Post: #1

I'm interested in China, Australia, and Brazil for work. The latter two may be shorter term opportunities than China, which, I believe, has more long-term potential. On another thread this idea was mentioned, and I wanted to discuss it on the forum.

I found a couple websites:

http://www.worldlinkedu.com/martial_arts.html

the cost chart here:

http://www.worldlinkedu.com/martial_arts_fees.html

And a seemingly cheaper variant:

http://www.trip-to-china.com/sanda_training.html

The websites claim to keep your visa for 1-3 years. This would eliminate that obstacle. The school in Beijing offers access to a campus which translates into instant social circles, and girls who speak English.

I've never heard of Sanda, but it's a style of martial arts I love to learn. The schools claim top tier instructors, which more than I have found in the U.S.

Right now I'm formulating this plan for a mini-retirement, or if my financial situation isn't where it needs to be next year for a long hiatus. My line of work is volatile, and I've had to change directions a number of times already, and need a plan A,B,C, and sometimes D, regardless.

The advantages of this plan are:

1. Economical- For the price of accommodation, language and martial arts, it seems worth the money.
2. Longevity- Easy way to stay in country.
3. Biz Ops- Access to Beijing to look for American companies for employment.
4. Location- Good spot to bounce around Asia.
5. Productive- I don't do well taking months off just chasing pussy. This provides structure.

Shanghai might be a better location for business opportunities, so I'll look for a school there as well.

Anyway, thought I'd throw the idea out for suggestions. Thanks in advance.

Post: #2

If the visa they give you is a student visa then it is a single entry visa so you will not be able to bounce around asia as much you would like unless they have changed the visa rules since i was there.

Post: #3

I've been to Shaolin but am not familiar with YunTai mountai area. Shaolin is in the sticks and there will be nothing to do there. Something to consider.

Post: #4

Thanks RNP. I'm absolutely open to suggestions. I'd rather stay around business opportunity oriented areas, like Beijing or Shanghai. If you're right about the student visa, I could surely find enough to do in China not to get bored for at least a few months.

If I were to make it year long commitment, would it feasible to do 3 month stints, then take a month off, then return? (from a visa standpoint)

Also, how would I be perceived as a student there? Status, indifferent, beaten with bamboo?

Sorry,one more question. Does the woldlinkedu school in Beijing sound like a decent deal, or is that pricey? I didn't think $20K for one year sounded bad, but I've never been to China.

Thank bro!

Post: #5

Aliblahblah,
I've been thinking of doing that too (I'm sure you remember from my Mini Retirement II thread) where YMG posted a lot of good suggestions. He also gave me a link to a good university that has a solid mandarin programme: http://www.cis.ynu.edu.cn/signup/?type=detail&id=7

http://www.chinese-tools.com/study/china...grams.html

When are you thinking of going to China? I'm thinking of getting there by next summer for the fall semester of 2012 and spend a full academic year in China as I really want to get to a decent level in Mandarin for biz opps before going to Shanghai to make something happen as outlined on my Mini Retirement II thread. /thread-4271.h...irement+II

Btw, 20K for one year in China is pricey IMO and seems more like gringo pricing. True that compared to tuition in NA, it's cheap, but in China, that's a lot of $. Check the link above that university in Kunming in the south of China the tuition for one semester is around 5800 RMB (+ or - 900 bucks) or 1800 for a full academic year. Pretty neat hey?

Since you're learning Chinese mainly for biz purposes, I suggest you read those 2 excellent books on China:
China Entrepreneur
1 billion customers.

And to really get an excellent overview and intro to understanding China, the culture and mentality there, get this book:
http://www.amazon.com/Chinese-Mind-Under...781&sr=8-1 (NOT an affiliate link... ).

That should keep you busy for a while. LOL In a good way. Now, we all know that the best way bar none to learn about any culture/language is through a sexy girl from that country, so get yourself a nice Chinese girlfriend in the meantime. She'll get you prepared in style for when you land in the Middle Kingdom.

Post: #6

With a single entry visa each time you leave china you will need a new visa to re-enter, so it will be a pain in the ass but it is technically feasible, but u will have to pay the school each time to get you a new visa IF they are willing to do it. I doubt they will.

20K is definitely expensive. You can study Chinese at dozens of Chinese University for a thousand bucks or so per semester classes running 3 hours a day. This is possible in numerous universities including in Beijing or Shanghai.

http://english.ruc.edu.cn/en/100370/100382/18885.html

As far as academics you will be treated fine as a student, for martial arts training there i don't know, but i do believe you can study martial arts in Beijing at a real University.

Here is one I found in a very quick search, but i have no idea about the quality of the training, i can get you more info later today I got to go to work soon.

http://www.chinaunipath.com/studychinese...g_bsu.html

google search Chinese University in _______ chinese program or martial arts

Post: #7

@VP- Right now I need to work for another 6-9 months before setting off for another adventure. I still wanna see the Balkans and EE beforehand, so China might fit in next winter. I am stoked over the idea. Last month I poked a Chinese girl that had a face like Lucy Liu. Her eyes made me "cum out my skeleton". Man I love that porcelain skin on those girls.

I'll order those books you mentioned, and re-read the mini-retirement thread later when I'm not so hungover. Damn homemade wine. We need to get YMG motivated to come hang out with us.


@RNP- The visa issue is gonna be a pain in the ass. I could apply for an F visa for six months and travel during that time, before switching to an X visa. I gotta see Japan, Bali, and Hong Kong again, and make my first trip to the Phils. Would you recommend Beijing or Shanghai for a long-term stay?

Post: #8

Hard for me to compare bc i have been to shanghai around 30 times and Beijing 3 times and everyone is different so here is my break down

Hotter girls- Shanghai
Nightlife- both good most would say Shanghai is better
Food- both excellent
cost of living- same
culture/architecture- Beijing
weather- both not good
pollution- both awful
proximity to other chinese places worth visiting- Shanghai
clearest mandarin- Beijing
expat work opportunites- depends on industry, similar MAYBE SH has more

Post: #9

Just did a search on an expat site I'm a paying member of, and was impressed w/ the number of single females. A lot of different countries were represented. If that is indicative of the foreign females, I'll be happy. Didn't see much in the way of competition from the guys either. It would make sense to game these girls until my Mandarin becomes about. I've success gaming foreign girls in Asia. They don't seem too interested in the local guys. And the expat dudes usually have yellow fever, and aren't interested, or lack of game to approach successfully. I do love me a challenge.