Is a Chinese Language Course in China really worth it? Experience from a Tsinghua University Student

Summary

In this video, John Asia reflects on his experience studying Mandarin at Chinua University in China and whether taking a Chinese language program is worth it. He discusses the different types of Chinese language courses, his personal journey from a beginner to passing HSK6, and the immersive environment that helped him improve his skills. John shares advice on choosing between intensive and less intensive courses and highlights the value of learning through real-world contexts. He also provides useful information on scholarships available for international students in China, including tips on how to apply.

Takeaways

• 😀 John Asia shares his experience studying Mandarin at Chinua University in China and reflects on whether taking a Chinese language program in China is worth it.
• 😀 John discusses the different types of Chinese language programs available in China, ranging from less intensive courses to high-intensity full-time programs like the IUP and ICP programs.
• 😀 A full-time, intensive language course, like those at Chinua University, offers small class sizes, one-on-one teaching, and a language pledge to only speak Chinese on campus.
• 😀 John reflects on his background, mentioning that his Mandarin was not perfect despite growing up with immigrant Chinese parents and attending Chinese school on Saturdays.
• 😀 He passed the HSK6 and HSKK advanced speaking exam, which is considered a significant milestone in Chinese language proficiency, equivalent to a near-native level.
• 😀 Chinua University offers advanced-level Chinese courses with a strong emphasis on reading, writing, speaking, and business Chinese, helping students develop a well-rounded proficiency.
• 😀 John emphasizes that writing Chinese characters by hand significantly improved his proficiency, even though it initially seemed tedious.
• 😀 The immersive environment in China makes learning Mandarin much more effective, as students are constantly using the language in everyday situations.
• 😀 One downside of less intensive courses is that 8-16 hours of classes per week may not be sufficient to achieve fluency, especially for beginners.
• 😀 John advises prospective students to take part in a full-time, intensive course to ensure rapid improvement in their Mandarin skills.
• 😀 Scholarships, such as the Confucius Institute scholarship, can help cover tuition, accommodation, and provide stipends, making studying in China more accessible for international students.

Q & A

What was the main goal of John Asia's video?

The main goal of the video was to explore whether following a Chinese language course in China is worth it, using John's personal experience studying at Chinua University as a case study. He also discusses scholarship opportunities for studying in China.

What language level did John Asia achieve by the end of his course?

By the end of his course, John achieved HSK 6 and HSKK Advanced speaking exams, which are considered a significant milestone in Mandarin proficiency, equivalent to a C2 level on the CEFR scale.

What type of language courses are available in China?

In China, there are both less intensive and more intensive Chinese language courses. The less intensive courses range from 8 to 16 hours per week, while the more intensive programs, such as the IUP at Chinua University, involve up to 40 hours per week, with smaller class sizes and a language pledge.

Why did John Asia choose a less intensive course?

John chose a less intensive course at Chinua University because he already had a stronger base in Mandarin. This course suited his needs, offering 12 hours per week of classes across different subjects like reading, writing, speaking, and grammar.

How did the Chinese language courses at Chinua University contribute to John Asia's Mandarin proficiency?

The courses at Chinua University were instrumental in improving John’s Mandarin proficiency. The comprehensive curriculum, including reading and writing, speaking, and business Chinese, helped him build vocabulary, writing skills, and gain practical insights into the Chinese language and culture.

What were the main advantages of studying at Chinua University for John Asia?

John Asia enjoyed several advantages at Chinua University, including top-notch teachers, an emphasis on real-world knowledge and immersion in Chinese culture, and the opportunity to improve his writing skills by completing assignments and exams by hand, which helped boost his overall Chinese proficiency.

What were the pros and cons of taking a language program in China, according to John Asia?

The pros of taking a language program in China include structured learning, immersion in the language, and exposure to Chinese culture. The cons include the potential for programs to be overly textbook-focused, leading to less practical language use, and the temptation to neglect classes due to social distractions.

What advice does John Asia give to students considering a Chinese language program?

John advises students to fully commit to their language program, actively participate, and put in the effort to succeed. He also suggests considering intensive courses, like the IUP at Chinua University or similar programs, and exploring full-time study options for faster language progression.

What are the different types of scholarships available for studying in China?

There are several types of scholarships available for studying in China, including Chinese government scholarships (CSC), university-specific grants, provincial scholarships (such as those from Beijing or Shanghai), and Confucius Institute scholarships. These scholarships often cover tuition, accommodation, and provide a stipend.

How did John Asia apply for the Confucius Institute scholarship?

John applied for the Confucius Institute scholarship through a local Confucius Institute in the Netherlands. The application process involved writing an essay, attending an interview, and selecting his preferred universities. His scholarship covered tuition, accommodation, and provided a stipend of 1,400 USD per semester.