More and more foreigners are showing interest in learning Chinese as China increases exchanges with the outside world. More than 9,600 foreign students from 113 countries came to Shanghai to learn Chinese in 2004. It is estimated that the number of foreigners coming to China to learn the language over the last few years has maintained an average annual growth rate of 35 percent.
When you're not in China, and even if you are, it is sometimes difficult to find the information you are looking for. Digging up the different options of where you can study Chinese is pretty difficult when you are hundreds of miles away.
Universities welcome Western students for the extra revenue they bring. Courses usually cost about US$1000 a semester. Accommodation costs around US$10 a day.
In Shanghai, there are more than 10 universities offering Chinese language courses. So, the problem for many foreigners is to select one between all these universities.
There are 3 different ways to learn the language:
Pros Best way to socialise with others foreign or Chinese students and experience the student life and know more of the Chinese culture. Solid and experienced teaching (most of the time). Flexible - for a short period (as short as two weeks), variable hours as little as one class a day (or as much as you want). Even cheaper than private schools, from 30rmb / hour. Very flexible, can teach you Chinese during your spare time at home or wherever you like. Teaching quality - some say it's inferior, you better check classrooms and teaching methods before enrolling. Environment is isolated. Minimal contact with local Chinese. It's just a matter of finding the best one and most suitable for you. No contact with others students.
A more structured environment (with tests), official Certificates, diplomas after completing a course.Cheaper than university (in most cases).
Many chinese students willing to teach the language or even do some language exchange with foreigners.
Large numbers of students per class (from 20-25 per class)
Students are usually given a placement test before the course starts and administered an HSK upon completing the course. Classes are generally in the morning Monday through Friday, 8:30-12:30. Intensive classes have an additional 2 hours a day from 2-4. Optional classes are available, including tai-chi, calligraphy, HSK prep, etc.
Students are predominantly Korean (60-85%), Japanese (15-35%), Thai or Indonesian. Westerners are a definite minority. There is no official interaction or activities between short term students and chinese students on campus.
