Job Discussion Forums

Steve_McQueen · Joined: 04 Dec 2009 Posts: 37

The Rock, thanks for your input. During the interview they said I would be teaching anywhere from 2-3 days per week, so there may be a possibility to schedule my classes around my teaching schedule. There's also the possibility that perhaps they have classes that are part time, I'll be checking that out too. Are the chances slim, there's really no way of telling at this point.

FOR SURE, teaching duties will also be one of my priorities, but effective planning and minimizing wasted time is key. Having clear, outlined objectives and chief definitive aim are also key. Without a teaching job, there are no Chinese classes, so I will make sure my classes / relationship with the FAO are solid.

Steve_McQueen · Joined: 04 Dec 2009 Posts: 37

Steve_McQueen · Joined: 04 Dec 2009 Posts: 37

wangdaning · Joined: 22 Jan 2008 Posts: 3154

I am sorry to be a downer, but it is kind of wasteful to pay for a test you are bound to fail. You might pass the speaking/listening parts if you really (and I mean pretty much every moment, even using class Mad

) use every chance you get to use Chinese. You are just bound to fail the writing and reading. Unless you have a photographic memory, even then good luck Wink

.

My point is you are much better off taking the exam you can pass. Go for the basic exam. Also, realize that the HSK is a Chinese exam that requires learning mundane things that are not practical (meaning your brain needs to become a trash receptacle).

Sorry, but you will not be learning how to read, write, or say 2000 - 5000 characters while holding a job that you take seriously. I am not saying don't put all you've got into it, I am just saying be reasonable. You sound like my students who are going to learn 100 new words every week.

Steve_McQueen · Joined: 04 Dec 2009 Posts: 37

Wangdaning, there is the possibility failure. Profiting through failure is the only way to go. There are some things that I need to learn, the only way to learn is by actually failing. For me, failure is something that is not permanent. I look at it like a "temporary setback." Whether I do it in one year or three, or five or ten, it's going to get done.

But I do appreciate your info Cool

FYI I need HSK level 6 for a specific purpose, there's no way getting around it.

wangdaning · Joined: 22 Jan 2008 Posts: 3154

Problem with that method is that failing the exam (not a possibility, a certainty-I will give you 1000 RMB when you pass after a year Smile

) will not tell you where you are. If you start with the basic and can pass at least you know you have gotten there. If you really need the HSK as soon as possible, then disregard the uni Chinese classes, and even the concept of being able to use Chinese. Go to a cram school, learn only what you need for the exams, hell, try to network and pay, oops, give gifts to those who proctor the exam. The HSK is not only for foreigners, nationals take it also, so the network for such things is in place.

Getting a 6 means your Chinese (Putonghua at least) is the same or better than the average Chinese person's. The method is not ideal for your goal and your goal in itself is impractical. Studying while working, studying at the university you work for, is not going to give this rapid advancement of language skills. Testing and failing over and over is also not going to help you assess what you actually need to obtain your goal.

Even my wife, a Chinese women, thinks she would score around 6-7. I think if I put in a year of hard work I could go for the advanced, but that is after three years in the states for a degree and three years on the ground here. I also feel I would have to give up my job and go full time student, probably in HK or back home.

Either way, best of luck Smile

chinanoodles · Joined: 13 May 2011 Posts: 74

I also wish to take the HSK but my goals are significantly less ambitions then the OP's. I know very clearly it will take a metric fuckton of time and effort. I seriously do not believe he has a clue what will be required fopr the exam. Saying you want HSK 6 in a year has no meaning, none at all. I am sure many people would like to achieve that. This goal of the OP is based in fantasy land, it will never become a reality without cash payments or gifts.

Friendly advice: Set reasonable goals and achieve them. Even with a cram course I can assure you that you'll fail to attain level 6 in a year. Do not take this as a defeatist or negative attitude...take this as advice from somebody who has a clue, albeit a small one.

xjgirl · Joined: 02 Feb 2010 Posts: 242

what could you possibly need an hsk 6 for?
Most masters courses will take you with a 4.

chinanoodles · Joined: 13 May 2011 Posts: 74

Steve_McQueen · Joined: 04 Dec 2009 Posts: 37

Whether or not a level 6 is attainable in one year, only time will tell. How I will do it, I don't know yet, all I know is that I need to get to Level 6. It's part of my overall plan. Eventually this plan will come to fruition because I know my principle objective. Yes, it is a lofty goal.

I do appreciate everyone giving me their blunt and honest opinions.

Why I'm taking the exam? I'm keeping that to myself, at least for now.

P.S. Like what Wangdaning was saying, I might take the basic and move from there, might be a good way to go. Thanks Wangdaning Wink