About the University
Beijing Language and Culture University (BLCU) was founded in 1962, and was originally named the higher preparatory School for Foreign Students. In 1964, it was renamed as Beijing Language Institute by the State Council. And then in 1996, with the approval of the Ministry of Education, the school was designated as Beijing Language and Culture University. It is the only international university in China with its main task set at teaching the Chinese language and culture to foreign students.

Mission
Allied Gateway Mandarin Immersion Program aims to be the most effective way to learn Chinese. Our mission is to enable program participants to be able to conduct simple dialogues s in Chinese with locals after the training.

Program Schedules and Dates - 2008
Programs below are offered to learners of all level from total beginner to advanced level.

For details of application schedule, special bonus plan and program fee, please click here.

Features
Allied Gateway Mandarin Immersion Program consists of three parts: University Class Training, Allied Gateway Real Life Instruction and Extra Curriculum Activities. The University Class Training integrates all different skills of the language: phonetics, speaking, listening, writing, reading, grammar and vocabulary. Allied Gateway Real Life Instruction is held every two weeks exclusively to Allied Gateway participants. Instructions occur in real life environment with one subject in each section. Subjects include eating, transportation, theatre, shopping, job-hunting, seeing a doctor etc. Extra Curriculum Activities includes cultural workshops, weekend sightseeing, electives and social activities.

The program allows you to immerse yourself in real life experiences that require you to utilize and develop your Mandarin communication skills through authentic daily practice and activities.

Curriculum
Classes are divided into 3 basic levels: beginner, intermediate and advanced. A placement test will be conducted after enrolment at the university.

Curriculum are designed to meet the needs of each proficiency level and the program length to ensure you progress rapidly and able to communicate in Chinese in a more effective and efficient manner.

Beginner Class Main Courses
Introductory Chinese, oral Chinese, listening comprehension and introductory Chinese reading
Intermediate Class Main Courses
Intermediate Intensive Chinese, Chinese Reading, Chinese Pronunciation, Fundamental Writing, Intermediate Chinese Listening Comprehension, General Contemporary Chinese Grammar
Advanced Class Main Courses
Advanced Chinese, Audio-visual Chinese and Chinese Speaking, Advanced Chinese Extensive Reading, Advanced Spoken Chinese, Applied Writing, An Introduction to Chinese Culture, Modern Chinese Grammar, Business Chinese, Chinese Movies
Electives
Chinese painting, Calligraphy, Traditional Chinese Medicine, Taiji, Chinese Song Singing, Businesses Chinese etc.

Focuses and objectives

Placement Test
Classes are divided into beginner, intermediate and advanced. An overall placement test including reading, writing, speaking and listening is carried out at the beginning of the program in order to place you in the most suitable environment. Beginners don’t need to take the test.
All levels offered:

Pengyou (friends) Exchange Program
In order to grasp the second language you are learning, it's crucial to practice the language as much as you can. To create the language environment and encourage participants to involve locals in deeper interaction in Chinese, Allied Gateway will arrange a local Chinese friend based on age, sex and interests for participants. Not only it's one of the best ways to enhance your listening and speaking skills, but also an effective way to obtain the most updated and common-used language. In addition, it helps participants have a better understanding of the Chinese culture and society through the interaction.

Extra Curriculum Activities
Allied Gateway organizes a large variety of activities for program participants to improve your language competence and understanding of Chinese culture. Activities include language and culture oriented electives, weekend sightseeing and social activities.

For details about the activities, please click here.

Evaluation and Certificates
Small quizzes will be carried out now and then to test the progress. In the middle of the program, a middle exam will be conducted and a final one at the end of the Program. Participants will receive official diplomas and certificates including transcripts.

Accommodation
Campus Budget/Standard
Live on campus conveniently at International Students Dorms. Single and double occupancy available. All rooms are furnished with TV, desk, chairs, air-conditioning, telephone, bed and lamp. Budget rooms share bathroom on each floor while standard rooms have private bathroom with 24 hours hot water.
Foreign Students Centre (Single/Double)
Located close to the university with a distance of approximately 10 minutes away from the university. Around the studio compound, there are a handful of restaurants of different cuisine for you to choose from. Free shuttle bus provided by the Center runs frequently between the university and the Centre.
Single room: one room with private bathroom
Shared room: one room (two beds) with an attached sitting room and private bathroom
Hotel (single/double)
Sitting behind the university, the 3-star hotel is another good option for accommodation. All rooms are furnished with modern furniture, air-conditioning and private bathroom with 24 hours hot water.

Airport Transfer
Allied Gateway provides airport pick-up service for Program Participants. Our staff will meet you at the arrival gate after you get your luggage and take you to your accommodation. You need to provide us with correct flight information – flight number / flight date 2 weeks before your program starts. Airport drop-off service is offered as well at the end of the program. To make sure smooth transition, you will be provided with Allied Gateway contact number before you come to China in case of last minute changes.

What Is Included

How to Apply
To apply, you need to meet requirements below:
1. Above 18 years old
2. Be a high school graduate
3. Be in good health

For more information on How to Apply, please click here.
For Application Form, please click here.