As a major influence in international affairs and global economics, this country is an invaluable place to study in. On top of that, there is a diverse culinary scene, a complex historical background, endless natural beauty, and a deep appreciation for performance and visual arts. It's quite possible that you may never want to leave! And why would you? You can see all of this—and more—all while you pursue English study in China.

Are you convinced enough now to buy your plane ticket? You should be.

Now comes the monumental task of deciding where you will feel most comfortable studying and living language-wise. Let's get started! Here are some essential questions for international students to ask themselves before they decide to study in China, without any Chinese language skills, to make sure you will have the best experience possible. Whether you are interested in engineering universities in China for international students, a zillion other university programs, or would rather study in China in English for the short term, here's what to consider:

English-based educational exchange is more likely to be found in China's larger cities, where there are well-established opportunities to study in China for international students and a greater number of Chinese universities; hence, also plenty of international students that you will be able to communicate in English with. Here are three major cities that have plenty of English taught courses for international students:

The opportunities to study in China for international students can be an exhilarating, but also an overwhelming experience, even before you board your plane. We understand the draw of finding and coordinating independent study at universities in China that teach in English, but we also know that formal programs can help smooth out your entire experience in the Middle Kingdom.

The majority of programs will have a residential director who lives locally in your city and is the on-ground support for you throughout the duration of your stay. Study abroad program providers also help enroll their students in smaller English-based classes within a school that are tailored more specifically to their needs.

Signing up to study in China universities is a lot tougher than you might think—especially when you consider your ease of making friends. A program provider that is based in an English-speaking country will also help guarantee that the other participants will also be English speakers. So you can study in China in English, with fellow English speakers! There are plenty of study abroad programs in China that offer housing in the form of dormitories or apartments, as opposed to a more intimidating home stay, where communication can be tricky. Often program providers will even make sure that your roommates or flat mates are fellow English speakers that will make the transition much easier.

After you have zeroed in on where exactly you want to study in the Middle Kingdom, there is the equally important question of when you should go and for how long. Do you have an aversion to cold weather or begin to melt when the thermometer reads above 80 degrees Fahrenheit and the air is heavy with humidity? Consideration for the weather is a very real thing, where in Beijing it can get mind-numbingly cold during the winter and in Hong Kong it can be unbearably humid and hot in the summer months.

Speaking to duration of stay, China is a country that especially takes time to begin to understand its complexities to those not familiar with its culture and language. You may think a semester might seem like a long time, but it is not! If you can, stay for two semesters or better yet if you have the resources and time, a whole year will allow you to truly immerse yourself in the cultural intricacies of China. Though you will be taking English taught courses in China, the longer you stay, the better chance you will have at learning the basics of the local language if you wish to do so. Understanding even a few simple sentences will allow you to have a deeper understanding and appreciation for your adopted country.

China is the very definition of culture shock, especially if you are coming from a Western country. Studies are taken very seriously, and there is often little room for error. It can be a tough environment to study at. China didn't earn its reputation as a leading innovator by accident, after all!

Within the classroom, teachers are shown the utmost respect and classes are usually in the format of lectures, instead of discussions where students are encouraged to participate. There is also a high level of expected social obedience infused into the cultural fabric, as China is a country where individualism is not always encouraged.

While trying to communicate in broken Chinese, flailing your arms about, or seeking the help of others isn't necessarily a pleasant experience, but it's not a bad one, either. Just because you don't speak Mandarin doesn't mean you can't have a meaningful, cultural exchange as an international student in China. It just means you will have to get a little better at charades (only kidding).

The average tuition fees in public universities range between 3,300 and 10,000 USD/year.

• Fees for an English-taught degree are between 2,200 and 4,500 USD/year
• Programmes in medicine, engineering and business: between 24,000 and 50,000 USD/year

• 12,000 USD/year for a Bachelor's degree
• 13,500 USD/year for a Master's degree.

Apart from several private Chinese universities, you can also apply to many American and British universities with a local campus in a Chinese city. Tuition fees in these universities start from around 8,000 USD/year and can lead to around 15,000 USD/year.

Check the list of Chinese universities with the most affordable tuition fees:

Here is a list of average tuition fees at the top-ranked Chinese universities:

Check out a detailed list of prices in China and more on living costs in Chinese cities.

Although Shanghai and Beijing are known as some of the most expensive cities to live in the world, you can find several affordable options for housing in these metropolitan cities. Rates are even lower in places like Tianjin, Jiangsu or Sichuan.

The most common housing options in China are:

1. Student residence halls – prices range between 150 and 400 USD/month.
2. Renting a flat – the average rate is between 250 and 1,000 USD/month for a one-bedroom apartment (depending on the city, the location of the apartment and the included facilities).
3. Home stay – between 350 and 550 USD/month.
4. Hostel – usually chosen by international students as a temporary option; rates start at 18 USD/night for a private room.

Living with a roommate whether in a student residence or in an apartment is the most common option among international students to save money.

• All accommodation (mainly student residences and apartments) require a security deposit: 300 to 460 USD.
• Utility bills: around 50 USD/month on water, gas, and electricity.

Apart from being an interesting study abroad destination, China is famous for its diverse, interesting, intriguing and not to mention very affordable cuisine.

Buy fruit and vegetables from the fresh markets and you can get a big shopping bag full of fruits with only 2 – 3 USD.

China has excellent public transport at very low prices and even taxi rides are quite cheap.

Here is a general list of prices for public transportation:

• Books and course materials: 30 – 50 USD/semester; you could pay more if you study sciences, medicine or art.
• Medical insurance: around 60 USD for six months.

• Chinese government scholarships – for international students worldwide, applying to study programmes at any degree level.
• Scholarships offered by Chinese universities for various study programmes.