Fluency in Chinese vs. "Strengthening" my resume?

Takucharael · 10-30-2009, 06:18 AM

Hey guys,

As much as I hate asking random netizens to help me make my decisions... my indecision has driven me to it. I'm currently torn between studying abroad at the Middlebury C.V.-Starr program in Hangzhou Chinese vs. simply staying on campus.

A little background info. I'm an Asian studies major currently focusing on modern Chinese politics/history. I've spent the last two semesters in Beijing with one studying Chinese and the other interning at a public relations firm. While my grasp of the Chinese language has come a long way, it has definitely hindered me at times while working and I am still working on it.

Here are the pros and cons (that I have though of so far):

Studying Abroad: I would obviously increase my Chinese level substantially, but also think I would have a better time. I currently go to a liberal arts college with a population of a little over 1,000 students. While I do enjoy my classes, have made good friends, and am lucky to be here, I have gotten slightly bored and a break from the campus life would be nice.

Staying here: I would take "technical courses" like accounting to round myself out, maybe dual major in political science, start a club that arranges alumni to help students find internships/jobs in China, and be available for on-campus recruiting. Most of this stuff is really just for my resume/job-searching. However, I would not be as happy.

My biggest concern is the missing of the on-campus recruiting, though I may want to apply for some fellowships (Fulbright) post-grad and not jump into the real world just yet...

I would appreciate any thoughts, insight, or input anyone can contribute. Thanks for reading this.

Takucharael · 11-02-2009, 05:14 PM

Bring up my post please

Laborer · 11-02-2009, 07:49 PM

It seems as though you assume that these two are mutually exclusive, that studying in China means you won't have a chance to strengthen your resume. Quite the contrary.

Clearly you have a lot of ideas to expand your resume by staying where you are, but you haven't considered how being in China for another period could also potentially bring new opportunities you cannot foresee. Not only will you be in an environment where you're expected to be happier, you're guaranteed to have all kinds of opportunities of personal and professional enrichment.

Go East, my friend.