1.Why study Chinese?

a. China is one of the oldest civilizations in the world. It boasts a 5000-year history. It has a unique civilization and Chinese is the only language in the world to use characters based on pictograms.

b. Chinese is easy, fun and interesting! Chinese uses four tones for the pronunciation of all its words, which are formed through a combination of syllables, each with its own meaning. It is mentally stimulating and full of imagination, and in mastering Chinese, you will have access to a rich world of art and culture.

c. Chinese is important for your business and career development. The words “Made in China ” are seen on vast numbers of imports and exports worldwide. Most multinational corporations and organizations seek people who are bilingual in Chinese and English. Knowing Chinese would enhance your employment opportunities in this huge market-orientated economy. Millions of new jobs are created each year and you would automatically have an advantage if you know Mandarin Chinese better than other applicants.

d. The demand for business and academic people who know Chinese Mandarin is growing enormously. China is becoming a major player in the world economy and its GDP growth rate ranks first in the world, at an average speed of 9.5% annually compared to a world average of less than 3%. There are over currently 30 million foreign people who study Chinese and this figure is increasing by 20% annually. e. Chinese is the most frequently spoken language in the world. There are more people in the world who speak Chinese than English. It is one of the 5 major UN languages. There are more than 1 billion people who speak Chinese. One out of five people in the world is Chinese. If you can speak Chinese, you can communicate with many people who are different from yourself, and learn about different cultures.  This will transform your whole life as well as helping you become part of a fast developing world. In summary, today China is constantly deepening its reform and opening to the outside world and has been using all its efforts and commitment to improve all aspects of its social, economic and political systems. You are sincerely welcome to study in China for the purpose of training in scientific research, culture, education, foreign trade and economic construction, strengthening intercultural exchanges and economic and trade cooperation between China and the rest of the world.  Further, developing the Chinese people’s understanding of and friendship with other peoples and cultures in the world will help maintain world peace and create harmony between East and West.

2. Could you describe China briefly as a whole?

In a summary, China is a country of everlasting peace, currently limited prosperity and unlimited progress where development dominates while poverty still prevails.  

3. Why study Chinese in Yantai City, Shandong Province?

There are many reasons for learning Chinese language and culture in Yantai City, Shandong Province.a. Shandong is the birthplace of Confucianism, Mencius , Mohism and Daoism. Confucius was one of the greatest ancient educators, philosophers and thinkers in China and is valued in the rest of the world. Confucianism has been the major philosophy for thousands of years in ancient China, and has greatly influenced modern China and today's world.  As such Shandong is the birthplace of Chinese culture and tradition, which is mainly based upon Confucianism. Daoism, another major doctrine of Chinese philosophy and life values, is another important influence upon the Chinese people and their behaviors. You will find the roots and history of these religions and cultures in Yantai region and, in a word, you will learn fundamental principles of Chinese language and culture in Yantai, Shandong Province.

b. The cost of living in Yantai is very low and it is possible to study and maintain a good standard of living. Living expenses are much lower compared with many other big municipalities in China such as Beijing or Shanghai. You will still enjoy a good quality of life with lower prices in all aspects of life such as housing, food, traffic, clothing as well as nightlife.

c. It is internationally accessible and it is convenient to live and study in Yantai, as it has both international and domestic flights everyday.. You may fly into Yantai via Hong Kong, Osaka and Seoul on nonstop international flights. Yantai has dozens of daily domestic flights to major Chinese cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Xian, Nanjing, Jinan, just to name a few. The ferry, railway and freeway systems are modern and sophisticated with links to most parts of China.

d. Living and studying in Yantai are comfortable and enjoyable as the university is built on the sea coast with beautiful views and a backdrop of green hills and mountains. The university is one of the few Chinese universities in a good ecological environment, facing the seaside and green hills.  The bus system links to the downtown center taking about 10 minutes.

e. Yantai is a safe and secure place in which to live and study.  It is rated one of the safest cities in China by the Chinese government and compares favorably with the rest of the world.  You will have great sense of safety and security when walking anywhere in the city as well as in the countryside. The friendship, warmth and hospitality of the local people are evident everywhere you go.  

