1 China... How do you know what China is?

When I traveled to China at the beginning of 2014, I first reached Urumchi, then to Lanzhou, two Muslim cities.

As soon as I arrived, after years of dreams and waiting, the first shock was at the internal airport. There was almost no one who spoke English, and at that time the internet connection was very difficult, and the applications and services available today were not as we know it.

There was a bus service that would take passengers to the city center, so I took one of the buses, and when I arrived I started to notice that everything was different from what I was used to.

◆ The first shock... the food

The smells were different, the food was different, and even the way of life was completely different to me.

I spent about two days eating and drinking only the leftover food I brought with me from my country.

At the time, most of the food seemed to me annoying in terms of taste and smell.

But I have to make it clear that this is a personal experience, because since I was a young I was not in love with a lot of food, and I was used to a certain dietary pattern.

Therefore, I do not consider food in China as a defect, but rather a matter that takes time for a person to get used to.

Indeed, after a short time I started to adapt to the food, and the problem for me became a thing of the past.

◆ The city that made me love China

After the first months ended, I moved to Nanjing University of Science and Technology to complete the language study.

And there... I fell in love with this country for the first time.

I loved the city with all its details.

I felt like a part of it for the first time.

At that time, I was one of the first Arab students to start studying in that city, and I don't think the number of Arabs at that time was more than 100.

Today, they are in the thousands.

Every new street I walked, I felt it would be my favorite street the next day.

I couldn't wait to get out again to find out another place.

I even evaded some extra language quotas, to get to know new areas of the city.

I don't think it's a street that I haven't visited.

I visited restaurants that serve halal food, the city center, banks, night barbecues, old neighborhoods, lakes, swimming pools, and even the city's mountains for camping and exercising.

I also visited companies and factories, and I considered every day an opportunity to discover something new.

The city has become my city.

I never thought of leaving her.

2 The biggest flaw I discovered in China... Health system for foreigners

After I moved to the stage of studying the specialty, and as a result of taking some medicines, I started visiting hospitals frequently.

Here I discovered the biggest flaw I faced during my years of study in China, which is my health system for me as a foreign student.

The university required me to participate in health insurance, and I paid his fees regularly, so I thought most of the treatment costs would be covered.

But the reality was different.

I found out that the insurance provided by the university was limited in coverage, and that many examinations and treatments were not included in it.

And here I started a draining journey that I did not expect.

◆ When the treatment becomes a burden

Over time, I started paying my private money for medical examinations, reviews, and treatment in government hospitals.

The problem was not only with the costs, but in a number of challenges it faced at the same time.

The first is the difficulty of communication.

When you are sick, explaining your health condition in a language you are not mastered becomes stressful, especially when it comes to medical terms.

At that time, translation applications were not as easy and accurate as today.

Then comes another problem, which is the huge crowding in some hospitals.

The hospital visiting took many hours due to overcrowding, starting with registration, waiting, then examining, and then conducting tests.

All this made my treatment experience one of the most difficult experiences I had during my studies.

◆ It's not a problem for every student... but it's worth thinking about

I would like to make an important point.

What I write here is my personal experience, and not every student has to go through it.

The type of health insurance varies from one university to another, and medical coverage varies according to the insurance program, and some students may find that insurance covers their needs well, while others need to bear part of the costs.

But for me, that was the biggest surprise I've ever faced.

Therefore, I advise any student who plans to study in China not to be satisfied with knowing that the university provides health insurance, but rather asks in detail:

• What does insurance cover?
• And what does he not cover?
• What is the maximum compensation?
• Does it include examinations, medicines and specialized treatment?

These simple questions may save you a lot of surprises after your arrival in China.

◆ If you have a chronic disease...

From my experience, I see that a student who suffers from a chronic disease, who needs constant medical reviews, or who has a history of weak immunity, should pay special attention to this aspect before deciding to study.

I am not saying that China is not suitable, but I say that health planning before traveling is no less important than choosing a university or a major.

I also recommend that you see the details of health insurance, and see if it covers your medical needs, and if you rely on certain medicines, it is best to make sure you can get them in the city where you will study, or take what you need according to the applicable regulations.

3 Despite everything... I still miss China

After I read the above, you might think that my experience in China was bad.

But the truth is exactly the opposite.

Despite all the challenges I faced, I still miss China day and night.

