Chinese

Deakin University offers a six-week intensive Chinese language and culture program under the auspices of an agreement between Nanjing Normal University, China, and the Faculty of Arts and Education. The In-Country Program is conducted between November and January at Nanjing Normal University.

Units offered are at the second and third year levels (AIC287 and AIC388), as well as an advanced level (AIC390). Deakin University students receive two credit points for successful completion of these units.

To listen to the iLecture recording of the Information Session, which was held in August 2010, please click here.

Overview

China is an East Asian country. The capital is Beijing. The population is a little over 1.3 billion, with a relatively young median age of 32.7 years.

Standard Chinese or Mandarin is the official language, while there are also several minority languages.

Ethnic groups which make up China include Chinese 92% and other 8%.

The climate is extremely diverse; tropical in the south to sub-arctic in the north.

The west of China is mountainous with high plateaus and deserts. Plains, deltas and hills make up the east.

Nanjing, meaning 'the southern capital', was the capital of eight dynasties (from the third century to the start of the fifteenth century). The city is on the Changjiang (Yangzi River), and there are many places of historical and cultural significance.

Nanjing Normal University was formed in 1952, and is one of the few institutions accredited by the Ministry of Education as a Chinese language training base for international students.

Class structure

The teaching program is six weeks in duration, and classes are conducted five days per week; Monday to Friday. The academic program, which includes language instruction in Standard Chinese, is structured over an average of 3.5 contact hours per day.

The program is designed to further develop students' conversational skills, as well as their written, reading and comprehension skills.

Frequency and length of assignments vary depending on the level the student is enrolled in.

Optional excursions

A number of optional excursions take place during the program, which are designed to complement the academic program and enrich the overall educational experience.

Accommodation

Students are accommodated in the student residences, and are provided with a furnished bedroom (twin share) with basic facilities.

Costs

The In-Country Program units, AIC390, AIC287 and AIC388, attract normal tuition fees.

For Commonwealth-supported students, this appears on the student's HECS statement.

International and domestic fee-paying students receive an invoice for payment.

Students must also cover the following costs:

• Return international airfare and other internal travel;
• Accommodation for the duration of the program (paid directly to Nanjing Normal University upon arrival);
• Travel insurance;
• Optional excursions;
• Meals; and
• Personal expenses.

Further information

For further information regarding academic matters, please contact:

Dr Guo-qiang Liu (Program Director)
Tel (03) 9244 3945 or guoqiang@deakin.edu.au

For further information regarding administrative matters, including enrolment, travel, payments, etc, please contact the Faculty's Experiential Learning Officer.