4. Why study Chinese in Yantai University?

Yantai University is an international network and focal point for recruitment and placement of international students to study Chinese language and culture in China. Yantai University is one of the most prestigious universities in Shandong Province as well as in China , boasting 26,000 students and well-known for its academic excellence and beautiful ecological campus. Yantai University has a professional staff of teachers and consultants and is richly endowed with and has ready access to abundant teaching facilities and learning resources on campus. Yantai University enjoys extensive links with associate universities and has a strong supporting network of logistics and services for international students. Yantai University has been designing and promoting Chinese language courses of study and Chinese culture worldwide through education with a view to enhancing the intercultural exchange, understanding and friendship between China and the rest of the world.Bearing these principles in mind, Yantai University has been maintaining continuous and painstaking efforts to serve the needs of international communities since its inception. Yantai University is your gateway and key to understanding China. You can rely on its professional service at all times wherever you are from.  You are cordially welcome to participate in our Chinese Language Study Program and enjoy and share a wonderful time and experience life with the Chinese people through Yantai University. Yantai University has designed a complete system of teaching Chinese as a foreign language, employing a number of professional teachers who are licensed and qualified to deliver the courses. Yantai University has focused on teaching Chinese language and culture to international students since its inception and has good experience and expertise in the field. Yantai University can provide a logistics service, carry out enrolment procedures and provide documentation for overseas students. It is responsible for orientation and briefings as well as providing a greeting service and support for international students. Yantai University has developed and delivers the following services throughout the program: airport pick-up, arranging accommodation, providing orientation and guidance, giving holiday-making advice, as well as ticket-booking, and course instructions, giving assistance in opening bank accounts, landing service, shopping advice, as well as visa handling and interpretation/translation services. Yantai University is willing and ready to give you a helping and friendly hand to help you get settled and adapt quickly and easily to daily life in the local Chinese community, and make sure your stay in China is a pleasant, fruitful and successful one. Your happiness is our happiness; your satisfaction is our satisfaction; your success is our success!

5. What are your admission requirements?

Programs are open to all overseas students who are: a.       15 years old up to 60 years old; b.      In good heath; c.       Financially capable; d.      Cultural awareness.

6. I am an absolute beginner in Mandarin Chinese; Am I eligible to apply for your program?

Yes, you are eligible for our Program. All international students are divided into Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced classes according to their actual Chinese level. Over 50% of our applicants are at Beginner level in Chinese, they start to learn from Chinese ‘ABC’.

7. When should I apply?

We recommend you apply as early as possible as study placements are made on a first-come first-served basis depending upon the availability of accommodation and placement for each class. Early applications are encouraged, though we accept applications all year round.

8. When should I arrive? How long is the Program for?

For semester study, the Spring Semester begins in late February, and finishes in early July. The Autumn Semester starts in early September and ends in early January each year. International students should organize to arrive one or two days before the Program starts in order to relax and recover from jet lag, and prepare for their courses. Regarding the Summer Program, you may arrive in the first week of June or July or subject to discussion and arrangements. For the Winter Program, you should arrange to arrive in the first week of November or December. Both summer and Winter Programs are designed for 30-days’ intensive study. However the start and finish dates are more flexible for short-term group applicants. We can tailor a specific timetable to meet the travelling schedule of group applicants.

9. Do you accept the individual applicant or do you accept the applicants by group for the Programs?

We accept individual and group applicants for both the semester-long or year-long program. We accept the applicants by group for both the Summer and/Winter Programs. A group for the Summer/Winter Program should be at least 7 persons.

10. How should I arrive?

There are several flight options for arrival into Yantai. You may fly to Yantai via Beijing, Shanghai , Guangzhou , Shenzhen and other major cities in China . For international flights, you may arrive in Yantai via Seoul , Osaka or Hong Kong . 

11.What kinds of visa should I apply for?

All international students should apply for a tourist visa (L visa category) of 30 or 60 days for the initial entry. We will sponsor to have your tourist visa to be transferred into student's visa upon arrival on campus. This is a guaranteed service by Yantai University.  

12. What should I bring with me?

It is very easy to find the same branded products, which are available in all other international cities, from soft drinks and fast foods to soap and shampoo. Shoes and clothes are generally very cheap in China . We recommend that international students bring preferred over-the-counter medications. Please noted that you should bring eight passport-sized photos for visa transfer, student's ID and residence permit handling.

13. Should I buy insurance before I leave for China?

Yes, all international students are required to buy overseas travel and health insurance before they leave for China to cover their entire stay in China.  

14. Will credits be transferred to my home institution?

International students can transfer the credits earned in China to their home institutions. Yantai University is internationally accredited, therefore most international universities accept credits received from Yantai University . We urge participants to check with their home institutions regarding transfer requirements. We assist international students in obtaining any information and documentation needed to apply for transfer of course credits. The final decision to offer academic credit depends on the policy of your home institution. Please check with Study Abroad Advisor of your home schools concerning the requirements of the credit transfer in advance.  

15. What courses do you offer?

The following courses are offered: Compulsory Courses: Spoken Chinese, Chinese Comprehensives(Pinyin, grammar and writing), Chinese Reading, and Chinese Listening Comprehension. Optional Courses: Chinese Martial Arts(Taiji) and Chinese Calligraphy/Music.  

16. Can I open a bank account in China ?

Of course, you can. It is easy to open an account at the Bank of China or any other banks such as the China Merchants Bank. It only takes about 10 minutes to complete an application over the bank counter and have your account almost immediately. You will need to take your passport with you to open a bank account. The Bank of China is a multi-currency bank offering both savings and current accounts. We will drive you to the bank and help you to complete all the procedure at the bank.  

