Beijing Language & Culture University
Chinese Language & Culture 2012 / 2013
4 weeks – 3500RMB / Quarter – 8300 RMB
(est $595 USD) / (est $1395 USD)
The Program
The Beijing Language and Culture University (BLCU) was founded in 1962. It was first called the Preparatory School for Foreign Students. It is the only university whose main function is to teach Chinese language and culture to foreign students. Over the last 30 years, more than 20,000 foreign students have graduated from BLCU. Every year, about 3000 students from many countries, and more than 1000 Chinese students study here.
The Location
Beijing, also known as Peking, city and capital of China, encircled by Hebei Province, located in the northern part of the country, on the northern edge of the Huabei Pingyuan (North China Plain), approximately 110 km (approximately 70 mi) northwest of the Bo Hai gulf. Beijing, the second largest city in China after Shanghai, is the cultural, political, and intellectual center of the country, as well as a major industrial and commercial metropolis. Initially settled more than 2000 years ago, it has been the capital of China for most of the last 700 years. The climate is seasonal, with hot summers and cold winters. Temperatures can climb higher than 38° C (higher than 100° F) in July and drop lower than -15° C (lower than 5° F) in January.
Beijing, the capital of the People’s Republic of China (PRC), is not only the political and administrative center of China, but it is also China’s greatest repository of monuments and treasures from the imperial era. The home of over 9.5 million people, the city extends over 6,500 square miles and 10 districts. With a history of 3,000 years, Beijing is extremely rich in historical sites and cultural relics.
Courses
Chinese language: all levels – Elementary through advanced. Six levels.All students will be given a placement test to determine ability and proper placement.
20 hours of class per week.
Besides the semester terms, BLCU offers short-term programs (4 – 12 wks). Additional information is provided upon registration.
Six Levels: A-F
Level A: is for absolute beginners. Course includes study of Chinese pinyin, basic sentence patterns, Chinese characters, and basic grammar.
Level B: is for students who have some phonetic training, know about 800 Chinese words, and can engage in simple, daily conversation. Course includes reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Focuses on Chinese pinyin, daily conversation, improving listening skills, reading skills, and writing exercises.
Level C: is for students who know about 1500 Chinese words and basic sentence patterns, as well as able to engage in daily conversation. This course is more extensive in building skills: listening, writing, reading, and speaking enhancement. Build vocabulary, continue to study sentence patterns and grammar, intensify reading exercises, and discriminate the meaning and usage of words.
Level D: is for students who know at least 2500 Chinese words, and have a systematic knowledge of Chinese grammar, as well as able to converse in daily conversation at a higher level than Level C. Emphasis is put on building listening, reading, writing, and speaking skills. Extensive drills are also used.
Level E: is for students who know about 3500 Chinese words, and can engage in more complicated discussions, as well as give short speeches.
Level F: is for students with a vocabulary larger than 4000 Chinese words and can express sophisticated ideas in daily conversation.
Academic Credit
4 hours of class are taught daily. 20 hours per week. Thus, students usually earn 12 – 16 semester credits for each semester completed. 10 – 13 Quarter credits. Summer Courses: 4 – 8 credits. Upon completing the program, the student will receive (upon request) an official transcript (Certificate) from the University in China.
Financial Aid
Yes, you can use your financial aid on this study abroad program. Please have your Financial Aid office e-mail us a “Consortium Agreement” to complete and sign. CSA does not offer any scholarships or financial aid, we can only assist you in using your home school’s financial aid on this program.
Activities
BLCU staff assist students in arranging travel plans for other parts of China, such as nearby cities of Datong, Chengde, Tianjin and Beidaihe. Local tours of sights in Beijing are conducted, such as visiting the Great Wall and the once Forbidden City.
