Study and Learn Mandarin in Beijing or Shanghai
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China Study Abroad offers a comprehensive and flexible selection of Mandarin Chinese language programs in Beijing. The programs vary according to your choice of: Standard or Intensive classroom hours, length and time of study, Chinese ability, and University.

Standard and Intensive

Unless otherwise noted, Standard language programs consist of 4 classroom hours per day, typically broken up into 4 sessions of 50 minutes each with a 10 minute break between periods.
The Intensive programs consist of the standard 4 hour classroom instuction plus an additional 2 hours of one-on-one language tutoring. For more information see below:

PROGRAM       HOURS                                                   HOURS PER DAY

Standard          Monday - Friday (20hrs/week)              4
Intensive          Monday - Friday (30hrs/week)              6

Length and time of Study

China Study Abroad offers a selection of program lengths from 1 week to 1 year. However, each University sets its own schedule and number of programs. In order to ensure your spot at the University of your choice applicants are encouraged to apply as early as possible. Please follow the links below to see each school's schedule:

Peking University
Tsinghua University
Renmin University
Beijing Foreign Studies University (BFSU)
Beijing Language and Culture University (BLCU)
Beijing Sport University (BSU)
Beijing Mandarin Academy

Chinese Ability and Placement

Most students who arrive in China have never formally studied Chinese before. Some are already proficient in Mandarin, or fluent in another dialect. Everyone seeks to improve their abilities. China Study Abroad offers programs at each University appropriate to your needs, whether you know 3,500 characters or are looking forward to learning how to say “hello” in Chinese. There are 5 main proficiency levels that are further divided. First, participants are placed according to the proficiency level they indicate on the application form. At the start of their program, non-beginners take a written and oral placement test. Second placements are made according to the results of the placement tests. Based upon the initial placement test you will be divided into the following general levels at your University:

Beginner
Students taking this course have never learned Mandarin. Classes focus on teaching phonetics, tone, basic Chinese vocabulary, sentence structures and grammar using everyday topics.

By finishing this course, you can master the basic Chinese conversational skills and are able to engage in simple daily conversation.

Elementary
Students taking this course have learned Chinese phonetics and a few words but cannot express themselves in complete sentences.

Classes focus on vocabulary building, sentence structures, listening, reading, and speaking skills.
By finishing this course, participants should be able to converse on daily topics and express themselves using elementary sentence structures.

Intermediate
Students taking this course can understand elementary Chinese grammar and able to converse on general topics and express themselves as well as around a 1000 word vocabulary in Chinese.

Classes focus on increasing the level of grammar and vocabulary with the aim of enabling participants to express themselves functionally in different contexts. Practical situational texts are used to provide a greater awareness of Chinese culture and society.

By finishing this course, participants should be able to express themselves in different contexts using intermediate sentence structures. At the same time, students can learn more about China, its culture and its customs.

Advanced
Students taking this course can discuss general topics, raise complex questions, and express their opinions clearly using correct intonation as well as around a 2000 word vocabulary in Chinese.

Classes focus on vocabulary building, reading, listening comprehension, and conversational skills. Class work includes reading newspapers and listening to news broadcasts. Participants are taught advanced spoken and written Chinese. At the end of the course, the students can express themselves freely by thinking in instead of interpreting into Chinese.

Proficient
Participants attending these classes know more than 3,500 Chinese expressions. They are able to read and understand some news from newspapers, periodicals, radio broadcasts, and television. They can express themselves systematically using appropriate expressions and language norms. The curriculum includes listening to and commenting on news reports, television, and radio broadcasts, and discussions and debates of contemporary issues.

Classwork
Whatever your placement level classwork will be multi-disciplinary, focusing on developing oral expression, listening comprehension, reading comprehension, writing, and grammar. Up-to-date materials are used to introduce modern day China, its social and economic life, culture, history, and literature. General aims of the classes are as follows:

Oral Expression Classes: focus on developing participants' oral expression and pronunciation skills. At the lower proficiency levels simple topics related to daily life are taught, and more specialized and complex topics are taught at the higher proficiency levels.

Listening Comprehension Classes: focus on developing participants' listening comprehension skills and the ability to understand the language when spoken at a normal speed.

Reading Comprehension Classes: Designed to help developing your reading speed and comprehension ability of Chinese articles while building your vocabularies.

Writing Classes: focus on the fundamentals of the radical system, bushou, composition of characters and stroke orders.

Grammar Classes: focus on the fundamentals of Chinese grammar, sentence structures, expressions, and phonetics.

