Studying Chinese in China or Taiwan
The department of Chinese Studies strongly encourages students to spend a semester (or at least a summer break) in China or Taiwan to study the Chinese language and experience Chinese culture at first hand. You cannot expect to learn to speak Chinese well unless you are prepared to study it intensively in-country. If you are able to spend a whole year studying Chinese in-country, that is obviously even better.
Many universities in China and Taiwan offer Chinese-language courses for overseas students. There are semester-length courses and short courses, typically ranging from four to eight weeks. Some universities also offer intensive courses that can be taken during the Australian summer. At present, the department does not make arrangements on behalf of students but does assist you by providing information and advice.
Please read the information below and all the pages within this section of the website carefully (see the menu on the left of this screen for the other pages). If you still have questions, please contact the department’s international coordinator.
- Selection of study location and institution
- Semester dates for Chinese in-country study
- Information Session in Second Semester
The department has a list of recommended universities for students who wish to spend one or two semesters studying Chinese in-country. These universities are:
- Beijing Normal University
- Shandong University (exchange program available)
- Fudan University, Shanghai
- Suzhou University
- Xi’an Foreign Language University
- Sichuan University
In addition, the University may negotiate or renew student exchange agreements with other Chinese universities from time to time. You can find out what agreements are currently in place by selecting “China” in the “Country” box of the International Office’s Exchange Partner Database, accessible at:
http://www.usyd.edu.au/stuserv/international/choose.shtml
However, for the most up-to-date information, it is always wise to check directly with the International Office.
There are undoubtedly other good in-country language programs available. You are not obliged to select your institution from the above list, but if you want to credit your in-country study towards your degree, you must seek department approval before you commit yourself to studying at a non-listed institution. There is no guarantee that credit will be granted for programs that have not been approved in advance.
We recommend that you consider the following when choosing your Chinese in-country program:
- Quality of the language program
- Local language and accent
- Living conditions and local environment
- Tuition costs and living expenses
- Range of non-language studies and extra-curricular activities (e.g., excursions) offered within the language study program
- Range of disciplines and studies that would be available to you at the university beyond the Chinese-language program
- Administrative efficiency and quality of host care (e.g. whether foreign students are met at the airport and helped to settle in the local environment)
The following website offers useful information on studying in China:
http://www.csc.edu.cn/en/
The following website offers useful information on studying in Taiwan:
http://www.cultural.teco.org.au/
Semester Dates in China
Universities in China usually have two semesters:
First semester: last week of August – end of January
Second semester: end of February – mid July.
Intensive courses are run throughout the year, including during the Australian summer, in many universities.
Semester Dates in Taiwan
Universities in Taiwan tend to have four terms.
Fall Term: September–December; Winter Term: January–March.
Spring Term: March–June. Summer Intensive: June–August.
This is usually held in August. Information about summer programs that accept students from the University of Sydney is usually presented at this session. Watch out for details of time and place on the department noticeboard and on this website. Announcements will also be made in class.
