The choice of a university where to have the most meaningful Chinese experience can be quite hard. Some universities in Beijing receive students from literally all over the world. You find yourself speaking English around the campus the whole day, dancing on the same tunes as back home, forgetting to really discover the real China that lies just around the corner of the campus. This is why many foreign students decide to choose a smaller university offering a more authentic Chinese taste.

The Communication University of China (CUC) offers a real Chinese campus experience at the Institute of Chinese Studies (ICS). ICS is based on the beautiful campus of the CUC.

ICS has been founded by Confucius Programs after their many years of experience in offering educational courses to foreign students. We interviewed Mauro Landau, of ICS, about this program. Here's what he had to say...

WE: What makes ICS different from all the other places?

ML: At the Institute of Chinese Studies, the focus is on the students. Our teaching philosophy, learning methods and strategies have proven to be highly successful in transmitting a real understanding of China, its culture and language. Combining the expertise with real life experience in China, ICS offers students high quality education with a positive learning environment to “feel” China.

WE: Who are the professors?

ML: Our professors all specialize in teaching Chinese to foreigners, and they all speak English. Courses on modern China and Chinese culture will be given in English by academic teachers and other Chinese specialists in their field, as well as foreign sinologists, businesspeople and other China experts. The kung fu and tai chi classes will be taught by Chinese masters. In addition to the classes, ICS integrates into its curriculum field-trips and extracurricular activities with experienced guides.

WE: What level are the Chinese language courses designed for?

ML: The Chinese language courses are especially designed for beginners. A diagnostic test will enable the teachers to know the level of each student, and will enable the students to compare their level at the beginning of the course with their level at the end. At the end of the study program, students will receive a certificate from both the Institute of Chinese Studies and the Communication University of China. This is very important, because such certificate will enable our students to earn 40 credit points for their studies in their home country.

WE: What programs do you offer at ICS?

ML: The Institute of Chinese Studies currently offers two academic semester programs at undergraduate level:
*    Language and Cultural Studies
*    Marketing and Business Communication in China

We also provide flexible short-term language training programs:
*    Business Chinese
*    Independent Module Study

Program Coordinators of university/institute/schools can create their tailor-made program. We will design a special program based on your group's specific goals, needs and requirements.
*    Tailor-Made Programs

WE: What classes do you offer at the Chinese Language and Culture Studies Program?

ML: This is the list of our courses:
Integrated Elementary Chinese, Conversational Chinese Speaking & Pronunciation Correcting, Conversational Chinese Elementary Listening, Discovering Chinese Characters, Modern Chinese History and Politics, Social and Economic Development of China, Business Workshops, Ancient and Contemporary Chinese Literature and Philosophy, Introduction to Chinese Art & Calligraphy, Chinese Martial Arts & Health Cultivation, Chinese Movies.

WE: What about the classes of your Marketing and Business Communication in China Program?

ML: Chinese consumer behavior, Market research in China, Market entry strategies, Chinese marketing strategy, Marketing mix standardization/adaptation, Branding in China, Basic Spoken Chinese, Basic Business Chinese

WE: Do you also offer Summer Programs?

ML: Yes. The aim of our Summer Programs is to acquire a good basic knowledge of Chinese language and culture in a short period of time, which the participants are able to bring back to their country of origin and can enrich their lives in general.
The summer course starts in July and lasts for 5 weeks. Program contents cover the various topics as taught within our regular Chinese Language and Cultural Studies Program and are designed to acquire a solid basic understanding of China and its language. The summer program consists of two parts: the Mandarin Chinese Course and the Chinese Culture Course. After completion of the Mandarin Chinese course, students will have an active knowledge of writing and using 100 Chinese characters, as well as its character combinations and corresponding grammar points. The China Culture Course allows the students to develop a general comprehension of the traditional as well as contemporary aspects of Chinese culture.

WE: How big are the classes?

ML: Around 10 students per class

WE: What is the minimum age to apply at ICS?

ML: 18 years old

WE: Where will the students sleep?

ML: The Well-being and Accommodation Officers of Confucius Programs also cover ICS students. They make sure that every student is well settled. Students sleep in dormitory rooms on campus or in studio apartments located (at 10 minutes walking distance)  in a traditional Chinese environment..

WE: Is there Internet available?

ML: Don’t worry, every modern facility is available, including Internet service in rooms. Fee for Internet use is not included, but is very reasonable.

WE: Thanks a lot, Mauro, for this interesting information. I would like to join Confucius Programs myself!

ML: And why not?

For more information, please see: ics-china.com

#StudyAbroadBecause

All photos courtesy and copyright ICS.