Assessment

Participants' progress is assessed by continuous homework assignments and tests throughout their program. Semester and academic year programs have formal final term examinations in addition to tests. Attendance is mandatory. Participants are awarded diplomas at the end of all programs and official transcripts can be obtained from Universities for most programs 12 weeks and longer.

Universities

China Study Abroad offers more choices of Universities than any other study abroad program in China. Our selection in Beijing includes:

Beijing Language and Culture University (BLCU)

Beijing Language and Culture University (BLCU) is the only university in china who’s’ main task is to teach the Chinese language and culture to foreign students. Since its inception in the 1970s it has become the most popular institution for foreign students wishing to study in China, annually attracting over 9,000 international students from over 110 countries. The university also attracts the same number of Chinese students a year, this mesh of local and foreign students provides a great atmosphere in which to learn mandarin and immerse yourself in Chinese culture. The university has also gained the reputation of being a world leader in the field of teaching mandarin as a foreign language, providing text books and teaching methods used all round the world. BLCU is located in the Haidian District in North West Beijing, this area is home to Beijing’s’ University District and has thus become a fun and dynamic area to live in. There are numerous bars, clubs and restaurants in the area all geared to its young and vibrant population.

Due to all these factors BLCU (more commonly known in china as Yu Yan Xue Yuan, or Bei Yu) has become the most popular choice with CSA students wishing to study mandarin in Beijing.

For more information, click here

Peking University

Peking University is the most renowned and prestigious university in China. The University was established in 1898 and is known within china as ‘Bei Da” and is located in the Haidian district of Beijing. Bei Da has an impressive campus with lots of greenery and traditional Chinese buildings.

The University consists of 30 colleges and 12 departments, with 93 specialties for undergraduates,2 specialties for the second Bachelor's degree, 199 specialties for Master candidates and 173 specialties for Doctoral candidates. While still laying stress on basic sciences, the university has paid special attention to the development of applied sciences.

Each year over two thousand overseas students from more than sixty countries attend classes at Peking University. While some are enrolled in undergraduate and graduate degree programs, most people come to the University for the Chinese language development program. Peking University's Chinese Language Center offers twenty levels of instruction from beginning through to advance. The curriculum follows standards articulated by the National Committee on the Teaching of Chinese as a Second Language and offers certification at various levels through the HSK. Upon completing the program, the student will receive an official transcript (Certificate) from the University.

For more information, click here

Beijing Foreign Studies University (BFSU)

Beijing Foreign Studies University (BFSU) is a key university under the Ministry of Education (MOE). BFSU has long enjoyed a good reputation in the qualities of her language teaching programs and has witnessed rapid development in teaching and research activities over the past two decades.

BFSU is engaged in extensive international cooperation ad exchanges activities. It has established academic links with 165 international institutions of higher education from over 45 countries and regions over the last two decades. China first enrolled international students in the 1950s. The number of overseas students in Chinese universities rose quickly after China endorsed the reforms and opening up policies two decades ago. BFSU has recruited 3,183 long-term international students from 37 countries, including 466 undergraduate students from Japan and 2,226 short-term overseas students. Some of them have returned to their home countries to take up positions in related areas and some are working at their embassies in China.

For more information, click here

Beijing Sport University

With its location on a 70 hectare site in the northwestern part of Beijing’s’ Haidian district, (near the Summer Palace) Beijing Sport University was founded in 1953 and has become the premier sport education institution in China. Over the years the university has helped mould some of Chinas’ greatest athletes and coaches. Those who are keen on Chinese martial arts will find this and ideal location to hone their skills and learn many new ones under the tutelage of some of China’ top masters, these can be taken in conjunction with Chinese language courses.

For more information, click here

Tsinghua University

Tsinghua University is one of the most famous universities in China. Located in the north-western suburbs of Beijing, Tsinghua University was built on the site of “Tsinghua Yuan” --a former royal garden of Qing Dynasty.

A comprehensive multi-disciplinary university, Tsinghua University is recognized as a world-class institution for both education and research, with strong disciplines in science, engineering, management and humanities. Tsinghua University is comprised of 13 schools, 48 departments, 47 research institutes, 28 research centers, 15 national laboratories, and 23 postdoctoral research stations. The university also has a Graduate School, as well as, a School for Continuing Education. The University offers bachelor degrees in 46 specialties and is authorized to confer Master's degrees in 139 specialties and PHD degrees in 107 specialties.

