Student Exchange Programs

If you don’t want to read this, then just answer the question above.. but it would be much appreciated if you read this! Sorry it’s long!

I am an Australian-born Chinese student studying Journalism & International Studies at university in Sydney. I need to choose my international studies major (country) and am debating between Canada or China.

First I need to learn about the culture & language (French or Chinese) then go to study in the country for one year.
I am interested in China because: it is my cultural background yet I don’t know that much about it, and learning Chinese would be very useful as Australia and China are very close.
I am interested in Canada because: the culture is fascinating and I am obsessed with learning French. However, I feel job-wise as a budding journalist Canada wouldn’t be the most useful place to go.

Could anyone tell me about what it’s like to live in Quebec City or China (my options for living in China are Shanghai, Taiyuan, Tianjin, Kunming or Hangzhou). I could be assigned any place in China, not necessarily my choice. Are these places good places to live?
Also which would be most useful for my future job?
I’m not really sure if I should go with my head (China) or heart (Quebec). I tend to go with my heart but I don’t think it helps me make the best choices.

My sister just came back from Spain on exchange and she loved the different culture and venturing out on her own. It kind of inspired me to go to Quebec. But I really want to learn Chinese to communicate with relatives and it would be so useful in Australia (it’s very multicultural here!)
I’m 18. I know this is the time to make mistakes, but I want to make the right decision.
Please help! Thanks so much! @Kipp - Yes, I know Quebec is in Canada, I was writing it like [Quebec City, Canada].
I am also interested in writing for a women’s magazine, though I am open to other forms of journalism. Which country would be more relevant to this?