Which Beijing University Language Course is Best? (Part 2)
Coming
to Beijing to learn Chinese can be a daunting experience, particularly
when there are so many different universities and language courses to
choose from. Everyone has different reasons for coming to China to learn
Chinese, but those who choose Beijing over another city, like Shanghai,
are usually seeking a more ‘authentic’
experience in the capital – but maybe we’re biased? In this article, we
will be comparing the experiences of students who have been learning
Chinese at Beijing Normal University (BNU), Beijing Foreign Studies University (BFSU), Beihang, Beijing International Studies University (BISU) and China Youth University of Political Studies (CYU). Read the first part of our analysis between BLCU, Peking, Tsinghua here.
Situated
slightly further away from the Wudaokou student bubble, these
universities attract their fair share of international students who come
to learn Chinese thanks to their extensive links with many universities
across the world.
Originally a teacher training university, Beijing Normal is another reputable university that now offers a popular Chinese language program. Don’t get confused between BFSU and BISU –
both are China’s oldest and best-regarded foreign language
universities, with an emphasis on teaching Chinese to international
students. Better known for engineering and aeronautical research, Beihang University also offers intensive Chinese language classes. While CYU usually
focuses on educating the future leaders of China, it also offers
intensive Chinese language programs from 8am-5pm if you are up to the
challenge.
Teaching
Beijing Normal University
Beijing
Normal University’s original purpose as a teacher training university
(pictured above) pays off as most teachers have been praised as “very engaging,” “pretty good,” and “awesome”
by students, despite giving them a lot of homework. At the beginning of
the first semester, you must take a placement test to decide your
level, but later on it is based off your exam results. Lessons are
varied with a good curriculum, from speaking and classical Chinese to
newspaper analysis; the textbooks used depend on the teachers but can be
challenging.
BFSU
At
BFSU, the intensive Chinese language course is four to six hours a day,
from Monday to Friday. The placement test doesn’t lock you into a level
as you are still able to choose, but you may have to take additional
tests to see if you are able to keep up in a higher class. Each teacher
takes a specific class with good textbooks and classmates of the same
fluency for a good overall learning experience.
CYU
From
9am to 5pm every day, CYU’s Chinese language classes are divided into
writing, speaking, listening, and reading classes for a varied but
intensive program. Teachers use debates and discussion about society,
entertainment, and current affairs to keep classes interesting. Students
must take a placement test at the beginning of the semester, consisting
of a written and spoken test.
Beihang University
Beihang
University offers intensive language classes with a total of 20 hours
per week and a small number of students per class to maximize your
learning experience. The placement test is relatively relaxed and it is
possible to switch classes at the beginning of the semester if the class
isn’t right. One student found his first teacher enjoyed giving out
homework to memorize a text to be recited in class. After switching
classes, he found his teachers were more interesting and gave less
memory-based homework.
BISU
There
are two programs at BISU with varied intensity: the General Chinese
Language program (8-11.25am) and the Preparatory program (all day).
Everyone takes a written and oral placement test but it is possible to
discuss the program with the teacher; they will take into account how
long you've studied Chinese and what level you want to be placed in. As
always, the teaching varies. Some teachers can be very strict and
rigorous; others transform classes into interesting discussions and
debates. Homework is manageable and usually involves preparing for
upcoming discussion topics. Textbooks and teaching materials are varied,
interesting, and understandable.
Accommodation
If
you are not prepared for squat toilets and shared bathrooms, some
international students’ dormitories may be quite a shock, but we can
guarantee it is nicer than the dormitories of four, six or more people
that house Chinese undergrads. Off-campus accommodation is easy to find
in Wudaokou or further out but is comparatively expensive, so most
students prefer to live on-campus for affordable prices, convenience,
and actually making 8am classes.
BNU
Applications
for accommodation at BNU are online, although the website has been
known to crash when the application window opens. Most international
students are in single rooms with an ensuite bathroom and 24-hour hot
water. At the time of writing, Dormitory #2 is still under construction
so BNU has an agreement with a hotel off-campus to house students at
discounted rates.
BFSU
Dormitories
are pretty good at BFSU (pictured above) located near canteens and
classrooms with most students living in single rooms with an ensuite
bathroom. If you miss out, there are more single rooms or shared rooms
with an international roommate, both with shared bathrooms.
CYU
At
CYU, international students share a room with another student of
different nationalities in order to encourage students to practice their
Chinese. There are no single room options available, but there is an
ensuite bathroom and no electricity or water restrictions. It is only a
five-minute walk from the dorms to the classrooms.
Beihang
At
Beihang, double bedrooms and ensuite bathrooms with 24-hour hot water
are the norm. Some students choose to live off-campus in shared
apartments in Wudaokou, which is a 10-minute cycle away.
BISU
BISU
provides comfortable dormitories for international students, who can
share a double room with a private bathroom or a double room with a
shared bathroom for the entire floor. On every floor (except the first
floor), there is a public kitchen with a fridge and a hot water
dispenser plus there is a TV in your room. Visitors can come to the dorm
until 10pm or even stay over if they pay (about RMB 80).
Student Life
BNU
is the most centrally-located of all Haidian universities, giving it
handy access to Gulou, Wudaokou, and the heart of Beijing. The
university campus is on the small side so there is no need for a bike
unless you live off campus. All the facilities, like the canteens,
restaurants, and shops, are within walking distance so there isn’t any
real need to go further afield. Also, since it's located in between
Gulou and Wudaokou, students living at Beihang have the best of both
worlds with good transport links to the student bars in the north and
the hutong scene in the south.
Both BFSU and CYU are located in
the south of Haidian District, a little further away from the
traditional hub of Wudaokou, but it is still easy to get into the city
center on the subway. There is no need to buy a bike at either campus
with everything within walking distance, although BFSU’s campus is split
in half. The canteens are clean and cheap (one meal costing
approximately RMB 9-15); if you can’t find anything you like, have no
fear – the surrounding area is full of cheap, interesting restaurants
featuring Yunnan and Xinjiang cuisine.
READ: Battle of the Language Courses Part 1: BLCU, Peking, Tsinghua
BISU
(pictured above) is unusually not located in Haidian District but in
Chaoyang District, closer to the city center. The campus location is
unbeatable, situated near a bus station and between two subway lines (6
and Batong Line) – only 30 minutes away from Sanlitun. Societies at BISU
welcome both international and Chinese students to join and practice
their Chinese, regardless of fluency, and there is a club fair at the
beginning of the year.
Overall Satisfaction
Beijing Normal – engaging teachers, interesting curriculum, the best of both worlds close to Wudaokou and the city center.
BFSU – flexible, well-taught language program, and a campus with good facilities.
Beihang – intensive, structured language program, location close to Wudaokou and Gulou, and good transport links.
BISU – two well-taught language courses, located in Chaoyang Distict, and comfortable dormitories with all the amenities.
CYU – intensive Chinese language course; everything from dormitories to debates in class encourage students to practice their Chinese.
Click here to read how these schools compare to BLCU, Peking, and Tsinghua.
Images: Beihang University, (buaa.edu.cn) Roselinde.me, CUCAS.edu.cn, Wikimedia
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