Services

Chinese language programs still draw the majority of the foreign exchange students enrolling for courses in China. Learning Mandarin is a difficult process, however you look at it. Several aspects of the language, such as the absence of a phonetic writing system and the different tones, make it almost impossible to learn on one's own. But China offers a wide array of options that will allow you to unravel the linguistic complexities of putonghua (Mandarin).

Chinese characters

The main choice is to be made between a university and a private language center. But getting a private tutor or a language partner are also great ways to learn Chinese, especially if you're lacking time or just want to supplement your classes with some one-on-one time.

University vs. private language center

Both have pros and cons. Your choice should be based on your budget, your availability, the practical issues like housing and visa, and also your personality and learning habits.

Universities can provide a full support system, which you will certainly appreciate if you're not already living in China. You won't have to worry about visa issues or housing for that matter since they offer dormitories. If this doesn't seem like an ideal solution, at least it will give you time to get familiar with the new environment around you and find an apartment that will better suit your needs.

You can sign up for a short-term (less than six months) or long-term (more than six months) program with classes between 16 to 20 hours per week. The biggest complaints usually concern the class size, the teaching materials and the tuition fees. Classes are large, which means fewer opportunities to speak in the class. Books can be out of date and the situation described in the lessons may appear unrealistic. The schedule, quite rigid, can be a problem if you need to work while studying.

Classes generally start at 8:30 a.m. and attendance disciplines are strict. Missing a certain amount of classes could lead to a cancelation of your visa. The tuition fees are quite expensive, between 14,000 yuan ($2,051) and 28,000 yuan ($4,102) per year in Beijing, which don't include various expenses like accommodation and food. However, you can apply for a scholarship, most commonly awarded by the China Scholarship Council (see sidebar).

On the other hand, the main assets of private centers are their flexibility and capacity to tailor classes to your needs. Whether you're available only at 7 a.m. before going to work or you want to limit your learning to spoken Chinese, they will happily satisfy any special request.

Classes are smaller, which is a huge advantage when trying to improve your pronunciation or when you want to clear up grammar points. However, such service comes at a price and you won't be able to get any scholarships if you choose to learn in a private center. Expect to pay around 60 yuan ($8.8) per hour if you sign up for a package or a monthly subscription.

Another downside is their lack of support regarding extracurricular issues. They might be able to help you get a three- or six-month F visa (business visa), but you won't probably get a one-year student visa. As a private student you will have to find your own accommodation.

Applying for a university program

If you're abroad and want to apply for a semester or a year in a Chinese university, then start by looking up its website. You will find all the details, from tuition fees and required documents to housing. You might even find online forms that you can mail back along with other documents like academic transcripts and photocopies of your passport. Your contact will probably be the international office that manages all overseas student affairs.

Once you've been accepted and you've paid the tuition and application fees, they will send you an X visa (student visa) application form (if you're not in China) that you'll have to take to the nearest Chinese embassy or consulate for processing. If you apply for a short-term program, you should apply for an F visa, while long term students require a one-year X visa. For the latter, you will need to pass a medical exam upon arrival in China and then go to the Public Security Bureau to get a student residency permit.

Ultimately, whether you choose to study in a university or a private learning center, learning Chinese will require patience, diligence and practice. Don't stay with your peers, if you don't want ending up speaking more English than Chinese. In this regard, having a language partner would be a great way to effectively put your lessons into practice.

Here are some useful websites to help you make your choice and start learning Mandarin by yourself.

Learning Mandarin online

http://www.nciku.com

An English-Chinese dictionary and so much more

http://www.popupchinese.com

Free Mandarin lessons for beginner, elementary and intermediate levels

http://english.cri.cn/08chinese

Free Mandarin lessons for elementary level

Learning Mandarin at a university

In Beijing:

●Beijing Language and Culture University

Tel: +8610-82303951