What this thread is for / 这个讨论串适合用来做什么
Use this thread when you are stuck on this topic and need quick comparisons, real timelines, or examples from other applicants and students.
如果你现在就卡在这个问题上，想快速对比时间线、学校做法或他人的真实经历，就用这个讨论串。
Add these details / 建议补充这些信息
school, city, program length, whether credit transfer matters, and your budget
whether you are testing China first or mainly chasing academic credit
Quick prompts / 可以直接这样发问
Did your short-term program help you decide on a later degree?
What was harder than expected during a short stay?