A guide to choosing right courses in China

African students need to do some research before deciding on which degrees to do

The rapid development of China-Africa trade and the Chinese economic boom have attracted a growing number of Africans to study in China. Most of these students expect to learn from the world's second-largest economy knowledge that is conducive to their home country's development.

China, which has become one of the main destinations of African students, will further increase its number of scholarships to the continent. There are also many African students who study in China at their own expense.

Their choice of courses covers almost all the main majors, which provide a greater employment and development platform. After graduation, some return to Africa to help in economic construction; some stay in China to obtain more international experience and career opportunities.

China's economic development and growth are crucial to attracting more foreigners to work in the country. Compared with the United States and the European Union, China's employment environment is more relaxed, and the Chinese show a more tolerant attitude. US and European companies in China need government permission when hiring foreigners.

African graduates face more competition and greater pressure in the job market in developed countries. In the US, Europe and other Asian countries, the downturn in the job market could persist for decades because of the financial crisis, and even many Westerners have come to China for work and development.

Beijing, Shanghai, Wuhan and Guangzhou have set up local government scholarships for African students. To increase mutual political trust, some key universities have also set up school scholarships and career guidance organizations, in line with the new mechanisms for cooperation between China and Africa.

In addition, some Chinese enterprises that have operations in Africa provide scholarships and living allowances for African students - and the cost of living and working in China is far less than in Western countries.

China in recent years has also relaxed visa restrictions for foreign students.

African students can use their spare time to find a job in China. Schools enroll students to assist in daily work. Wuhan University, Zhejiang Normal University and Shanghai Normal University, for example, encourage African students to work in their campus language agencies. Journalism and media majors can participate in English and French versions of website construction and editorial content.

African medical students are hired as laboratory research assistants, their salaries covered by their university's budget. As well as helping the schools, this also provides financial assistance and a sense of involvement to African students.

Chinese enterprises such as Sinohydro, China Road and Bridge, China Communications Construction have set up entry-level positions for African graduates. Such positions don't offer high wages, but they do not require previous work experience, and companies are committed to training. Africans can enjoy the same benefits as Chinese workers.

ZTE and Huawei have set up six to 12-month rotation training periods for foreign students, allowing them to work in different departments, become familiar with the daily running of operations, and find the most suitable positions.

For African students who want to look for research work, the language barrier is smaller. But if they want to engage in the business side, a higher Chinese language and culture degree is required, especially in jobs that deal with Chinese customers.

To take part in more advanced work, many African students prefer to engage in foreign trade, overseas engineering contracting projects, and foreign language teaching.

African students should note the following four points while looking for jobs in China.

First, work experience is very important in China's first-tier cities, especially for small businesses that do not want to pay for training new graduates. African students should choose more practical courses during their studies. It would be best if they can find some short-term internships before graduation.

Second, many Chinese employment notices are written by people engaged in personnel work, and are mostly directed at Chinese graduates. African students should communicate with Chinese students, schools and embassies to find out the actual situation in the job market.

Third, considering student visa restrictions on work opportunities and length of stay, African students should not overlook small businesses and medium-sized enterprises, or China's second-tier and third-tier cities to find employment and obtain work visas.

Finally, African graduates with a liberal arts doctorate do not really have much of an advantage in securing a good job, while non-research businesses don't have much demand for doctoral graduates. They should adjust their mindset if they find the reality falls way below their expectations.

The author is vice-president and economics professor at Chengdu University.

(China Daily Africa Weekly 06/21/2013 page9)