Housing
Housing is available in a campus residence (dormitory) or nearby guest house. Double rooms with private bath, TV, telephone, laundry, heater and air conditioner. Access to internet is available. Cost ranges from 38 – 75 RMB ($6 – $12 USD) per day for a double room. Single rooms can be requested and cost from 92 – 150 RMB ($15 – $23 USD) per day. Meals are purchased at campus cafeteria (restaurant) for approx. $50 USD per week. On campus housing is limited, so please register as early as possible. Can be arranged directly there upon check-in, but space will be more limited. Housing is paid for directly there upon check-in. Major credit cards may be accepted (Visa/MC/AMEX).
Off campus housing is also available in student type “Guest Houses” and best arranged upon arrival so you see the Guest House facility first before paying for it. May need to stay in hotel nearby for 1 – 2 nights while you confirm your housing. Arranged by student.
Dates and Fees
* Prices are in Chinese Yuan Renminbi (RMB)
SPRING SEMESTER 2012
| February 23rd – July 4th, 2012 | 11,600 RMD (est $1895 USD) |
SPRING QUARTER 2012
| March 22nd – June 13th, 2012 | 8300 RMB (est $1395 USD) |
SUMMER SESSIONS 2012: 20 hours per week
| 4 weeks | June 21st – July 18th, 2012 | 3500 RMB (est $595 USD) |
| 6 weeks | July 12th – August 22nd, 2012 | 4800 RMB (est $795 USD) |
| 5 weeks | July 19th – August 22nd, 2012 | 4200 RMB |
| 4 weeks | July 26th – August 22nd, 2012 | 3500 RMB |
| 4 weeks | August 2nd – 29th, 2012 | 3500 RMB |
| 9 weeks | June 21st – August 22nd, 2012 | .7700 RMB (est $1195 USD) |
INTENSIVE SUMMER: 30 hours per week
| 4 weeks | July 26th – August 22nd, 2012 | 5300 RMB (est $895 USD) |
| 4 weeks | August 2nd – 29th, 2012 | 5300 RMB |
Note: Early registration advised
Similar Dates in 2013
FALL SEMESTER 2012
| September 13th, 2012 – January 18th, 2013 | 11,600 RMB |
FALL QUARTER 2012
| September 13th – December 5th, 2012 | 8300 RMB |
ACADEMIC YEAR 2012 / 2013
| September 13th, 2012 – July 3rd, 2013 | 24,900 RMB (est $3995 USD) |
WINTER SESSION 2012 – 2013 (5 weeks)
| December 13th, 2012 – January 16th, 2013 | 4200 RMB (est $695 USD) |
SPRING SEMESTER 2013
| February 21st – July 3rd, 2013 | 11,600 RMB (est) |
SPRING QUARTER 2013
| March 21st – June 12th, 2013 | 8300 RMB (est) |
Similar dates in 2013 / 2014
RETURN TO TOP
Requirements
Program open to all students and adults 18 years of age and older. Passport and Visa required for entry into China. CSA will send the JW202 (letter of admission) with confirmation documents. Early registration is advised, so you have time to obtain a Visa.
Students staying 3 months or longer in China may be required to take a medical exam and aids test in China. Medical tests done prior to arrival into China will not be accepted. The test needs to be done in China. Each student is also required to pay the small fee for the medical exam cost directly there. Short term students are usually not subject to these tests.
Also, upon applying for a Visa, students attending for 3 months or longer may need to show that they are in good health by providing a completed health report form from the Chinese Consulate. Again, short term students of less than 3 months usually do not need to provide this. Ask the Chinese Consulate for details and to obtain forms.
Visa Assistance
This may help you in receiving your visa quicker. CSA will send you the “Letter of Admission” needed for your VISA application.
Zierer Visa Service
http://www.zvs.com
1-800-843-9151
1-866-788-1100
Use express mail when using these visa services.
See “Visa/Passport” section of the CSA website, Main Menu section for additional web-links related to Visas and passports.
Registration and Information
Register online. CSA Registration Deposit of $45 USD required to be fully registered. Can pay online by credit card. CSA also accepts personal checks, cashier checks, money orders, wire transfer, or direct deposit. Please review the “Register Overview” section for details. We will send an e-mail confirmation receipt and additional information shortly after receiving your online registration form. Thank you.
