BLCU Questions

[Alicia]

Hi, this is my first post here, I'm more of a lurker. (sh) I have some questions about BLCU. I've read a lot of other posts about BLCU and done research that way but I didn't see these questions asked, though I may have just overlooked the certain threads accidentally. If so, I'm sorry ahead of time. Also I'm sorry if my questions are stupid but I just want to know things for sure.

The application says;

"① Degree courses : 800 RMB per person per program,"

What does it mean exactly "per program". I'm wanting to go to BLCU for an academic year to study Chinese and also earn my college certificate. Is each semester or the whole academic year considered a "program"? It also says this in some of the information;

A. College Certificate programs

Duration Tuition/

Year Deadline of

Application

Feb.16, 2009— 23200 Dec.26, 2008

Aug.31, 2009­— 23200 Jul.10, 2009

Does that mean I have to pay 23200 twice for an academic year? Or is that just different starting dates for an academic year?

Also, I have one more question about this part;

"⑥ A photocopy of HSK certificate;"

If I don't know any Chinese yet, and I'm wanting to take the lowest beiginner classes that BLCU has to offer do I need to include an HSK certificate? Is that only for people wishing to take more advanced classes? Does BLCU accept people with no prior knowledge in the Chinese language?

I'm hoping for a good answer, and thank you for your time.

[SkyFitsHeaven]

The HSK Certificate is only if you are going to be enrolled in their B.A. Program. You don't know any Chinese yet, so you'll be going into the short-term courses - not the degree program.

I'm not really sure about the fee. I think I'm paying 11,000RMB for classes between September and January.

[kanadian]

Wait SFH, I'm going to BLCU this September and i'm going there for a year, but not applying to the BA program (my mandarin is very poor ).

Does that mean I'll be taking a series of short-term programs? I'm confused.

[SkyFitsHeaven]

There really is no difference. It is set up like a semester-based program. You'll have a classroom and classmates, you just won't end up earning a degree. I think you get a certificate for the short-term program.

Be forewarned: the BLCU textbooks are ultra-boring and completely unsuited to today's life. Don't expect a chapter on learning how to send e-mail. Instead you'll be presented with "I need to make an international phone call." Um...no, I don't!

[kanadian]

Haha! Thanks SFH, i'll keep that in mind.