• GUIDELINES FOR INDIAN STUDIES INTERESTED IN STUDYING IN CHINA

China has, in recent years, become one of the preferred destinations of Indian students for pursuing higher studies, especially for M.B.B.S. courses.

Given the growing number of Indian students coming to China to study, a set of guidelines has been drawn up with the purpose of making Indian students (and their parents and families) aware of what is involved in coming to China on a student visa.

Students (and their parents and families) are advised to carefully go through this advisory.

Owing to all these factors, it is essential that students wishing to come to China do as much research as possible to try and ensure a wise choice of institution as also to try and understand as clearly as possible the kind of life that awaits them here, so that they enjoy a positive experience of studying and living in China, as indeed most Indian students do.

The Ministry of Education (MOE) of People’s Republic of China has forwarded  a list of Universities which have been approved to enroll foreign students for the academic year for a six year Undergraduate Clinical Medical Course. The above list is available on Medical Council of India (MCI) website at www.mciindia.org and also on www.studyinchina.edu.cn.  The list may be seen here.

MOE has also informed that any college/university which is not included in the list is not entitled to enroll foreign Under-graduate students for Clinical & Oral Medicine to study in China. 

The MCI will allow students pursuing M.B.B.S. to appear for the exams conducted by MCI for the purpose of issuing legitimate certificates only to those students who have studied in the MOE approved list of Universities.  MCI has approved that Internship for such students can be done in India or in China.

It is advisable to check the reputation of the institution as well as the facilities available, academic standards of the faculty etc. before enrolling into any institution.

Students being recruited through Agents in India are advised to thoroughly check the background and other details of the Agent before coming to China.  The Agents also have Contracts with the Universities.  Students are advised to check with the Universities before making any financial commitments.

Safety factors

There have been incidents of fighting amongst the students of different nationalities. Also there been an increase in the incidents of petty theft and robbery, especially in South China.  Therefore, there is a need for the students to exercise caution in taking care of their belongings both in their dormitories as well as while traveling outside.

Agents

Because of incorrect information received from agents or other sources, it has been seen that many students come to China without the required financial resources or support. All students wishing to study in China must note that it is NOT possible for a student to work in China to pay tuition fees or meet other expenses.

Students are exploited by some agents in India who present a false picture of what life is like in China and by unscrupulous educational institutions.

• Make sure you cross-check what an agent tells you with the website of the concerned institution and with the various sources of information.
• Please also write down all the promises made by the agent and get him to sign the list; this would be required in case of any dispute, and also is a confirmation that the agent is not taking you for a ride but is willing to stand by what he is offering. There have been cases of students being cheated of their money by unscrupulous agents by promising students Admissions, on fake University letter heads.

Sub-standard medical universities/institutions

There have also been problems encountered in recent months by students studying in privately run colleges, owing to the existence of several sub-standard institutions which do not meet the standards set by the Chinese Ministry of Education. These sub-standard institutions exploit international students in a variety of ways. Students who enroll in such sub-standard institutions do not have a happy experience in China. The number of such institutions and the problems created for their students has increased in the recent past.

Medical insurance

There have been instances of medical emergencies including unfortunate accidents/death of students involving heavy hospital expenditure and transportation of the deceased to India to the tune of USD15, 000-20,000.  It is advised that the students have medical insurance at all times.  Further, after arrival and stay in China, you should ensure that your insurance is renewed on a regular basis.

Air tickets

Some of the Universities such as University of Suzhou, Nanjing, Jiangsu and Zhejiang have a mechanism through which Indian students can purchase international air tickets.  Under this arrangement a nodal body approved by the university authorities would liaise directly with Air India and Jet Airways for purchase of air tickets.  All students are advised to contact the Dean of International Affairs Division for this purpose.  Air Tickets purchased through unauthorized agents or through a student who acts as travel agent and collects money, should be strictly discouraged.

