Worried about class levels

[Saxondale]

I really don't know much Chinese and now i'm starting to worry that the elementary level classes will still be too difficult for me. Has anybody here had any experience will the elementary classes? Is it truly a beginners class?

Thanks

[edelweis]

Generally yes, I read lots of reports from total beginners studying in Chinese universities especially BLCU (beginner classes start from scratch with pinyin and pronunciation drills).

Perhaps you can say which uni you'll be attending to get specific details.

[Saxondale]

I'll be attending Ocean University of China in Qingdao.

[m000gle]

I'm not familiar with that university in particular. However, the beginner classes at BNU (and I assume pretty much any other university) start from the absolute basics. As edelweis said, pinyin and pronunciation drills, to which I would add other things like stroke order and basic phrases like “你好，我是<insert country here>人”

The speed/intensity may vary between schools, but I found my first couple of weeks too intense (giving you a chance to master the basics which will help you from then on out), but somewhere in the 3rd to 5th week you will notice the pace to pick up and remain brisk all term. Everyone I know was able to adapt to this without serious issue, while repeating a class (if needed) doesn't seem to be a big issue since some do learn languages at different paces. Most importantly, I know of nobody truly failing at it, "flunking out" etc... which, in itself, should be a serious boost of confidence.

Just arrive, acclimatize, study hard, sit back and enjoy the ride! =)

[edelweis]

but I found my first couple of weeks too intense

err you meant "NOT too intense" right?

[roddy]

If there's one thing Chinese universities should be used to, it's students with no background in the language.