How to attend non-chinese language Universtity courses

[ilprincipe]

Hello

I am considering attending, or sitting in, a few classes in a Chinese University, the main purpose being learning Chinese, not the actual topic being taught (that would be an extra bonus). Maybe for one semester, a few hours a day/week. I have no real interest in any kind certificate of completion, just to be able to take part in the class.

I would prefer some post-graduate course, where the average student age is a bit higher. I have no HSK certificate and my Chinese level is so-so...I would probably understand 50%-70% of what the teacher would say.

Has anyone done anything like that and has some feedback on the experience, or can suggest ways to find out how to be able to do that (other than ringing every single university in China).

I am flexible on the location, the fewer foreigners, the better. The topic is of secondary importance.

If the formal procedure requires too much paper work, is it possible to ask the indivudual teachers to let you come in and that's it?

thanks for any feedback

[roddy]

You want to be a 进修生 of some sort - see Beijing Normal's info for an example. The 汉语进修生 are basically your short-term (ie non-degree, you could probably take the courses for years if you wanted) Chinese courses. Then 普通进修生 are taking (or just sitting in, not sure what the arrangements are for exams, etc) undergrad courses, 高级进修生 are the postgraduate equivalent.

I'd narrow it down to a few universities, then have a poke around on the websites for application procedures and fees. If you're looking for visa support you're going to need to commit to (and pay for - this is a cash-cow business) a minimum number of hours, 12 a week I think.

[ilprincipe]

Thanks Roddy, for your quick reply.

just to clarify my previous message, which wasn't too clear.. I wish to attend a course taught in Chinese, but not a Chinese language course. So, a course in Economics, Finance, Social Science...whatever in principle..of course, there are topics that I would prefer. Quality of teaching or university reputation is also secondary, although the better..the better..

thanks

[roddy]

Yep, that's what that is. The 汉语进修生 would be taking Chinese courses, the rest are taking 'real' courses in other departments - there's a list somewhere on that site of all the possible majors, I was looking at it a few weeks back.

[ilprincipe]

thanks for your reply.

I have looked through various universities websites and don't seem to find a list of courses with syllabus, so that I can choose the most suitable course(s)..have you seen them anywhere on the web, or do I need to get in touch with each university and ask them

Also, regarding the requirement for admission, I have to HSK. Are these requirement flexible or not? I have called to check and naturally, on the phone, they all say, I need the certificate, but I am wondering if someone has experience of showing up with good intention, cash and bypass the bureaucracy .

thanks for your help