If I had the opportunity to visit it or even stay there again, I wouldn't hesitate.

Because to me China was not just a place to study, it was a second home where I made the most beautiful memories.

◆ Why should I share this experiment?

Some may ask me: If you like China so much, why are you talking about its downsides?

The answer is simple.

Because I feel a moral duty towards every student who thinks about studying there.

I don't want anyone to travel, expecting everything to be perfect, and then be surprised after his arrival.

Nor do I want anyone to be afraid to study in China because of one personal experience.

What I want is for the student to travel knowing the truth as it is.

Every country in the world has its own advantages, and its challenges as well.

The student who already knows these challenges is more capable of dealing with them.

◆ Do I recommend studying in China?

Yes...

But on condition that you are ready.

If you are ready to discover a different culture, adapt to a new lifestyle, and accept the difference in food and habits, you will find that China will give you an unforgettable experience.

If you have a chronic disease, need persistent medical reviews, or rely on certain medications, you should study this aspect well before deciding to travel.

Pre-planning may save you a lot of difficulties later.

◆ What have you learned from your years of study in China?

If I had gone back in 2014, I would choose China again.

But I would do some differently.

I was going to read the health insurance details accurately.

I will find more about the medical system in the city where I will study.

I will set a budget for medical emergencies.

I will learn the basics of the Chinese language before traveling.

Because these little things can make a huge difference in the student's experience.

4 How do you prepare to study in China and avoid most of these challenges?

After years of studying and living in China, if I could go back in time, there are things I wish I knew before traveling.

These tips don't mean that everyone will face the same challenges, but they can help you prepare better and avoid many surprises.

◆ 1. Don't rely on the name of the university only

Many students focus on university rankings, and forget that the city they will live in for several years is no less important than the university itself.

Before making a decision, ask about: the cost of living, the availability of housing, the presence of halal restaurants if you need them, the ease of transportation, and the level of medical services close to the university.

A excellent university in a city that doesn't fit your needs may make your experience more difficult than you expect.

◆ 2. Read the health insurance details before traveling

One of the things I would recommend to any student to pay attention to is to know the details of health insurance.

Not only know that the university provides health insurance, but ask about: what does it cover? What does it not cover? Does it include all hospitals? Does it cover examinations and medicines? What is the maximum coverage? What are the procedures required to take advantage of it?

The sooner you know these details, the more you will be prepared if you need medical attention.

◆ 3. Learn the basics of the Chinese language

Even if you study in English, learning some basic Chinese phrases will make it easier for you daily life.

For example: seeking assistance, using transportation, shopping, visiting hospitals, and dealing with government agencies.

You won't need to master the language, but knowing the basics will save you a lot of time and effort, especially in everyday situations.

◆ 4. Budget for Emergency

When planning a study, most students focus on tuition and housing only.

But it is always best to allocate an emergency amount, whether for medical expenses or for any unexpected circumstances.

Having this reserve gives you more comfort during your study period, and prevents you from getting a lot of stress if you experience any sudden circumstance.

◆ 5. Don't rely on the experiences of students alone when making your decision

One of the negatives that I have been noticing in recent years is that a number of students studying in China are working as mediators to enroll students in universities, although they do not represent licensed educational bodies or accredited agents.

By this, I do not mean that all students provide incorrect information, as there are those who share their experience with all honesty and provide valuable advice, but in return there are those who view the matter as a commercial activity, and nominate a particular university or city because it gives it a benefit or commission, and not necessarily because it is the most appropriate for the student.

Herein lies the problem.

Studying abroad is a decision that may affect years of your life, and it should not be based on the experience of one person or individual recommendation, no matter how well it intended.

That's why I advise you to make the students' experience a way to benefit, not the only source of decision-making.

Read the official websites of universities, compare the programs, inquire about the admission details, and use a licensed educational authority with experience in this field, to obtain accurate and updated information.

؟ FAQ about the minuses of the study in China 2027

After reading my personal experience, you may have some questions about studying in China and whether these challenges apply to all students.

In this section, I will answer the most questions we receive from students wishing to study in China, with the care to provide balanced and realistic answers.

◆ Start your study journey with Edusar

If you want to study in China and are looking for a party with real experience in Chinese universities, EduMasar will help you choose the right university, apply for admission, and follow your actions step by step.

Contact us today for a free consultation, and let us help you start your study journey with confidence and knowledge.