Heya

I was wondering if anyone here has done an exchange, or a live in education? I'm going to Shanghai for 4 weeks in July to learn Chinese, and was wondering if anyone had any recommendations? I don't know any Chinese, and have 2 meals provided for me (breakfast and dinner), and have one class a day, from 8-2. That being said, I also want to see the area, and actually learn some Chinese. Any recommendations for me to start worrying about now?

I've got a friend who's been over in China for the past year or so teaching English (I think... he's hard to figure out some times). I'll ask him what he thinks.

Try to know like the simple basics, those would proove helpful (i'd guess) I've never been in those programs, but I've been taking chinese for 4 years now. So I can actually help you if you need it.

Obviously learn some key differences, i'm going to assume that you'll be living with another chinese family. So one thing to keep in mind is that, when you talk to them don't refer to them as "Ni" rather use "nin"

"Ni Hao" is what you would commonly say, for hello
but for them, to be polite use
"Nin hao" I didn't learn this for along time, and when I talked to elders, I sounded rude. So don't do that.

Culture might help, Like learning what to do and what not to do. Oh and being polite is a must! Like you will learn vocabs and stuff, but you need to use in their way. You can't directly translate from english to chinese, because that usually ends up sounding crude and rude.

Yep. Well if you need any help, drop me a line :D

gluck with the program.

Dude, I live in Shanghai! Just out of curiosity, what part of Shanghai will you be studying in? If you need someone to show you around for a day or two, give me a PM and I'll give you contact info.

whoaa!! really :D

that's awesome. I didn't know we had anyone from china In Iw.

That's awesome!

I'm not technically *from* China. I just live here. But it's a life sentence, "'till death do us part". My wife's a local and doesn't fancy living in the US.

But life in this part of the world has its moments. ;)

AHHHh

so you speak chinese (i'm guessing?)

if so which dialect? I'd love to converse with you in chinese :D

Better learn some chinese first before you actually go to china so that the locals there won't take advantage of you the moment you exit the airport. If you need a few help in how to speak chinese I can give you a few pointers.

Learn Chinese in 5 Minutes


(Must Read Out Loud)


1) That's not right………………………….Sum Ting Wong

2) Are you harbouring a fugitive…………..Hu Yu Hai Ding

3) See me ASAP…………………………Kum Hia

4) Stupid Man……………………………….Dum Gai

5) Small Horse………………………………Tai Ni Po Ni

6) Did you go to the beach…………………Wai Yu So Tan

7) I bumped the coffee table……………….Ai Bang Mai Ni

8) I think you need a face lift………………..Chin Tu Fat

9) It's very dark in here……………………Wai So Dim

10) I thought you were on a diet…………….Wai Yu Mun Ching

11) This is a tow away zone………………….No Pah King

12) Our meeting is scheduled for next week………Wai Yu Kum Nao

13) Staying out of sight……………………..Lei Ying Lo

14) He's cleaning his automobile……………Wa Shing Ka

15) Your body odor is offensive…………….Yu Stin Ki Pu

Okey so it ain't funny... http://smilies.sofrayt.com/%5E/u/grdmartien.gif

Woot. Mandarin, and at a homestay. I'm using this for my Duke of Ed as well. Just a few quick
questions:
Main one: Any tips for studying? A "Chinese for Dummy's" guide that anyone recommends?
1) Legal Drinking age- Do they care?
2) Taboo subjects- What are they?
3) Basic manners- Suggestions?
4) Any good places for a 16 year old to go? EDUCATIONAL

[ 03-02-2006, 09:40 PM: Message edited by: Sir Degrader ]