Mandarin Language Programs
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China Study Abroad offers a comprehensive and flexible selection of Mandarin Chinese language programs in Xi'an. 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 consists 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:

Xi'an Jiaotong University
Northwestern University

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.

Assesment

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 Univerisities for most programs 12 weeks and longer.

Universities

China Study Abroad offers more choices of Univerisities than any other study abroad program in China. Our selection in Xi'an includes:

Xi'an Jiaotong University

In 1999, Xi'an Jiaotong University was selected and supported by the “21st Century Education Revitalization Project” as one of the nine universities in China and the only university in the Northwest region aiming to build world-famous research universities. The School of Chinese Language Study was founded in 1995. It is famous for a beautiful study environment, advanced teaching facilities, professional academic staff, diversified courses and effective teaching. There have been about 2,000 international students studying Chinese here from more than 30 countries since the school was established. After several years' improvement, the School of Chinese Language Study has become an independent school with a combination of Chinese teaching and culture education.

There are six different level Chinese classes. They are Preliminary A and B classes, Intermediate A and B classes, Advanced A and B classes. The students may choose one of them to study according to their Chinese level. The teachers will help them improve their Chinese ability gradually by adopting unique teaching methods, which focus on differences in studying Chinese vocabulary and pronunciation and so on. After one-year study in Preliminary Class, the students can acquire a command of 1500-2000 Chinese words and reach the first level required by HSK.

For more information, click here

Northwestern University

Northwestern University is one of China's leading comprehensive universities. Founded in 1902, it is also one of the oldest institutions of learning in Northwest China. The university offers a wide range of mandarin language courses suitable for all levels.

The university stresses international academic and personnel exchanges. Since the start of China's opening and reform in 1978, it has established cooperation and exchange relations with nearly 30 institutions of higher education of scientific research in the United states, Japan, Great Britain, France, Germany, Italy, Russia, Canada, Australia, Switzerland, and Hong Kong and Taiwan regions, received more than 5,000 visiting scholars and experts, enrolled over 1,000 international students, held more than 20 international academic conferences, and sent abroad more than 500 scholars to pursue advanced studies, give lectures, collaborate in scientific researches, or participate in international conferences. These exchanges have proved to be contributive to the rise of the university's academic level and international renown.

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 one of China's top universities 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 range of activities are organized throughout the program. 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. 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 Beijing, Qingdao, Inner Mongolia, Shanghai, Datong and Zhengzhou 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 200 to 400.

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.

Accomodation

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, bus or train station in Xi'an 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 guranteed 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.