This past year, Tsinghua University student enrollment reached over 25,000, of which there were 14,000 undergraduates, 10,000 Master's and Doctoral candidates, and about 1000 foreign students coming from over 50 countries. Tsinghua University welcomes international students. Since the adoption of the opening up policy in China, the number of foreign students has also greatly increased and is continually rising. At present, foreign students from all over the world has enrolled under various undergraduate, Masters and Doctoral programs. Many have also taken part in the Chinese language programs offered by the University.

For more information, click here

Renmin University

Renmin University of China (RUC, also known as the People's University of China) is a key university in China. The RUC's strengths emphasize the humanities and social sciences, however, the university also embraces disciplines in the area of natural sciences. The RUC is a comprehensive research-orientated university. The RUC was established in 1937. The University acquired its present name on October 3, 1950, which made it the first university to be established by the newly founded People's Republic of China. The RUC is regarded as "A Standard in the Humanities and Social Sciences in China's Higher Education Sector".

At present, the RUC has an enrollment of 18,752 students, this breaks down into 9,262 undergraduate students and 9,490 postgraduate students. The ratio of postgraduates to undergraduates is the highest of all the research-orientated comprehensive universities in China. In addition, the RUC also has an enrollment of 10,000 in adult education, about 80 percent of whom are doing courses leading to a Bachelor's degree. At the RUC, there is a collective enrolment of 30,000 Chinese students engaged in online learning, and there are 1,066 .international students.

The RUC is a platform for academic and cultural exchanges between China and the world. The RUC has established academic exchange relationships with 118 universities from 32 countries and regions in the world. The RUC has purchased the copyright to a large number of international books and has translated and published these books in order to meet the demands brought about through the reform and opening up process in China. A series of important collaborative projects have come into being at the RUC, and the RUC has hosted or organized a series of high-level international conferences on campus.

For more information, click here

Beijing Mandarin Academy

Beijing Mandarin Academy is a language school engaged in intensified language training for foreigners who want to learn Chinese. Beijing Mandarin Academy is located in the well-known University District of Haidian, where the top ranked Universities in China are clustered.

BMA, in partnership with Global Village Language School, welcomes all people from around the world intending to work, travel or study in China. The BMA teaching staff consists of teachers and experts with years of experience and a passion for teaching. Each educator has received thorough training in teaching Chinese as a foregin language and is officially certified.

BMA utilizes an integrated teaching system with coordinated curriculum, teaching methods and textbooks authored by experts from the world-renowned Beijing Language and Culture University. BMA abandons the test-oriented teaching mode, and puts great emphasis on intensive speaking and listening exercises throughout the teaching process. BMA uses simulated every-day situations as the main teaching approach, enabling students to learn quickly and in a relaxed manner that is immediately applicable outside the classroom. BMA also provides students with personalized services and diversified teaching methods, such as one-to-one, small-sized classes, multimedia and interactive features, and choice of class time, so as to meet the needs of different students.

For more information, click here

ADDITIONAL FEATURES

Language Tutorial

For students wishing to maximize their study of mandarin we offer them the chance to have extra 1-1 tuition. CSA has hand picked tutors, which have a minimum of a masters level degree in English from BLCU and have experience in teaching mandarin. In general students opt to have 2 hours a night five days a week. Any one of our courses is available with this extra option. It is possible for you to have your 1-1 tuition is tailored to your needs, if you have any questions or require further information please feel free to contact us at info@ChinaStudyAbroad.org

Language Exchange Partners Program

This provides students with opportunity to have a language exchange partner; this would mean linking with a Chinese student who wishes to improve his/her English and is willing in return to help you improve your Chinese. This is a great opportunity to make friends and encourages cultural and social exchange whilst giving you the opportunity to practice and sharpen your language skills. Students schedule to meet each other at their own convenience.

Electives

Electives are there to run in combination with your language studies. The electives come in two categories:

Language electives
These focus on enhancing your language skills whilst giving you a broader knowledge of both modern and ancient Chinese culture. They take the form of:

• Chinese character writing: introducing students to the radical system, bushou, composition of characters, stroke orders and basic characters.
• Chinese songs classes: introduce Chinese songs including traditional folk and current pop songs. Lyrics are written in pinyin (romanized Chinese characters) and hanzi (Chinese character text). Singing is an excellent way to improve language skills and vocabulary.

Non-Language electives
These focus on giving the student an opportunity to experience and learn about Chinese culture in general and take the form of:

• Chinese Painting: Classes introduce elements of the traditional art of Chinese watercolor painting under the guidance of a professional artist.
• Calligraphy: Classes introduce the various calligraphy styles and features, participants then focus on perfecting one style of this ancient art form.
• Taiji Quan (Taichi): Classes introduce this relaxing and gentle martial art aimed at improving health and overall physical and mental fitness. The basic Yang Taiji style is taught.

