Three semesters at Indiana University plus one semester at Beijing Foreign Studies University plus one year teaching English (and studying Chinese on the side), and what do I get? Not sure.
I’ve been studying Chinese for nearly three years now, but my 普通话 is far from where I’d like it to be. I just recently returned from teaching for a year in China and am now looking for jobs, and I’m finding that while my Chinese is good, it’s not good enough to find a job using it. It’s disappointing, to say the least.
But I’m not giving up. For the time being, I’ve downloaded the new Skritter app for my iPhone, I’m watching more Chinese movies, and I’m keeping in touch with my Chinese friends on QQ and Skype. Longterm I hope to continue my studies if/when I start grad school.
It may take me another three years, but I’m determined to stick with this. I’ve put in too much time and it’s been too much fun to give up now.
For all you other Chinese students out there, here’s the link for the Skritter app:
It’s fantastic!
