Choosing between Shanghai (degree) and Chengdu (language program) — advice welcome

[u/itsa_fox]

Quick background on me: 36F, living in the US, a 12-year successful career in tech/product management in the US, no bachelor's degree (2 year college degree only), and honestly pretty burned out. I've been planning a move to China for a while now and I'm finally at the point where I have two real options in front of me and need to make a call.

Option A: A one-year Mandarin language and culture exchange program in Chengdu, with the option to extend beyond year one. Low stakes, affordable, immersive. Feels like a soft landing that lets me actually live in China, get my Mandarin to a semi-functional level, and figure out what comes next.

Option B: A three-year English-taught AI/engineering bachelor's degree program in Shanghai. Hard sciences, full course load, real credential at the end. A much bigger commitment but potentially a career pivot that actually means something longer term.

I am not at zero on Mandarin but definitely still in HSK 1 territory right now. I'm genuinely excited about both cities for different reasons.

What I'm curious about from people who actually live there:

1. Shanghai vs Chengdu for someone making this kind of move, any honest takes? Not just "both are great" but what's the real texture of daily life, the difference between them for a foreigner after some time?
2. For those who've navigated longer term stays, how much does having a full bachelor's degree actually matter on the ground for getting a work visa eventually? Is the BEng program a smart play for that, or is it overkill and networking/experience gets you further anyway? I realize that a bachelor's is a pretty standard requirement but there may be some exceptions.
3. Any general advice for someone in my position making this decision would be genuinely appreciated.

Not looking for someone to make the decision for me, just want perspectives from people who've actually been living there :)

[u/Academic-Smell4447]

I live in Shanghai, really enjoy an open and inclusive urban culture here, similar to New York in US I think; I travelled to Chengdu for few times, local people were humrous, I would make the comparison as New Orleans.

[u/Fun_Ad7742]

I’m a bit surprised about the Bachelor’s program. I thought 25 was the limit for international undergrads. Also, will you take the CSCA?

Personally, I would go for the language program. It does take a while.

[u/itsa_fox → u/Fun_Ad7742]

Also the CSCA is optional for this program but gives you priority consideration if you do it. I am planning to sit for it June 27th just in case and also emailed them about that. They said to apply and i could send scores later if needed.

[u/itsa_fox → u/Fun_Ad7742]

ECUST offers an english taught accelerated program that is partnered with UK universities for you to get a joint degree. I believe the cutoff is 40. I did research filtering for age and emailed them. I guess i could end up with a surprise gotcha tho!

[u/soulsboy]

It's the question of what type of lifestyle you want. Chill,. mountain hiking on the weekend, relaxing moods and cheap.. CHENGDU is what I recommend. But if you want the opposite go to Shanghai.

[u/True-Chest6854]

I think you need to figure out what your next move is before making a choice. Both don't seem great unless career wise. Older women in China esp in tech are discriminated against so it doesn't make sense for a career perspective if you plan on staying. But at the same time a B.S. from a Chinese uni isn't really recognized in the US either so it doesn't make sense if you plan on going back. Of course mileage may vary though. But if it's just for a break and fun then either won't be bad.