East China Normal University (ECNU) is one of China’s leading universities in Shanghai. It is known for its success in teacher training, educational research, and Chinese language programs for international students.
ECNU offers international students three basic Chinese language programs to suit different needs: Standard Chinese, Business Chinese, and Intensive Chinese. The prices and course content of these programs vary. The Business Chinese program focuses on Chinese terms and expressions used in the business world. In contrast, the Intensive Chinese program aims to improve the language quickly with a more intensive learning pace. The content mentioned in this article is from the Standard Chinese program and aims to develop basic language skills.
Chinese Language Education
ECNU offers a structured Chinese language program for all levels, from beginner to advanced. The programs are provided in one-year and six-month options and include courses focusing on listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills. Students learn about Chinese culture, history, and traditions during their studies, thus learning the language more thoroughly.
As part of the program, students can prepare for the official Chinese proficiency exam HSK (Hanyu Shuiping Kaoshi). At the same time, emphasis is placed on teaching words and expressions used in daily life. The leveling process includes a written exam and an interview with the teacher. Students can evaluate their levels during the first week of classes and change classes if necessary. During the language education process, teachers give homework to students through special mobile applications and closely monitor their progress. In addition, students are enriched by gifting their memberships to various educational applications.
ECNU also offers a certificate application to encourage success in Chinese language programs. Even if they receive a one-year education, students are given a certificate of participation at the end of the first term. In addition, special certificates and gifts are presented to the best-performing students. This application supports students’ motivation and better results.
The courses at ECNU are extremely useful and enable students to learn many new words and phrases. The words and structures learned in the lessons are taught in a way that can be easily used in daily life. The books and texts used by the teachers are extremely effective and help students to grasp the language better. Although the exams vary according to each teacher’s style, they allow students to reinforce their knowledge by asking questions about everything taught. At the end of the program, it is felt that the level has increased.
In a one-year program, students can skip a grade when they complete the first term. For example, a student starting at level four moves to level five in the second term. Students who want to go further can skip an additional level by taking an exam. If the student does not know Chinese before, the program is started directly from level one, without any exams.
Campus Life
ECNU has two campuses, Minhang and Putuo. While the Minhang campus, which has a more modern and spacious structure and is also far from the city center, offers various facilities, the Putuo campus attracts attention with its more central and historical texture. Chinese language students usually study at the Putuo campus.
Putuo campus stands out with its modern classrooms, large libraries, sports facilities, and dormitories designed for international students. Three large dining halls on campus serve Chinese, Korean, Japanese, and Western cuisine. The surrounding campus is full of shopping malls, cafes, and restaurants, providing great convenience for students. In addition, it usually takes 15-40 minutes to reach Shanghai’s tourist spots by metro. Bicycles are also very common around the campus.
Course Content and Teaching Style
ECNU’s communicative Chinese language classes encourage active participation and practical language use. Group work, presentations, discussions, and role-playing activities are common in the classes. Small class sizes allow for one-on-one attention from experienced teachers.
Core courses include 综合 (Comprehensive Chinese), 听力 (Listening) and 口语 (Speaking). Comprehensive Chinese classes focus on grammar, reading comprehension, and vocabulary development. Listening classes are based on audio recordings while speaking classes reinforce students’ communication skills through sentence structures, discussions, and interactive activities. There are a total of 15 hours of classes per week.
Cultural Events and Activities
ECNU organizes various cultural events and excursions to enrich students’ learning experiences. Calligraphy, martial arts and tea ceremonies familiarize students with Chinese culture. In addition, every semester, university-wide trips to historical and cultural sites outside of Shanghai are organized. These trips allow students to see new places, practice the language in daily life, and better understand China’s history.
The cultural festival held in November is one of ECNU’s most entertaining and educational events. Students from different countries gather to set up stands to introduce their countries and cultures during this festival. Food, photographs, traditional clothes, and other cultural elements are exhibited. Since ECNU hosts more than 100 international students, the festival offers great diversity and energy. This festival, which is both fun and educational for international students, encourages cultural sharing.
The student clubs at the university are also quite diverse. There are options such as yoga club, dragon boat club, and Chinese culture club where you can learn to write with special pens. In addition, there are special options, such as HSK preparatory classes among elective courses. These courses and club activities are free, allowing students to have fun and improve themselves.
Conclusion
East China Normal University is a major choice for international students who want to learn Chinese in China. Its rich curriculum, supportive campus environment, and emphasis on cultural activities offer students a comprehensive academic and cultural experience. Shanghai’s central location and the fact that it hosts an international student body make ECNU a prominent institution in this field.
Source: East China Normal University Campus.”
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