World Link Education's unique Chinese Language Programs are offered in China's leading universities and institutes in Beijing or Shanghai. The two locations, by far the most popular study destination for western students. Shanghai as the financial capital of China with its western influences and architecture, and the Capital city Beijing, regarded of having the optimal learning environment for standard Mandarin Chinese 'putonghua' and for language immersion with the local population.
World Link Education's unique Chinese Language Programs are designed to
immerse participants in Mandarin Chinese through class instruction,
after-class tutoring, language exchange with native Mandarin Chinese
speakers, and optional electives. Accelerated teaching methods allow
participants at lower proficiency levels to acquire the language skills
needed for effective communication in a short period of time, and advanced
students to gain expression proficiency at an abstract level. The Chinese
Language immersion programs integrate all aspects of the language:
reading, writing, speaking, listening, grammar, phonetics, and vocabulary.
Topics studied include everyday situations and Chinese culture, society,
and history.
- Total immersion in the Chinese language
- Small classes averaging 5 to 8 students*
- Total Beginner to Proficient classes available
- Short Term programs: 4 to 12 weeks
- Long Term programs: Semester or Academic Year
- Intensive language classes
- Free after-class language tutoring
- Free Electives: language and non-language focused
- Language Exchange Program with native speakers
- Native Chinese teachers with degrees in teaching Chinese and years of experience teaching Chinese to foreigners
- Free guided tours, excursions, and activities
- US college credit transfer available
*Small classes are available for Option 1: ACLS
The WLE Chinese language immersion programs consist of four components:
1) Core language classes
2) After-class tutoring
3) Language exchange program
4) Electives.
These components are designed to allow participants to progress rapidly, gain fluency in the language through accelerated teaching methods and allow participants at lower proficiency levels to acquire the language skills needed for effective communication in a short period of time, and for advanced students to gain expression proficiency at an abstract level. Topics studied include everyday situations, as well as Chinese culture, society, and history. Listening and speaking skills are emphasized to enable participants to attain communicative proficiency.
1) Core Language Classes
To cater for different needs students may choose one of the following options:
| Option 1: |
Academy of Chinese Language Studies (ACLS) - Beijing & Shanghai |
| Option 2: |
Beijing:
Beijing Language and Culture University
Renmin University
Tsinghua University
Peking University |
Shanghai:
Fudan University |
|
In all institutions, basic core language classes integrate all aspects of Mandarin Chinese including reading, writing, speaking, listening, grammar, phonetics and vocabulary. Participants are required to state whether they wish to study at ACLS (option 1) or at one of the selected universities (option 2). The options also differ in starting dates and class sizes.
- Option 1
Core Language Classes are held at China's leading language academic institution, the Academy of Chinese Language Studies (ACLS) with campuses in Beijing and Shanghai. ACLS was established specifically to teach Mandarin Chinese to international students and been selected because of its emphasis on accelerated learning, with small classes averaging 5 to 8 students, and its outstanding language curriculum. This Academy is regarded as the first choice compared to universities
where language classes average 15 to 25 students.
This option is popular with participants who prefer a smaller class size. The Academy's programs have been recognized and accredited by universities worldwide. US universities such as Stanford University, Harvard University and Yale University have granted credit transfers to their students studying at the Academy. Classes are held right next to the WLE Office, Student Room and Residence, allowing easy access to facilities such as free internet and computers(Total Program only). Electives and after-class language tutoring are also held at this convenient location.
- Option 2
Core Language Classes may be held at any of WLE Direct Entry Universities in Beijing or Shanghai. Class sizes are though normally larger ranging from 15 to 25 students. Students selecting option 2 may undertake core language classes at the university preferred and will participate in after class tuition, elective classes etc at any of ACLS campuses closest to the university.
