University of California Education Abroad Program

Elementary Chinese, Beijing Normal Univ.

Program Overview

Begin your study of Mandarin Chinese in this nine-week summer intensive program. Classes focus on conversation, listening, reading, and writing for those with zero background. The program prepares students for continued study of Chinese at home or abroad at an intermediate level.

The curriculum is designed for students with absolutely no prior exposure to Chinese language (including no prior Cantonese language experience/study). Students with prior Mandarin or Cantonese language exposure are encouraged to explore the UCEAP BNU summer language program or the ECNU summer language program which enroll students at a slightly higher Chinese language level.

The program is held at the attractive Beijing Normal University (BNU) campus, which has easy access to the city center by subway or taxi.

Students attend classes with UC students only.

Language of Instruction

Chinese

Language Study

Chinese

Students take only language classes. The program is designed to cover the first year of Chinese language study at UC; however, students progress at different rates and have tested into various levels upon return to UC ranging from second semester or third quarter to second year.

Duration

Go to the Participants section to see current or past calendars.

Summer :

mid-June to mid-August

Space permitting, you are encouraged to extend your participation to the fall option at Beijing Normal University.

Housing

You will share a double room with other UC students in a foreign student dormitory at BNU.

Extracurricular Activities

Enjoy cultural activities and excursions arranged by UCEAP. Cultural electives offered by BNU have included Chinese calligraphy, cooking, martial arts, and painting.

On-site Support

EAP students are supported by UC's network of EAP offices at every UC campus and partnerships with EAP host universities throughout the world. UC faculty and local staff abroad help students integrate into the culture of their host country and provide assistance with academics, housing, safety, and other issues.

See the EAP Program Guide for program-specific details about host institutions, program structure, and courses; academic culture and conduct; internships, research, & independent study; units, exams, and grades; orientation; housing; and information about the intensive language program (if applicable).

Beijing Normal University

Beijing Normal University (BNU) is one of China’s oldest institutions of higher education, as well as one of the most well recognized universities in the country. Since first accepting international students in 1965, it has accumulated rich experience in providing Chinese language programs and instruction for international students.

Its College of Chinese Language and Culture is a teaching and research institute established especially for international students pursuing Chinese language study at all levels.

BNU is located just north of the old city walls of Beijing, midway between the city center and northern Beijing. With the subway just minutes away, transportation to downtown, shopping areas and the embassy district is convenient. Bus transport to the UCEAP Study Center located at Peking University is nearby.

Visit the Beijing Normal University website

Course Opportunities

This program focuses on Chinese language study at the beginning introductory level. Chinese tutors provide individual or group tutoring to supplement classroom instruction.

Use the following resource to learn about EAP courses:

MyEAP Course Catalog lists the two courses taken by all students in this program.

EAP students report positively on the value of studying language in a location in which the language is spoken to augment and build upon classroom instruction.

Units

15 UC quarter/10 UC semester units are required (two courses).

Internships, Research, and Independent Study

Internships and independent study for academic credit are not possible in this summer program.

Participation in UCEAP is a great value! The cost of studying abroad on UCEAP programs is typically less than that of non-UC study abroad programs. The dollar figures listed in the chart below represent an estimate of: 1) the UCEAP fees for the current year, and 2) the additional amount needed to cover your living expenses in this location. Estimates for personal travel, entertainment and Non-Resident (out of state) Fees are not included.

Keep in mind that on UCEAP you take your financial aid with you. The amount of your financial aid package will take into account the total estimated costs of this experience. One advantage of selecting UCEAP for study abroad is that we facilitate the process by working with your UC Financial Aid Office (FAO), informing them of your UCEAP participation and providing them with your UCEAP budget. Just like your UC Campus billing office, we receive your financial aid and scholarships from your FAO, apply it to cover the UCEAP program fees, and disburse any remaining aid on a set schedule.

Estimated EAP Costs *

Option	Weeks	Units (Qtr)	Units (Sem)	UCEAP Fees ¹	Additional Costs ² (Estimated)

Summer	9	15	10	$5,000	$3,950

* Estimates do not include Non Resident Fees. If you are subject to out-of-state tuition at your UC campus, you will pay Non-Resident Fees on UCEAP.

¹ UCEAP Fees: This represents an estimate of UCEAP fees for the current year. Actual amounts will vary due to potential changes to UC fees, exchange rate fluctuation, etc. This figure includes UC tuition and fees for undergraduate, in-state residents. For a detailed breakdown of what’s included in this estimate, visit the Participants Portal and select the appropriate program. Non-Resident Fees apply: If you are subject to out-of-state tuition at your UC campus, you will pay non-resident fees on UCEAP.

² Additional Costs: Average living expenses include but are not limited to room and board, transportation, books, supplies, and other incidentals and do not include recreational travel or entertainment. The total cost will vary depending on your personal expenses, exchange rate fluctuation, and the program you attend. For a detailed breakdown of the estimate, visit the “Cost” tab of the appropriate program.

All fees are subject to change without notice.

These expenses are estimated for 2012-13. Actual amounts will vary due to potential changes to UC fees, exchange rate fluctuation, etc. For a more detailed breakdown of 2012-13 payment information, visit the Participants Portal and select the appropriate program. Estimates do not include Non Resident Fees. If you are subject to out-of-state tuition at your UC campus, you will pay Non Resident Fees on UCEAP.

Here’s what is included in the estimate:

Predeparture expenses (visa, etc.)
Round-trip transportation from California
UC fees
Tuition at partner institution
Accident and medical insurance
On-site orientation
Room and board
Program excursions
Books and other incidental expenses
Automatic transfer of credits and grades to your UC transcript

While on UCEAP, you are covered by UC’s accident and medical insurance, including non-medical benefits, and 24/7 travel assistance anywhere in the world.

Scholarships

UCEAP scholarships are available. Please visit our scholarships overview page for general information and details regarding eligibility requirements and application deadlines.

Eligibility

Class Level:

Sophomore, Junior, Senior, Graduate
Class Level Eligibility: Graduate students may participate for language study only, not research.

Language Prerequisites:

Chinese

- The University-level language requirement is: minimum 0 quarters / 0 semesters and maximum 0 quarters / 0 semesters.

* Simplified Chinese characters. This program is only for students with no prior background or study of Chinese.

GPA:

2.85 cumulative GPA at the time of application and maintained through the end of the last term prior to departure.
GPA Note: Graduate students are required to have a 3.0 GPA.

Other Eligibility Requirements:

Successful completion of a course on China is highly recommended.

All applicants must also have:

Serious academic goals and a clear plan for integrating EAP studies into the student's UC degree program.
Social, interpersonal, and cross-cultural sensitivity; maturity; willingness to adapt successfully to different living and academic environments; appropriate behavior in a variety of situations.
A willingness to abide by program regulations.
Completed all campus- and program-specific requirements.

Application Information and Deadlines

Application deadlines and information on the application process are available through your Campus EAP Office. Supplemental predeparture materials will be required for many programs, including, but not limited to, host institution applications, visa and housing applications, medical clearances, etc.

For participation in the program, you must meet all deadlines and submit complete application materials.

These are minimum requirements. After selection by your UC Campus EAP Office, final admission is determined by Beijing Normal University.

Visit your Campus EAP Office for more information: