Hi,

You can buy CD Roms that teach Mandarin, I have one from Eureka. It has background music which I think masks the effectiveness of the teaching.

There are books available in America named things like "What to take to China", teaching English in China, so if I were you, I'd do lots of library searches too. I'm sure you'll get replies from this site. Take some western medicine in anticipation of a tummy bug or headache, so when you feel bad, you don't have to go looking for a drug store.
I recommend some web sites such as www.xe.com for exchange rates, www.dictionary.com, www.calculator.com,www.amazon.com, stuff like that, so you can leave a lot of stuff at home. Really check out the weather where you will be going-you may need a down jacket-or monsoon cape. Most things are available where you go depending on your size.
If you are the size of an asian, then you can take less clothes, knowing it will be easy to get them.
Otherwise check out where you can buy western sized clothes and shoes.(+mosquito repelant, plus a few passport photos for travelling). Check out from the Lonely Planet the various shots that you need. I think you could take some cough expectorant, and some menthol type inhalent for the winter months.

I hope you can talk directly with someone who has been -especially about whether to take your degree or not, but remember to keep your documents safe wherever you go-out of sight, out of mind. Don't hand over your passport, cards, degree or airticket. Keep them at all times.

Have fun
Stella.