Does having been an exchange student affect the chances of getting to grad school?

[Samppaa]

Hey. I am considering to apply for student exchange to Taiwan or mainland China to improve my Chinese language skills and actually get it on conversational level. Chinese is not my major but I've been studying it alongside computer science which is my major, it's been quite tough to get everything to fit but I've ended but with good grades in both. My teacher recommended that I apply to either Peking University, National Taiwan University, or University of Hong Kong and study Chinese for the year to get it on good conversational level that is pretty hard to achieve in class room. This would delay my graduation for around year but does it matter much in the grand scale when applying to grad school? I mean the whole thing is fully funded, the university even pays me to go + the money from the Finnish government so it won't really be a financial burden. I have to apply in 4 months so what do you recommend?

 

I am mainly considering grad schools in Canada and Europe but US is also option if I get the full bright stipend.

Edited May 26, 2015 by Samppaa

[eeee1923]

I say do it. Like you stated what is one year in the grand scheme of things? I think an exchange experience would give you skills and that would positively contribute to any grad program or job. Plus if the university pays you to go - what have you got to lose?

[MastersHoping]

It's certainly not going to hurt, and can definitely help, even if indirectly. I agree with eteshoe - do it! My parents are from China, and I'm currently there for break. There is a lot to do, to see, to discover! It's a lot of fun and the food is really good and cheap.  

Edited May 27, 2015 by MastersHoping

[random_grad]

This is such an amazing opportunity! Sounds like it's totally worth the 1 year. Besides, you will be more mature and better prepared to apply to grad school as well.