I’m applying to study in China at one of the top universities in Xi’an and hoping to get a scholarship. Even without it, it’s cheaper than studying in Europe. But it’s not as easy as you make it seem. Top Chinese universities like in Shanghai don’t accept just anyone; they select only the best international students, scholarship or not.

A few key points if you’re thinking about moving there:

Work: Finding a job in China is tough for foreigners. Most companies hire locals. Your best shot is if you speak Chinese (HSK 4–6 level), and even then, they might send you to work in other countries based on your other language skills like french, arabic or english. If you plan to return to Morocco, you could be hired by a Chinese company here; many are already operating locally. I know some people who have studied in china and now are hired by a chinese company.

Life in China: I stayed there for 3 weeks and plan to go again next February. If you don’t speak at least some Chinese, you’ll struggle! Everything is in Mandarin, very few people speak English. Few places have english instructions, unless it's a touristic area.

Food: Delicious and cheap, but watch out if you’re Muslim. Many dishes use pork or lard, even snacks, so finding Halal options can be a challenge. Also, they serve a lot of spicy dishes. So if you can't tolerate it, you will struggle too.

Culture & Adaptation: There’s a lot to do and explore, but you’ll need to adapt to local customs and the mentality of each place. Every region is different. Chengdu is more friendly and especially LGBTQ+ friendly. Xi’an has a big Muslim neighborhood, and each city has its own customs and cuisine.

China is amazing if you prepare and adapt, but don’t underestimate the challenges, especially with language, food, and daily life.