How do I contact my supervisor?

Send an email (邮件) first and propose a time. Dropping by unannounced is less common than in some countries.

What is the international student office for?

It handles residence permits, visa extensions, and most day-to-day admin for foreign students.

Can I ask for an assignment extension?

Yes, but ask early and in writing. 可以延期吗 (can I have an extension?) is the phrase to use.

Chinese Phrases for Talking to Professors and Admin | Degree in China

Chinese Phrases for Talking to Professors and Admin

University admin in China runs on a few fixed phrases. Knowing them helps you email your supervisor, ask for leave, or request an extension without awkwardness.

When you want to say	中文	Pinyin	English
May I ask a question?	可以问一个问题吗	kě yǐ wèn yī gè wèn tí ma	May I ask a question?
I am late	我迟到了	wǒ chí dào le	I am late
Can I get an extension?	可以延期吗	kě yǐ yán qī ma	Can I have an extension?
Office hours	办公时间	bàn gōng shí jiān	Office hours
Ask for leave	请假	qǐng jià	Request leave
Transcript	成绩单	chéng jì dān	Transcript
Course selection	选课	xuǎn kè	Course selection
Make-up exam	补考	bǔ kǎo	Make-up exam
Supervisor / advisor	导师	dǎo shī	Supervisor / advisor
Email	邮件	yóu jiàn	Email

Each university has an 国际学生办公室 (international student office) for visa and admin matters. Email your 导师 (supervisor) before visiting; their available times are called 办公时间 (office hours).

Email etiquette and the supervisor (导师) relationship

Your 导师 (supervisor) is both your academic advisor and a senior figure, so address them formally (e.g., 老师 or Professor plus surname) and reply within a day or two even if the answer is just received. Long silences read as disrespect. State your request in the first two lines, because Chinese academic emails are direct and concise.

Who actually solves your problem: counselor vs academic office

The 辅导员 (counselor, fudaoyuan) handles daily life: dorms, leaves, cards, and emergencies. The 教务 (academic affairs office) handles courses, exams, and credit issues. Email your professor for research and coursework; route admin to the right office, or your message bounces for weeks.

Common mistake: emailing your professor for every admin issue. Routine matters go to the 辅导员, academic ones to 教务. Knowing that split is the difference between a same-day fix and a lost month.

Try it yourself

Open the full annotator in a new tab →

Related guides

100 Study-in-China Questionsdegreeinchina.com
Stay in China After Graduationdegreeinchina.com

Frequently asked questions

How do I contact my supervisor?: Send an email (邮件) first and propose a time. Dropping by unannounced is less common than in some countries.
What is the international student office for?: It handles residence permits, visa extensions, and most day-to-day admin for foreign students.
Can I ask for an assignment extension?: Yes, but ask early and in writing. 可以延期吗 (can I have an extension?) is the phrase to use.