Curriculum
Four Weeks to
One Academic Year: |
Between 8am to 12pm and 1 pm to 5 pm Monday to Friday (20h/week) |
| Intensive Program: |
Between 8am to 12pm and 1 pm to 5 pm Monday to Friday (30h/week) |
| A complete class schedule is provided after placement testing during the
first week of the program. |
Class work focuses on developing oral expression, listening comprehension, reading comprehension, writing, and grammar. Up-to-date materials are used to introduce modern day China, its social and economic life, culture, history, and literature. General aims of the classes are as follows:
Oral Expression Classes: focus on developing participants' oral expression and pronunciation skills. At the lower proficiency levels simple topics related to daily life are taught, and more specialized and complex topics are taught at the higher proficiency levels.
Listening Comprehension Classes: focus on developing participants' listening comprehension skills and the ability to understand the language when spoken at a normal speed.
Reading Comprehension Classes: focus on developing participants' reading skills in both comprehension and speed.
Writing Classes: focus on the fundamentals of the radical system, bushou, composition of characters and stroke orders.
Grammar Classes: focus on the fundamentals of Chinese grammar, sentence structures, expressions, and phonetics.
For more information on core language classes, click here
2) After-class Tutoring
A unique feature of WLE's immersion programs is the provision of free after-class tutoring every weekday afternoon for extra language coaching, homework assistance, and conversational practice. Tutoring has proven effective in advancing students' linguistics skills. The appointed Language Supervisors are part of World Link Education's academic staff and are highly qualified with years of experience in teaching Chinese to international students. Supervisors also monitor individual students' progress.
For more information on language tutorials, click here
3) Language Exchange Partners Program
Getting to know locals is an integral part of the program. It provides language and cultural interaction between participants and Chinese students, marking the beginning of many lasting friendships. This program provides the perfect opportunity to practice the language and encourages cultural and social exchange. Participants schedule to meet with one another at their convenience.
For more information about the language exchange program, click here
4) Electives
With the aim of increasing the student's language fluency and awareness of Chinese culture, history, and art, a range of free electives are offered in the afternoons. The number of electives offered varies depending on program duration and may include the following:
Language Focused Electives
- Chinese Character Writing: Classes introduce the radical system, bushou, composition of characters, stroke orders and basic characters.
- Chinese Songs: Classes introduce Chinese songs including traditional folk and current pop songs. Lyrics are written in pinyin (romanized Chinese characters) and hanzi (Chinese character text). Singing is an excellent way to improve language skills and vocabulary.
Non-Language Focused Electives
- Traditional Chinese Massage and Traditional Chinese Medicine: Classes introduce the ancient Chinese concepts and beliefs of what constitutes the human body and illness, and include diagnostic methods and treatments using herbal medicine and massage.
- Chinese Painting: Classes introduce elements of the traditional art of Chinese watercolor painting under the guidance of a professional artist.
- Calligraphy: Classes introduce the various calligraphy styles and features, participants then focus on perfecting one style of this ancient art form.
- Taiji Quan (Taichi): Classes introduce this relaxing and gentle martial art aimed at improving health and overall physical and mental fitness. The basic Yang Taiji style is taught.
For more information on electives click here
This unique program aims to immerse participants in the Chinese language, culture and way of life by combining Chinese language classes, tutoring and optional electives with the following free additional Total Program features.
- Activities with Native Chinese Speakers
Activities with Chinese students and native speakers are held throughout the program in order to facilitate the use of Chinese and encourage cultural and social exchange. Activities may include: basketball, bowling nights, karaoke nights, games nights and more.
For more information on activities with Chinese students, click here
- Social Activities
A wide range of activities are organized throughout the program including the welcome lunch, Peking Duck feast, bowling night, karaoke, basketball, Chinese movie, and touch rugby. A WLE dinner and social evening is held once a month. The social events and dinners are provided free.
For more information on social activites, click here
- Guided Tours
Free half day or full day tours are held on weekends to allow students to discover the city's major historical and cultural attractions, including the Great Wall, Summer Palace, Temple of Heaven, Lama Temple, Tian'anmen Square, and the Forbidden City. Admission, transportation and English speaking guides are provided at no extra cost. These tours provide an opportunity for students to deepen their knowledge of China's rich history and cultural heritage.