These electives are in the majority done in the afternoons within the universities and are provided at no extra cost. The individual institutions are always adding new electives so please inquire about what is available when you arrive.

Free Activities and Guided Tours

This unique program aims to immerse participants in the Chinese language, culture and way of life by combining Chinese language classes, tutoring and optional electives with the following free additional Total Program features.

• Activities with Native Chinese Speakers
  Activities with Chinese students and native speakers are held throughout the program in order to facilitate the use of Chinese and encourage cultural and social exchange. Activities may include: basketball, bowling nights, karaoke nights, games nights and more.

• Social Activities
  A wide range of activities are organized throughout the program including the welcome lunch, Peking Duck feast, bowling nights, karaoke, basketball, movie night, snowboarding trips, paintball, and Friday Bar and Club Nights. A China Study Abroad dinner and social evening is held at least once a month. The social events and dinners are provided free.

• Guided Tours
  Free half day or full day tours are held on weekends to allow students to discover the city's major historical and cultural attractions, including the Great Wall, Summer Palace, Temple of Heaven, Lama Temple, Tian'anmen Square, and the Forbidden City. Admission, transportation and English speaking guides are provided at no extra cost. These tours provide an opportunity for students to deepen their knowledge of China's rich history and cultural heritage.

Discount Travel

Discounted tour packages to places of interest such as Xian, Inner Mongolia, Shanghai, Datong, Zhengzhou and Hangzhou are available to participants. Full package tours for the weekend or the week, covering train tickets, hotel, food, English speaking guide, admission to major attractions, meals and transport range from as little as USD 100 to 300.

OUR SERVICES

Every China Study Abroad program includes the following: Core Language Classes at the University or Academy of your choice, After-Class Tutoring, Electives, Language Exchange with Native Chinese Speakers, Accommodation, Textbooks, Registration and Enrollment, Placement Test, Certificate and Transcript, Visa Support Documentation, Airport Pickup and Transfer to Accommodation, Orientation, Welcome Pack, Mobile phone with local SIM card, StudentCare Plus Travel and Medical Insurance, Regular Social activities, Free Guided Tours and Events with Native Chinese Speakers. In addition, International and Chinese Program Advisors provide free information and assistance pre-departure and throughout the program.

Accommodation

China Study Abroad has carefully selected our accommodation options based on security, location and comfort. PRC laws and university regulations permit foreign students to live on campus or in approved housing. Total Program Fees vary according to the accommodation selected. Accommodation options include: Luxury Apartments, Local Apartments, Student Apartments, Homestay, University Housing, with a Chinese Roommate, or your choice of Hotel. Shared or Private Apartments are available.

Arrival Transfer

Free transport from the airport in Beijing to your accommodation is provided. The following important details are required at least one week before your arrival:

Arrival Date
Arrival Time
Arrival Place
Bus/Train/Flight Number
Airline/Bus company
Place of Departure

An emergency number is provided in the Welcome Pack for any last minute arrival delays. Participants are met at their arrival point and accompanied to their accommodation.

Emergency Travel and Medical Insurance

For peace of mind, China Study Abroad's Programs include Emergency Travel and Medical Insurance. StudentCare Plus from InterGlobal covers emergency medical and dental treatment, pro-rata return of program fee in case of curtailment, personal liability and more. For StudentCare Plus terms and conditions, click here

Visa

Students should apply for an F class visa (business visa). These visas are usually issued for 1, 3 or six months. Students wishing to study for over six months need to apply for an X visa (student visa). Some countries' consulates may only provide L class visas (tourist visa); if this is the case China Study Abroad will help the applicant change their visa once they have arrived in China.

An invitation and admission letter is usually required to obtain an F class visa and will be provided for the applicant once they have been accepted on to a course and paid the total program fee.

PROGRAM FEE AND APPLICATION

Requirements

Applicants must be:

• 18 to 60 years old*
• A high school graduate*
• In good health

*Exceptions can be made on a case-to-case basis.

Application

Need help applying? click here
For the Application Form, click here

Please read the program Terms and Conditions carefully before applying.

Payment

China Study Abroad offers more ways to pay than any other study abroad program in China. Please click on the links below to learn more:

• Bank Transfer
• Credit Card
• PayPal
• Personal Check

Lowest Prices Guaranteed

China Study Abroad is the only study abroad program in China that offers all-inclusive, full-service programs at guaranteed low prices. For more information about our guarantee and how we keep our prices lower than any of our competitors, click here

Airfare

For inexpensive airfares to China, please see our STA Travel page.