studying abroad in China. You're in luck, as there are plenty of online dictionary and learning tools available to help you perfect your zhong wen. You may even find these websites to be useful for homework help!

• NCIKU - Better known as the Chinese bible. This website lets you look up characters through pinyin, drawing with your mouse, or typing in the actual characters (definitely more efficient than using radicals alone).
• You Dao - This Chinese dictionary has more options for search terms than many other online language resources, including slang words. If you can't find it elsewhere, you're bound to come across it here.
• POPjisyo - Quickly translate webpages in Chinese to English with this online tool.
• E-Chinese Learning - This website offers students many Mandarin lessons, and gives users a platform for connecting with locals on Skype (great for perfecting your conversational skills!)
• Mandarin Tools - If a large document of Chinese characters without pinyin frightens you, download this tool!

Tips for Living in China

At the end of a China day, you may come to feel a bit bonkers. The food's different, the people are different, the language is different. There's no harm in being frustrated by your situation, but we encourage you to rise above it. Embrace the challenges and learn from them!

Things to do in China

As a student in China, you'll inevitably have some free time in need of filling. Whether you prefer to take in more cultural activities, taste local cuisines, or check out the local nightlife, these websites will point you in the right direction for upcoming events and activities.

News and Media Outlets

Since your typical mainstays of Facebook, Twitter, and Youtube are not readily available, you may have to start looking elsewhere to get your local news. For those who are able to download a VPN to access all websites (we recommend Surf Rescue), you may find stark contrasts in news stories...

Locals' Favorite Websites

It's no secret that Chinese people loooove the internet, especially the university crowds. If you want a jump start on making Chinese friends, familiarize yourself with the following platforms - they'll love you for it!

Snag better deals

Naturally, many websites are created to offer services to Chinese nationals and are written entirely in Mandarin. If you're language savvy, you'll learn how to navigate these websites to take advantage of the cheaper prices, which somehow don't get translated onto their English-counterparts.

Apps for your Smart Phone

As smart phones become more and more the norm, it's very likely students in China will tote their gadgets abroad with them. Instead of deterring from your studies, load your phone with a few apps that will complement your learning experience (and maybe make it more fun!).

• QingWen Chinese Dictionary - This handy app allows you to create word lists where you can bookmark vocabulary into categories.
• Chinese Pod - This app allows you to access an online library of Chinese language lessons and is especially helpful for improving your reading skills.
• Pleco - The highlight of this app is its extensive tools for creating, customizing, and saving flashcards - perfect for when you get stuck on a long commute!

Just for fun - Chinese Culture

The Chinese culture is widespread and fascinating. Sometimes, though, there are some things that are just plain fun to know more about. Here are some of the quirkier elements of China's history that students should understand!

Additional Resources:

* Find the top rated study abroad programs in China.
* Where should you study abroad in China: Beijing or Shanghai?
* Wanting to rev up your study in China experience? Consider adding an internship while you're there!