For more information on guided tours, click here
Combine your Chinese Language study with travel to China's most exciting cities and regions World Link's partnership with China's leading travel agency (CITS) offer discounted Travel weekend tours during the program, click here
Teachers of the programs are native Chinese and each has a degree in teaching Mandarin Chinese as a foreign language. Up-to-date, carefully selected materials are used in class, giving participants valuable information on modern-day Chinese culture and society while at the same time developing their language and communication skills.
There are 6 main proficiency levels that are further divided. First, participants are placed according to the proficiency level they indicate on the application form. At the start of the program, non-beginners take a written and oral placement test. Second placements are made according to the results of the placement tests.
| Expressions |
Levels |
| None |
Total Beginner |
(Level 0) |
| More than 300 |
Beginner |
(Level A) |
| More than 800 |
Elementary |
(Level B) |
| More than 1,500 |
Intermediate |
(Level C) |
| More than 2,500 |
Advanced |
(Level D) |
| More than 3,500 |
Proficient |
(Level E) |
Total Beginner (Level 0)
Participants attending these classes have never learned Mandarin Chinese.
Beginner (Level A)
Participants attending these classes know more than 300 Chinese expressions, and should have learned Chinese phonetics. Classes focus on teaching basic Chinese vocabulary, sentence structures and grammar using everyday topics. Phonetics, tone exercises and drills ensure that participants learn the correct pronunciation and intonation from the beginning. Participants are introduced to the radical system (Chinese character composition), stroke orders and basic characters.
At the end of short term programs, participants should be able to engage in simple daily conversation. Programs 12 weeks or longer, aim to enable participants to complete the beginner level progressing into the elementary level. At the end of the academic year, participants should have completed the elementary level, ready to begin the intermediate level.
Elementary (Level B)
Participants attending these classes know more than 800 Chinese expressions, have a grasp of major sentence structures and have learned Chinese grammar systematically. Classes focus on vocabulary building, sentence structures, listening, reading, and speaking skills. Phonetics, tone exercises and drills ensure that participants learn correct pronunciation and intonation.
At the end of short term programs, participants should be able to converse on daily topics and express themselves using elementary sentence structures. Programs 12 weeks or longer, aim to enable participants to complete the elementary level progressing into the lower intermediate level. At the end of the academic year, participants should be progressing through the intermediate level.
Intermediate (Level C)
Participants attending these classes know more than 1,500 Chinese expressions and understand elementary Chinese grammar. Conversational exercises teach participants to recount articles in a comparatively fluent and complete manner. Participants are able to converse on general topics and express themselves using more complicated sentence structures. Classes focus on increasing the level of grammar and vocabulary with the aim of enabling participants to express themselves functionally in different contexts. Practical situational texts are used to provide a greater awareness of Chinese culture and society.
At the end of short term programs, participants should be able to express themselves in different contexts using intermediate sentence structures. Programs 12 weeks or longer, aim to enable participants to progress through the intermediate level. At the end of the academic year, participants should have completed the intermediate level progressing through the advanced levels.
Advanced (Level D)
Participants attending these classes know more than 2,500 Chinese expressions. They can discuss general topics, raise complex questions, and express their opinions clearly using correct intonation. Classes focus on vocabulary building, reading, listening comprehension, and conversational skills. Class work includes reading newspapers and listening to news broadcasts. Participants are taught advanced spoken and written Chinese.
Proficient (Level E)
Participants attending these classes know more than 3,500 Chinese expressions. They are able to read and understand some news from newspapers, periodicals, radio broadcasts, and television. They can express themselves systematically using appropriate expressions and language norms. The curriculum includes listening to and commenting on news reports, television, and radio broadcasts, and discussions and debates of contemporary issues.
