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As part of my studies I have the opportunity to move to Russia or China for a year as an English teacher. It's great life experience, and would let me experience another culture, and maybe pick up another language.
I was just wondering which one you would pick. Russia, or China?
I will also be spending a month in England this summer. In Oxford.
Posts: 208 | Registered: Sep 2007
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posted
I envy you. I'd pick China. The cost of living is very cheap there. It's close to Japan too. But Russia would be interesting in terms of history. Both places have wonderful folk music.
Posts: 9942 | Registered: Mar 2003
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Well, this would also help me to forward my career goals. I'm looking into a career that requires foreign travel for it's applicants. So with my month in England and year in Russia or China, plus my mission, and any other study abroads that I do, hopefully that will fit the bill.
Posts: 208 | Registered: Sep 2007
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posted
I'd go with Russia, but that's because my ancestors lived there for a hundred years and I'd love to see what it's like. But, really, either one ought to be interesting.
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I'd go with China, if you're looking on learning a language for employment prospects in the future. Also, Chinese food is tasty.
Posts: 2409 | Registered: Sep 2003
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quote:Originally posted by Jhai: I'd go with China, if you're looking on learning a language for employment prospects in the future.
The people I knew who did this in the past picked up very little Chinese (or Korean). After all, the idea is to teach the students English.
If someone wanted to learn the language while there, I'm sure it's quite possible. But it's not a given.
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posted
Are you doing the OSAP study abroad program at Oxford, from July 7th to August 24th? If so, then I'll see you there.
Posts: 2705 | Registered: Sep 2006
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posted
I've been leaning towards China because I think it would be more beneficial towards my career, plus I don't handle being cold all that well.
As far as England, I'll be going through Southern Virginia University. We'll be spending a month in England, and my mind is blanking as far as exactly when I'll be there.
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posted
A good friend of mine is going to Oxford for the summer too. He's a grad student in public policy, though, so I don't think he'll be in either of your programs.
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posted
Blayne, I don't think you're crazy. I myself am from Southern Russia, but moved to the US 10 years ago. If I were to go back to Russia to live though, it would have to be either Moscow or St. Petersburg. Moscow is really a great city, but VERY expensive.
Philosofickle, if I had to make that choice, it would be China. Mainly because I've already lived in Russia once. As for the cold weather, there are also plenty of places in Russia that are warm -- my hometown for example. Your experience in the country will largely depend on where you are placed. Do you know the location options yet? As I said above, Moscow and St. Petersburg are amazing (although it does get really cold there, especially in St.Pete) so if you get a chance to live there, it would be great fun.
Posts: 155 | Registered: Jul 2006
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I am surprised I am the first one to ask this, but where exactly would you be in each of these countries? Both are huge. Would you be in a big city or in a rural area. That would be a big factor in my decision. Both are so rich in culture. I really do envy you.
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You'll need to learn C++ first. Posts: 37449 | Registered: May 1999
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Blayne Bradley
unregistered
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Actually I think i do know the syntax for C++, its just learning how to program in true Object Oriented Programming that I am still learning.
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Knowing a language is vastly different from knowing the syntax of a language.
And I bet you don't know most of the syntax. C++ allows for some very strange things, particularly when one gets into complicated template metaprogramming.
Posts: 15770 | Registered: Dec 2001
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quote:Originally posted by Jhai: A good friend of mine is going to Oxford for the summer too. He's a grad student in public policy, though, so I don't think he'll be in either of your programs.
My program is international politics, so don't be so sure. And there are alot of grad students in it.
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posted
I'd go for Russia but thats because I love the northern wild lands and Russia still has a lot of them.
Posts: 12591 | Registered: Jan 2000
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quote:Originally posted by Jhai: A good friend of mine is going to Oxford for the summer too. He's a grad student in public policy, though, so I don't think he'll be in either of your programs.
My program is international politics, so don't be so sure. And there are alot of grad students in it.
Apparently he's in the Oxford Summer Program, but it's only for Public Policy students from Georgetown. But if you happen to meet a tallish Indian dude who responds to KB, tell him I say hi.
Posts: 2409 | Registered: Sep 2003
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Big surprise, I suggest you go to China. There is no more fascinating time to visit China as it's in the process of becoming a huge power, and yet right now it's still in that almost innocent transition phase.
Are you going anywhere in China or do you have a selection of the different provinces?
Posts: 14316 | Registered: Jul 2005
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I'm not sure what the options are in China. I had a friend who spent their time in Beijing, and they said that it was great.
Posts: 208 | Registered: Sep 2007
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quote:Originally posted by Philosofickle: I'm not sure what the options are in China. I had a friend who spent their time in Beijing, and they said that it was great.
Might want to find out. There is a world of difference between Shanghai and say Lhasa.
Posts: 14316 | Registered: Jul 2005
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quote:Originally posted by JonHecht: What's your real name?
If this is directed towards me, it's Jaclyn. But if you say "there's this girl, who posts on this forum...", he'd probably figure it out.
Posts: 2409 | Registered: Sep 2003
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