intensive chinese course Vs usual chinese course

[Jamuna]

Hello All!

Kindly help me to know what is different about intensive chinese course and the usual chinese course provided in university. The class duration is different ad cost is different. What is different about curriculum and why should i select intensive course.

I need to decide on which course i should take.

Note: about me - I'm good at language learning and i learn very fast. And I'm looking to take up 1 year course to get proficient in the language.

Thanks,

Jamuna

[Koxinga]

Usually intensive classes have a heavier workload (more hours per week). This is either achieved with additional material which covers more language, or by going through the same material faster and/or in more detail. You didn't specify the university so I'm just guessing the possibilities.

From what I'm familiar with, regular classes would meet for 3-6 hours per week, while intensive classes would take much more time, 3-6 hours per day. Plus homework. But in general, how far you'll get mostly depends on you and not on the class.

[Jamuna]

Hi Koxinga, I am looking to apply for East China Normal University - Shanghai, South China University - Guangzhou, Beijing Union University / China Youth University - Beijing. Prefering to opt for South China as fee is comparatively low.

Kindly share your input on the same.

[Koxinga]

I'm sorry, somehow I forgot that this is in a "Studying in China" subforum. What I wrote generally applies to studying languages (including Chinese) in the west. But except for the exact numbers I wrote, everything should still apply.

Unfortunately, I can't give you more specific info about universities and their programs. You can read about the programs on universities' websites, and for other people's experiences and opinions on them, you can look around on this forum.

In my opinion, if you can handle the extra workload, go for the intensive courses. On the other hand, if the money is an issue, go for the regular classes and make up for the rest in your free time. It's doable.

[mafioso7]

Hi Jamuna,

I am also looking forward to enroll at South China University of Technology for the Intensive Chinese Language program this winter. The course seems to be cheap, plus the cost of living in Guangzhou is relatively cheaper than Beijing or Shanghai. However I am not sure about the quality of the course.

So any idea about the quality of the course?

Regards,

Atif Khan

[Jamuna]

Hi Atif,

I am not pretty sure about the quality but i have major consideration in choosing these universities - fee, cost of living, job opportunity in major city. I have not decided on South China university but its on my list. Recently I got to know about university in Hangzhou which really makes my decided complicated.

I'm hoping the best. Anyway are you starting in September or February?

Regards,

Jamuna

[Frapunchino]

intensive if you have the time ! constant immersion IMO is the best way to learn a langauge

[mafioso7]

Well Jamuna, the plan is to start in September.

Owing to the fact that Guangzhou is a metropolitan University, the tuition fee quoted by the University for the intensive course and living expenses seem to be reasonable. In general, I believe that there should be ample job opportunities in Guangzhou. But a lot will depend on the sector where you would like to work. (Do note that I am no authority on the job front)

Since I have an accounting and finance background, I thought Guangzhou being closer to Shenzhen would be a better option as it is quickly becoming a financial hub. Therefore after studying for atleast a year for an intensive chinese language course in Guangzhou, I believe I will be more employable.

About other University options, what universities do you have in mind? And what is your expected budget? I would be thankful if you would share as it will also help me in forming a decision.

Thanks for the advice Frapunchino, I will note it down. I will have plenty of time. Since atleast for the first 10 months I won't be doing anything else besides learning the language. I guess I will go ahead with the Intensive language course and whatever time is left immerse myself with the Chinese.

Regards,

Atif Khan

[roddy]

If you have specific questions about a university, please find the correct topic here, read any information already there, and then ask detailed questions. "What is the course like?" is too vague. "How many students per class, what are the classrooms like, and how easy is it to move levels?" are better.