All programs accommodate proficiency levels from Total Beginner to Proficient. See description above. For other start dates and shorter or longer durations, please contact admission@worldlinkedu.com
| Short Term Programs: |
4 weeks
5 weeks
6 weeks
8 weeks
9 weeks
10 weeks
12 weeks |
4 weeks intensive
6 weeks intensive
8 weeks intensive
9 weeks intensive
10 weeks intensive
12 weeks intensive |
Designed to focus on developing spoken Chinese and fluency, programs consist of 20 core language classes a week complemented by after-class tutoring, electives, and language exchange with a native speaker (see description above). The curriculum is designed based on the needs of each proficiency level and the program duration. Modern teaching methods focus on instilling linguistic, practical, and cultural aspects of the language as well as the Chinese way of life. Class work using everyday topics and interactive teaching methods ensure that participants achieve the goals of each proficiency level and progress rapidly.
| Long Term Programs: |
1 Semester
Academic Year |
1 Semester Intensive
Academic Year Intensive |
Designed with a similar structure and content to the Short Term Programs, these programs consist of core language classes; 20 hours a week for the semester program, 30 hours a week for the semester intensive program, and 20 hours a week for the academic year program; complemented by after-class tutoring, electives, and language exchange with a native speaker (see description above). These programs are ideal for those who wish to devote a significant amount of time to learning and mastering the language. Participants improve rapidly in the language and become well acquainted with the Chinese lifestyle and customs. Class work combined with after-class tutoring, electives, excursions, and activities ensures a comprehensive learning experience.
World Link Chinese Language Total Program Fees include Core Language Classes, After-Class Tutoring, Electives, Language Exchange with Native Chinese Speakers, Accommodation, Textbooks, Registration and Enrollment, Placement Test, Certificate and Transcript, Visa Support Documentation, Airport Pickup and Transfer to Accommodation, Orientation, Welcome Pack, Emergency Travel and Medical Insurance, International SOS Membership, and more. Social activities, free guided tours and activities with Native Chinese Speakers are organized. Student Center providing free Internet Access and Library. International and Chinese Program Advisors provide free information and assistance pre-departure and throughout the program.
For Beijing program dates, fees, application and enrollment deadlines, click here
For Shanghai program dates, fees, application and enrollment deadlines, click here
Participants' progress is assessed by continuous homework assignments and tests throughout the program. Semester and academic year programs have formal final term examinations in addition to tests. Attendance is mandatory. Participants are awarded official diplomas and transcripts at the end of the program.
World Link Education has carefully selected the accommodation options based on security, location and comfort. PRC laws and university regulations permit foreign students to live on campus or in approved housing. Total Program Fees vary according to the accommodation selected. For privacy and convenience, single room occupancy is recommended. Accommodation options include: Host Family, Student Residence, Campus (for option 2 students only), Shared or Private Apartments, or a standard three star hotel.
For more information on accommodation, click here
Free transport from the airport in Beijing to your accommodation is provided. The following important details are required at least 10 days before your arrival:
Arrival date, Arrival time, Arrival place, Bus/Train/Flight Number, Airline/Bus company, Place of departure
An emergency number is provided in the Welcome Pack for any last minute arrival delays. Participants are met at their arrival point and accompanied to their accommodation.
For peace of mind, World Link Education's China Total Programs include Emergency Travel and Medical Insurance. StudenCare Insurance covers emergency medical and dental treatment, pro-rata return of program fee in case of curtailment, personal liability and more.
For terms and conditions and further information, click here
Total Program Fees also include International SOS Membership. SOS Membership provides access to medical advice and assistance 24 hours a day by foreign doctors located in SOS Alarm Centers in China, and more.
For International SOS information, click here
Applicants should apply for an F Visa. In most cases visas will be issued for 1, 3 or 6 months regardless of the study duration. If the study duration is not covered by the initial visa approval, an extension will be made by the host institution and WLE on arrival. Furthermore some embassies and consulates may issue an L visa regardless of the purpose for entering China. In these cases the visa can also be converted on arrival.
An Invitation Letter and Admission Confirmation are required to obtain a visa. These documents are provided by WLE when enrollment has been completed and Total Program Fees paid.
Applicants must be:
- 18 to 60 years old (with exceptions)
- In good health
- A high school graduate
For How To Apply Guide, click here
For the Application Form, click here
For cheap airfares to Beijing, China, starting from US$500 to $800, click here
To take a look at what our current participants are up to and what's been happening, read WLE's Newsletter. For the latest Newsletter, click here
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