Chinese Language Degrees - preferably in Nanjing

[thewamphyri]

Hello All,

I currently live and study in Nanjing (hence the title preference) and would like to find a Chinese Language course as a degree (B.A – bachelors), Nanjing has quite a few universities just on it’s own – what I hope to know is, if there is a website showing information of courses offered at Chinese universities OR if anyone can tell me the schools they know that do offer this course – again, Nanjing preferred, any other relevant information would also be great – price, requirements.

I am aware Nanjing University offers this course – I will be checking the nearby schools shortly, but would rather not make have to spend time looking for the foreigner department in the many Nanjing Universities if there is a quicker option.

To be clear – it would be a Chinese Language B.A. directed towards foreigners – not the Chinese Language/Literature degree the Chinese study – much like the one/two semester course, only as a degree.

Thanks in advance.

Troy

[roddy]

CUCAS will list them, I'd imagine. But what's your reason for wanting to take that course? I reckon unless you actually need a BA (ie, you don't have one already) there's no need to spend four years sitting in Chinese university classrooms.

Also, bear in mind that you should be able to skip a couple of years with the right HSK score - it might be more efficient to do a year of intensive language study and HSK prep, then, if you still feel the need, jump into the third year of the course.

Joshuawbb and xuefang are on similar courses I think - xuefang has written a bit about her experiences at SYSU here

[thewamphyri]

You got it correct - I have no degree.

I don't want to spend 4 years studying - but not having a degree has in the last few years proved to be a problem, so since i like China, and like the language it seems the best option.

As to skipping years - seems Nanda don't give that option, I have been here studying language for two years - and they did not mention shortening the time, and HSK4 is an entry requirement - to which I don't have.

I have to be clueless and say - what is CUCAS? Aside for the language study I do at Nanda, I will admit to been clueless to any other systems or places to find what I need to know.

Troy

[roddy]

Google CUCAS and look for an About page ;-) I doubt you'd need their services being in the city already, but as an index of courses available they should do the job.

Would still suggest looking at getting your Chinese up to the required level and then doing an undergrad degree with Chinese students. At least consider it as an option, it might take a bit longer though.

[thewamphyri]

Thanks, I found the CUCAS site, quite useful - now I know there is only 4 Nanjing schools to worry about.

As to waiting longer and trying - I would prefer to not have to study for 4 years - let alone longer - this is not due to a desire not to study (as I truly want to have a degree, can see it helping more then not having one) - but due to my age. As I am already studying chinese, and have an interest in it, this course seems the best option.

Troy

[thechamp]

Perhaps you should think about what you want from a degree and whether a Chinese degree could offer you that. I met a couple of people doing chinese language degrees at Chinese unis, but the problem is it's hard to take that qualification back to your home country as chinese unis aren't that well regarded. I think Roddy's suggestion is sound. If you took a degree in Chinese that's going to look a lot more unusual/impressive and might only take a year longer if you're chinese is already decent

[chinadude2006]

Not sure about Chinese degrees being looked at less favourably, just take a look how many Chinese students with undergrad degrees from China go abroad to complete masters degrees. A lot of masters degrees these days don't require you to have a Bachelor degree in the field you applying for, they are just like a condensed Bachelor degree. If I did a Chinese language degree in China, I would certainly look to do a masters in business etc back home, I think that would be a pretty good combination.

If anything, a Chinese language degree from China will prove language proficiency.

If you aren't fussed about staying in Nanjing look at other universities / cities that offer you the chance to skip a year or two.

[thechamp]

Yes lots of Chinese studes go and study abroad post university, but I don't think it's easy for them to get in to a lot of institutions - especially for things like engineering which are not well taught in China. I had two friends on exchange doing engineering at Tsinghua. They didn't think the course was very well taught/well examined. They also thought a lot of students were copying work/swapping assignments.

I think it would be better to study at a reputable US/UK uni if you want to be considered for a competitive masters.

Jobwise, an HR worker in the west might have heard of Beijing and Shanghai, but they have no idea about the universities there, so a degree from a Chinese university might not get the respect it deserves.

The advantage of Chinese uni is that it's way cheaper. If you want to get much better at Chinese then doing it in China's the cheapest way. If you want a well respected degree to use for work in the west, you should study in the west.

[gato]

That discussion probably isn't relevant for the OP. It sounds like he's just trying to get a degree so it would remove a barrier for certain employments in China, but not necessarily studying at the most competitive schools.

OP, you should inquire about the possibility of getting credits for the two years of studies you've already done. When you say you don't have HSK 4. Are you saying you are not at the level, or just that you haven't taken the test? If the latter, you could fix that by taking the test before the application deadline which is probably still some time away since it's only May right now.

[thewamphyri]

Hi, thanks everyone for the replies.

The degree is simply about removing a hurdle that has bugged me for a while (china and home), as people pointed out - in some cases the aspect of the degree is no relative - this has been the hurdle I have run into in the past.

As I have been studying Chinese, and i like it, I think the switch to a degree serves two purposes - one, fixes the above problem, and two - makes my previous study pay off.

So far - of the granted, only two universities I have spoken too (in Nanjing there is only four with this course) - none have made mention of cutting time for previous study, this includes Nanda at which I now study. I asked at Nanda directly and they just gave me a funny look - so I guess not.

RE: Gato - Have not yet taken the HSK, I find the time always conflicts with my current study - plan to take the June exam. Not sure I am at the HSK4 level or not, reading perhaps, listening perhaps not, will just try and see.

As to registration dates - Nanda is by the end of June, the HSK is and result (in July) they will let slide as I am a current student - but I need to pass to fully enrol.

Troy