Before arriving in china

• Students wishing to study in China are advised to be fully informed of all the actual costs involved in studying in China, as also of the relevant rules and regulations in China.
• Before committing yourself to studying in China, do your research.
• Make sure that the institution offering the course has a good reputation, especially if it is a privately-run institution. You can do this by:
• Checking that the institution and the course that you plan to take, is properly registered with the China government, which you can do at www.studyinchinaedu.cn
• Carefully reading the website of the institution, which should provide all the information you need to make an informed decision, such as a description of the course offered, the environment, the teaching methods, facilities, minimum English language proficiency, etc.
• Checking with the Education Officer in the Chinese Embassy in New Delhi or the Consulates in Mumbai and Kolkata.
• Checking with friends or others whom you may know who are studying or have studied in China.
• Make sure that you have adequate finances to cover the cost of living as well as your education costs.
• Also make sure that you have a written agreement from the institution before paying any fees; this will be essential if there is any dispute.

Students are advised to visit the websites of the respective Universities to familiarise themselves with:-

• Your legal rights as a student and all the relevant rules and regulations that apply to you;
• Make sure that the Agent is registered with the University;

After you arrive in china - settling down

• On arrival, you should convey by means of an e-mail or a letter, to the Consular Officer at the Embassy of India/Consulates, your contact details, including name and address, the name of the university/ educational institution you are studying in, details of the course you are joining, and the duration of your intended stay in China.
• Check out the various banks on campus and see what they offer before opening an account. Please do not keep large amounts of cash at home or on your person.
• Check out different plans before buying a mobile phone. Remember to use phone cards/VOIP for international calls.
• ;In your University/place of study, it would be useful for you to keep in touch not only with other Indian students but also with University authorities;
• Any and all complaints should be brought to the attention of appropriate authorities; at no stage, should you take or attempt to take the law into your own hands; breaking the law will invite strict legal and police action, which could include deportation and cancellation of visas by University authorities/Bureau of Public Security of P.R.of China.
• Visa must be renewed on time.
• Remember that you represent the image of India in China. Behave appropriately at all times.

Living safely in China

• Keep important documents and money in a safe place.
• Make sure you keep photocopies of relevant pages in your passport and other important documents in a separate place.
• Always carry with you some identification as well as details of who should be contacted in an emergency.

In case you have a complaint, get in touch with the officer responsible for International student welfare at the University. In case the University authorities are unable to help, students may get in touch with the Education Officer at Embassy of India/Consulate General of India.

Universal rules of behaviour which are important to remember

Always remember that you are an Indian and that your behavior will determine the image of India and Indians registered by those people who interact with you. Obviously, none of you would wish to project a negative image of India and Indians. Therefore, it is important to always remember and abide by the following basic rules of behavior which all of you already know but which are worth emphasizing:-

• Do not push or shove in crowds.
• Don't ever break a queue.
• Don't talk so loudly that other people are disturbed.
• Don't ask personal questions of strangers.
• Please show respect for all, irrespective of age, gender, dress or appearance.
• Please respect other's time and be punctual; if you are running late or cannot make an appointment, please ensure that you inform the person you are going to meet, well in time.
• Remember that certain aspects of Chinese culture are different from your own. Do not make any judgment about people based on the fact that they speak, dress, eat or behave differently from you.

Making the most of your china experience

• For many of you, this may perhaps be the first time that you are away from home and in a foreign country, enjoying your first taste of independence. Please do remember, however, that in China you are an adult, if you are over 18 years of age. You will be treated as an adult and held responsible for your actions and consequences.
• Remember that as a student studying in China, you have an opportunity to learn about China and other cultures. Spend time with other students from other countries and with Chinese students. This is the best way of not feeling isolated and will considerably enrich your experience of studying in a foreign country.
• Remember, when learning about China and other cultures that some people you meet may not know much about Indian culture. You should be ready to communicate with the persons you meet, about where are you from and your culture; also for e.g. which foods you can or cannot eat or any other cultural needs, stating quite clearly the reasons behind them.

Mode and method of address:

• The first word of Chinese name is the surname (e.g. Wang in the name Wang Baoyu or Sun in the name Sun Jingfeng).
• Chinese should be addressed as “Mr. followed by surname” or “Madam followed by surname”.  In verbal address or reference, the given names should not be used.
• Handshaking on meeting and parting is usual.  This is normally accompanied by the expressions “NI HAO” (how are you/hello) or “ZAI JIAN” (goodbye/see you again)”. The other common expression that may come in handy is “XIE XIE” (Thank You). If the expressions can be remembered and used, it will be much appreciated by the Chinese.