Many people think that the Chinese Government Scholarships are awarded mostly to children of the DPP party or sons of high ranking government officials, maybe those people say that because the surnames of the winners of the scholarship sometimes read like a DPP or top government officials' list.I had the same doubts back in 2013, after all I was a reporter at The Nation, which was not only critical of the government but also of Chinese nationals in Malawi. I still got the Scholarship without bribing anyone or without asking anyone to put in a good word for me.
I want to share with you how I did it and maybe you can grab a tip or two. You never know, you might be the lucky one this time.
1. Have Good Grades
Just because it is open to all does not mean you can get your shitty lower class pass degree and think you will get in.
2. Nail the motivational statement
This should actually be number 1. This is important. All people who are applying are qualified, so who can go in out of the 1000s that apply. To be one of the 35 or so that make it, you need to get creative with this part.
> Don't waste time talking about your dead mother or how you were a Scom chair in secondary school. Look to the future. What will Malawi get if you get that degree? What will China get? What will you and your community get?
> Don't waste time talking about your dead mother or how you were a Scom chair in secondary school. Look to the future. What will Malawi get if you get that degree? What will China get? What will you and your community get?
These degrees are offered as part of a soft power push by China, so in your statement remind the Chinese that you will help bridge the gap that is there between Africa and China by way of skills, changing attitudes and even language.
> Remember to be unique, I always write these things playfully because I know the one who will read is a man like me, they don't want to be bored with details about how you never stole any money when you were a treasurer. They prefer to see what you can do, or even when you stole the money.
> Remember to be unique, I always write these things playfully because I know the one who will read is a man like me, they don't want to be bored with details about how you never stole any money when you were a treasurer. They prefer to see what you can do, or even when you stole the money.
Here is what my motivational statement looked like:
"I write to apply for a scholarship from your government to study a Masters Degree in International Relations at Shandong University starting this September as you advertised in The Nation of January 31, 2013.
I hold a Bachelors Degree (with credit) in Journalism from the University of Malawi; I have Malawi Senior Certificate of Examination (MSCE) with a distinction average. I have three years working experience.
I am a 27 year old single Malawian resident in Lilongwe, with a healthy constitution; I have never been hospitalized and possess an athletic build. I currently work as a reporter for Nation Publication Limited.
I did International Relations as a module in my fourth year. The brief stint with appealed to me more than journalism...there is surely more satisfaction in linking cultures and fostering inter-border relations than just writing about such.
I am youthful and energetic and take my studies seriously, I respect authority am highly ethical. I work hard to achieve my goals. I require minimal supervision and I am well versed in research methodology
I have always wanted to get closer to China, as a fanatic of Chinese movies, I have always admired the Chinese culture: the dress, the cuisine community organization, values such as quest for justice and discipline.
It is my burning desire to get even closer to Chinese culture and this opportunity is but a perfect chance.
As a journalist, I see how the African media views China, scandalizing even cases that are better talked over at dinner.
This is however due to a gap that exists in our society, China needs Africans to represent it in Africa so that they should, using the multiplier effect, change the crooked image that rests in the mind of many an African.
If I leave china with a Masters degree in international relations, I am almost certainly going to be in the service of China-Malawi relations and what better candidate can best serve for the position than he who owes his Masters degree to the Chinese?
The British managed to set up an empire in Africa by engaging locals; they got hold of African power by using Africans themselves. In 2013 and looking ahead China is set to surpass the United States of America or Britain in many spheres of comparison. But what is being a giant if you have no friends?
The international Relations books available in Malawi are not surprising very biased to the Western powers, all examples and theory are Western....doing an International Relations course in China will not only balance the bias but also unearth the hidden knowledge that I never got to see from the Eastern frontier.
I want to be part of the Africans that helped China plant its foot in Africa. A Continent which can provide most of the much needed natural resources that China needs to truly be a superpower."
As you can see, I spoke what they want to hear, I was honest in the process. They want our resources, we want skills and investments.
3. Don't be over-ambitious
There are thousands of colleges in China. The Top five are universities that compete with the likes of Havard and even the Chinese sweat to get in. Look at the list of universities in China and straight away avoid the top 5 or so.
Tsingua, Zhezhiang and names likes that ned leaving alone, unless you are Mathews Mtumbuka or something, why not make your first choice be a university that is in the middle of the rankings, I went to a university that was ranked 27 there and 400 in the world, that is still a very good university. I got in cleanly.
Tsingua, Zhezhiang and names likes that ned leaving alone, unless you are Mathews Mtumbuka or something, why not make your first choice be a university that is in the middle of the rankings, I went to a university that was ranked 27 there and 400 in the world, that is still a very good university. I got in cleanly.
4. Make that Sacrifice
If you go for a Master's degree in English, you will just need two years, if you go for a Masters in Chinese you will get three years. Many will choose English but they forget they are actually limiting their choices.
I would say be open to do it in Chinese, and by the way, despite how it looks, Chinese is easier to learn than Chiyao. In just six months, you will be ready to go in class with the Chinese. Believe me. Also, after 2 years in China, you will wish you stayed some more. It is fun.
I would say be open to do it in Chinese, and by the way, despite how it looks, Chinese is easier to learn than Chiyao. In just six months, you will be ready to go in class with the Chinese. Believe me. Also, after 2 years in China, you will wish you stayed some more. It is fun.
Choosing Chinese language also shows you are willing to learn their culture and that should win you points.
5. Don't Lie
being a corrupt country, you can simply go and get your medical form filled by some dobadoba at the hospital. That will back-fire. A Malawian lady came to China, they found her with HIV and she was also pregnant, they did not even allow her to go get her bags, they sent her back in shame in full view of all. Go get tested and make sure that before now and September, don't catch HIV.
If it is eating, go to China, you will eat all you want there in a country with almost no HIV.
If it is eating, go to China, you will eat all you want there in a country with almost no HIV.
That also relates to your CV and recommendations. Some of the people you have listed in your documents will be called and some details checked. Don't take a shortcut.
6. Be presentable
Don't use that ID you took in your beach wear, Chinese judge a lot based on stereotypes and face value, it helps to look like a good black person. Play along. You can get that mohawk after you get there.
7. Do research...
Now this is a bonus, first, do you know where the university you picked is? North China is as cold as Russia, south China is as hot as Chikwawa. Racism is rife in the south, food is spicy in the West, Air pollution is seriously an issue to consider in the big and industrial cities... small things like these are important.
8. Important Links
Here is the scholarship announcement
To Search for courses, find info on courses, whether they are in English or not and info on unis, this is a great place to start: CUCAS
The Medical Examination Form is obtainable here
The Medical Examination Form is obtainable here
http://mw.china-embassy.org/eng/ZGJXJ/P020190211774152280164.pdf
PS: If you have any document that can add advantage, for example TOEFL or IELTS, I would say add it to the mix, same goes for non-degree certificates. Do everything you can to give your application that unique smell.
PS: If you have any document that can add advantage, for example TOEFL or IELTS, I would say add it to the mix, same goes for non-degree certificates. Do everything you can to give your application that unique smell.
If you have any questions, tweet to me on Twitter or Insta at: @mutafire
Good Luck.
Good Luck.
I don't Edit blog entries. All typos unintended.
