Overview
This beginning Chinese language program is designed for students with absolutely no prior exposure to Chinese language, (including no prior Cantonese language study). It offers Mandarin Chinese language study in an intensive nine-week summer program. Classes focus on conversation, listening, reading, and writing. You will spend at least 24 hours a week in lectures, oral practice, and tests. The program is held at the attractive Beijing Normal University (BNU) campus, where EAP also holds a shorter summer program for students who have some Chinese language background. BNU has easy access to the city center by subway or taxi. You may also participate in EAP excursions and non-credit courses on Chinese culture, such as calligraphy, cooking, martial arts, and traditional crafts.
Students attend classes with UC students only.
Course Opportunities
Beginning Chinese language; intensive written and conversational courses for students with no prior Chinese language exposure. Students with any prior Mandarin or Cantonese language exposure are encouraged to explore the BNU summer language and culture program or the ECNU summer language program.
A special section for the listening and speaking course may be available if there are at least seven students who speak a Chinese dialect such as Cantonese and Fukienese but who can neither read nor write Chinese.
Use the following resource to learn about EAP courses:
Units
You are required to take a full-time course of study while abroad; 15 UC quarter units are required.
Language of Instruction
Standard Chinese (simplified characters)
Language Study
You will 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.
Internships, Research, and Independent Study
Due to the full-time language program, internships and independent study for academic credit are not possible in this summer program.
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 or year option at Beijing Normal Univ. or the year option at Peking Univ.
Housing
You will share a double room with other UC students in a foreign student dormitory at BNU.
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 (PDF) 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).
Host Institutions
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 the university began accepting international students in 1965, it has accumulated rich experience through its Chinese language program and courses for international students. In recent years, BNU has become well known internationally and welcomes an increasing number of international students into all of its schools and departments.
The College of Chinese Language and Culture (Chinese Language College) at BNU is a teaching and research institute established especially for international students studying Chinese. It employs professional teachers and includes a cognitive lab for teaching Chinese as a second language. For students of different levels of language skills, the Chinese Language College offers a range of elective courses, such as business Chinese, Chinese characters, Chinese culture, ancient and modern literature, and Chinese and foreign education, theory, and methodology.
The university has 15 colleges, 12 departments, 12 research institutes, a number of research centers, and a modernized library of some 2.8 million books, which is also the central library of education in the country. BNU’s Chinese and history departments are particularly noted for their strong research activities. In addition to supporting a vibrant research program among its faculty members, BNU is China’s premier university for teacher training. (A “normal” university’s key purpose is to educate people who will become teachers.)
BNU is located just north of the old city walls of Beijing, about midway between the city center and northern Beijing. The campus is at the edge of a neighborhood of tiny, traditional residential hutong (lanes). With the subway just a few minutes away, transportation to downtown and the eastern shopping and embassy district is convenient. A bus to Peking University and the EAP Study Center is also quite close.
Visit the Beijing Normal University website
Estimated Cost
Participation in EAP is a great value! The cost of EAP programs is typically less than that of non-UC study abroad programs. The dollar figures listed in the chart represent: 1) the amount of the fees that are paid directly to EAP in the current year, and 2) an estimate of the amount needed to cover personal living expenses in this location. Personal travel and entertainment are not included here.
Don't forget that you take your financial aid with you and the amount of your financial aid package will be based on the estimated TOTAL COST of this experience, as it is estimated below.
These expenses are estimated for 2009-10. Amounts will vary for 2010-11 participation due to proposed changes to UC fees, exchange rate fluctuation, etc. For a more detailed breakdown of 2009-10 payment information, visit the
Participants Portal and select the appropriate program.
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
Estimated EAP Costs*
| Option |
Cost |
| * Based on most recent costs for 2009-2010 to the nearest $100. |
| Summer |
$7,400 |
Application Requirements
Class Level
Sophomore, junior, senior, graduate (language study only, not research)
Language Prerequisite
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. No exceptions. Graduate students are required to have a 3.0 cumulative GPA.
Other
Beijing Normal University will not admit you without a valid passport. U.S. permanent residence and a green card are not sufficient documentation for admittance.
Minimum Criteria
All applicants must also have:
- Serious academic goals and a clear plan for integrating EAP studies into
the student’s UC degree program
- Social and cross-cultural sensitivity; maturity; ability to adapt successfully
to a different environment and a new education system; ability to assess and
exhibit appropriate behavior in a variety of situations
- A willingness to abide by program regulations
- An endorsement by the Campus EAP Selection Committee and completion of all
campus-specific requirements (an interview may be required)
These are minimum program requirements only and do not guarantee selection. The Campus EAP Office determines selection. The final admission decision is made by the host institution.
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.
Visit your Campus EAP Office for more information:
