Study chinese in China as a beginner

[Turka]

since it is kinda impossible to explain ordinary chinese what do i want, i better take a try here.

I am a total beginner at chinese and i would like to study Mandarin in mainland China. No summer courses, no short term studies.i am interested in full time, 4 years studies.Are there any univ that doesn't asks any basics??? sure i would like to work out by myself, unfortunately it is a bit difficult to do.

i follow by - the best way to learn a foreign language is to live where the language is spoken

Thank you~

[Lu]

I've studied at BLCU and at NTU (Taiwan), and both offered courses for absolute beginners. I imagine most universities who teach Chinese-for-foreigners offer those. If communication and arranging everything from back home is difficult, perhaps you can seek the help of one of those organizations that help new foreign students in China set up their life. I think someone on these forums has such an organization.

[adrianlondon]

Most Universities allow you to study Mandarin with no previous experience although I'd recommend reading up some basics such as what pinyin is and how to write, with correct stroke order, a couple of basic characters.

Most courses will start with

Hello! = nǐhǎo = 你好

You'll save some heartache during the first couple of hours, and feel confident, by knowing that already.

I don't think anywhere will advertise a 4-year course, but you simply start at the beginning, and move up a level each semester. They use the American system so there's two semesters per year.

[peekay]

As far as I know, all the 4-year degrees at Chinese universities require proof of proficiency in Mandarin (usually at HSK level 3 or 6 depending on the degree) before allowing you to enroll in regular classes.

So unfortunately if you're an absolute beginner, you may need to take some "short term" courses to prepare yourself for this entrance requirement -- possibly at the same university you will pursue your degree from.

[gato]

This seems similar to other inquiries we've seen here from those who don't know any Chinese and have never been to China but who want to move to China permanently or even join the Chinese military, most of whom happen to be one-off posters.

What's the problem with trying things out first with a short-term program?

[roddy]

As far as I know, all the 4-year degrees at Chinese universities require proof of proficiency in Mandarin (usually at HSK level 3 or 6 depending on the degree) before allowing you to enroll in regular classes.

There are 4-year 'Chinese Language and Culture for Foreigners' BAs which start from zero - BLCU's is it's "BA Program in Chinese Language" mentioned here I think, but the website is so godawful I gave up trying to find other information. However I wouldn't recommend them unless you happen to need a BA, you'd be much better off doing a year or two of study and then doing something real.

As for the OP - yes, almost all of them.

[peekay]

Actually, BLCU's "BA Program in Chinese Language" mentioned above requires HSK-3 or above, as would most (if not all) full-time BA in Chinese programs in China.

At BLCU one could take a BA in "bilingual studies" (English/Chinese or Japanese/Chinese) without HSK-3, but as I understand it most of the (early?) courses are taught entirely in English (or Japanese), with Mandarin lessons on the side.

As Roddy mentioned one might be better off taking a couple of years of Mandarin courses first.

[roddy]

Right enough, it does - I did look at a requirements page, but it didn't specify that. I was under the impression those programs took people with no Chinese, looks like I was wrong. Beishida is the same, although they have a 'trial' undergraduate program which looks like it lets you start the program with no HSK certificate, but does assume prior study.

[adrianlondon]

I know people who've been at BNU for four years. Must have nothing better to do ;) You just subscribe to a semester long Mandarin course. Then another, then another, then another ... and then 4 years have passed.

Most people would be bored to tears after at most two years, and then find something else to do in China.

Edited February 19, 2009 at 02:10 PM by adrianlondon

[peekay]

Though possible, the problem with that approach include:

1. You don't qualify for a degree by simply stringing together semester courses for four years
   
2. Your classes tend to be limited to language-learning only (vs. a myriad of electives in a degree course)
   
3. You end up paying more per-class-hour (though the same or similar per semester)
   
4. You could have more visa headaches (possibly renewing every six months)
   

Also if you enter with HSK-6 and can take regular courses alongside Chinese classmates, your level of Chinese will be far superior than what "semester classes for foreigners" can teach you.

Of course what you gain is flexibility, especially if you're just interested in learning Chinese and don't care about getting a degree.