BNU vs Beida for Mandarin

[Nick M]

Hi guys

Looking for some advice. I've been offered places at both BNU and Beida to study Mandarin for a year from this September 2011 and now have to make a choice between schools. I'm a 23 year old male from the UK. I'm HSK Level 4 and looking to get that up to at least Level 5 or 6 by the end of the year so I want to study intensively. Also, I love socialising, meeting new people and partying once a week - so I want the best of both worlds.

From what I gather both schools offer small class sizes. I've read across the various topics that perhaps the teaching at BNU is better and more flexible than at Beida. However, Beida is obviously more prestigious and its campus is in a better location. What about the on-campus accommodation and facilities though- is anyone able to compare and contrast that? Any other points of contrast that will help me decide?

Thanks in advance for the help!!

Nick

[Semper]

I think Peking university would be better, since it is one of the best universities in china, if you want to have further development in china, the title of the Peking university is quite useful. As for BNU, I don't think its teaching have an advantage over Peking university, but if you want to be a teacher, it is hard to say which one is better. For myself, I definitely choose Peking university.

[Semper]

I think Peking university would be better, since it is one of the best universities in china, if you want to have further development in china, the title of the Peking university is quite useful. As for BNU, I don't think its teaching have an advantage over Peking university, but if you want to be a teacher, it is hard to say which one is better. For myself, I definitely choose Peking university.

[m000gle]

As much as it sucks to be confused about which to pick, its pretty sweet to have those as you two options. Essentially, you're choosing between two of the best schools in the country, with Beijing/Peking University being the overall highest ranked and most prestigious, and Beijing Normal University being less famous but arguably as well respected in its top fields (Education and Chinese Language instruction). The decision will probably come down to personal preference, as much as anything, and I don't think you can possibly make a bad/wrong decision. You're set either way!

Prestige - PKU is overall ranked higher as a university. That said, I've heard many people (including a Consul General back home) refer to BNU as the best Chinese Language Instruction program and Teachers' College in the country.

Population - BNU's foreign population is relatively small, compared to PKU, with only 2000 or so. This is can be a positive, negative or neutral depending on who you are wanting to be social with. I see BNU as having the advantage of having a more typical Chinese university experience, while PKU easily has the advantage of networking among the cream of the crop.

Location - I've heard it said many times that BNU has a bad location, even published in a newspaper. I haven't a clue where this rumor came from since its far more central than any of the universities clustered around Wudaokou, has dozens of bus routes passing each campus gate, is within walking distance of two subway lines, the lakes in central Beijing etc. Granted, its not walking distance from the student hangouts in Wudaokou, but that also means you have distance from the debauchery while still showing up for the fun on weekends.

Campus - PKU is clearly a better looking campus. No contest.

I'm not sure which other traits to describe, but if you think of any please ask. Also, take what I say with a grain of salt since I study at BNU. If I had the same choice in front of me, I would probably go with Beijing/Peking University, simply based on the prestige factor... Its known overseas, and people have the "oh nice! You must be smart!" reaction just from the name, while for BNU you need the name and program to garner the same. As I said before, though, you're good either way.

[adrianlondon]

I studied at BNU. Won't comment on the teaching as it will depend on the actual teachers, and I was there in 2006/7 so my experience isn't so relevant any more. The material they used was great, though. The campus ... it's not very big or exciting but the location is excellent. Such a short cycle ride to Houhau or the town centre and it's swamped in bus routes; it's even walkable if you have time to kill. But then I didn't like Wudaokou.

[Nick M]

Thanks everyone for all the useful comments. @m000gle, yes I know I am in such a fortunate position to have to luxury of choosing between the two! I think you have all confirmed my initial instinct to accept the offer to Beida!! As long as I work hard I'm sure my Chinese will improve leaps and bounds at either and that is my main priority, but I do like the networking opportunities that Beida presents.