Hmmm. Claire, I presume I'd still have to pay upfront the university fees, so would be a waste of money not to go. Maybe i could do both - Uni plus a private tutor. I also thought the university may give me something to 'land on' when first arriving? I'm glad to hear it is good from your experiences.
Voltaire - what's the best way to get to know locals in Kunming? And finding a share house - is this site the best for that?
I have no desire to hang out with English speaking people getting drunk :) I really want to learn Chinese and have a great time immersing and exploring this new culture.
Oh, and tigertiger, how would I go about looking for a room with a Chinese family?
Not all English speaking people drink here. Maybe you've a bit of cultural learning to do within your own culture before you judge.
Strong drinking in China on the other hand has a long tradition which many still partake of today and seen as part of the culture for both business and fun.
Getting to know locals in Kunming is easy, they're everywhere.
One way to find a family to live is to advertise on here.
If you come to the university and live in halls, I am pretty sure they will charge you rent for the year and there will be no refund. Try to sort your accommodation before you arrive.
If you come on a tourist visa, 2 months before term starts, you will have time to find a place and settle in. But most student type apartments get snapped up very quickly by incoming Chinese local students who also come at least a month early.
Oh, sorry. What I meant was to do both: uni plus a private tutor. The university usually recommends new students to take three classes, and I was saying it's not necessary. Taking one class and studying more with a private tutor is way better than taking all tree classes at the university.
There used to be a minimum number of hours to qualify for the student visa. I am not sure if this is still the case.
Taking one class is enough to get the student visa. :)
I'm surprised.
I never thought China would be dishing out visas to students in return for attending classes for ............
40 minutes a week?
Perhaps keeping the visa is more onerous.
Claire and tigertiger, thanks for your continued responses and help :) Ok, so sounds like I'll come early to find accom and do both uni classes and private tutor - a good plan!