17. How do I get money or exchange money when in China ?

You can withdraw RMB from ATMs in Bank of China, Yantai Branch with major credit cards such as Visa, Master or American Express, or you may change money using credit card(s) or Travellers’ Checks over the counter at the Bank of China, Yantai Branch on presentation of your passport.  US dollars can be exchanged in any BOC saving offices on presentation of your passport.  

18. How much money will I spend per month?

Your only real expenses are meals and incidentals, which are inexpensive in China. Unless you are a big shopper, you will be able to live comfortably on around USD150 per month.  

19. How much does transportation cost?

There is no lack of transportation options in Yantai. Buses criss-cross the city and are the cheapest way to get around costing RMB1 a ride, or roughly 0.13 cents. Taxis are a convenient way to get around town, and the starting fare is RMB6. Some students also opt to buy bicycles. A second-hand bicycle costs about USD10, and is a very practical way to get around. You may resell it back to the bike shop when you leave the Program at half of the price you paid for.

20. Where will I live?

Most international students choose to live in the hostel on campus at Yantai University while others may choose to live off-campus in residential apartments near the campus. The on-campus rooms are equipped with private bathroom, TV, phone with internet access, bedding, simple furniture and air-conditioning. The quality of the off-campus housing varies greatly from the apartments of decent quality to those of more luxurious standards.

21. Where can I have the laundry service?I

n each floor in the hostel, there is one washing machine for students’ use, and you may use the washing machine for your own laundry. Also, there are several laundry service shops just nearby the campus.    

22. Where can I get internet access and how much does it cost?

You may have internet access in the hostel room on campus, and you may bring your own laptop computer for internet access in your room at your expense. The monthly ADSL fee is RMB20.-(USD2.5). There are very many Internet bars in Yantai and elsewhere in China , and there are popular internet cafes both on and off campus. The fee is around RMB1.5 yuan per hour (USD0.15 per hour).  

23. Is there a phone in my room?

Yes, there is a phone in each room, and on the corridor of each floor of the hostel. You can make and receive calls from your room phone, the phone bill is paid by month at the hostel reception. You may make international phones for free if you download the software from www.skype.com for PC to PC calls. You only need to pay local phone rate if you skype our for making PC to Phone calls.  

24. What is the voltage used in China ?

The voltage in China is 220V.Converters and power strips may be purchased inexpensively in local supermarkets, or you may bring them from home.  

25. What kinds of foods and dishes are available and how much they cost?

There are 7 dining halls and one cafeteria on school campus, and quite a number of restaurants, snack shops and cafes just opposite to the campus, so you will have plenty of choice. If dining in the school dining hall, a budget meal will cost about RMB3-5 (about 50c) or less depending upon your own taste and preference. When eating out in a snack bar, you could have a very nice meal for one or two dollars. A bottle of beer costs RMB2.5(about USD0.30). There are also plenty of options for vegetarian food and dishes in each dining hall on campus.

26. Should I bring my cell phone to China ? Should I buy one when I arrive?

Cell phones are very convenient and inexpensive in China. Many international students find that once they get involved in classes and activities, they are seldom in their rooms to take calls, therefore, cell phones are a good option. If your current cell phone is a GSM phone with a detachable SIM chip/card, then you can get a new SIM chip/card in any China Mobile shops. You only need to deposit RMB100 for credits to activate your mobile phone. Also, there are different brands of mobile phones to choose from in China Mobile or China Union shops. You could get a brand-newl mobile phone such as Motorola for about USD50.-or less. The mobile phone local rate is about RMB0.2 per minute.  

27. What can I do in weekends and spare time?

It is totally up to you. You can do a lot of things at the weekend. You may review what you have learnt, prepare your next lessons and practise your Chinese with local people by visiting Chinese families and friends. You may play sports such as swimming, gym, playing tennis, football or basketball with the school teams or friends, practise Chinese Taiji/Wushu or go hiking or on excursions, go shopping or spend your time in the pubs. Other options for your free time are fishing in the islands or reading in the city/school library or going to the city cinema.  

28.What about the climate and weather in Yantai?

Generally speaking, the climate and weather in Yantai are nice. It is neither extremely cold in winter nor extremely hot in summer. Yantai is publicly recognized as one of the golden summer resort in China attracting a lot of tourists for sightseeing.  It has four distinctive seasons: Spring is from March to June; summer is from July to August; autumn from September to November and winter from December to February. The following is the average monthly temperature in Celsius provided by Yantai Tourism Bureau.   Jan. Feb Mar. April May June July Aug. Sept Oct. Nov. Dec. -1.0 -0.7 4.6 13.0 18.1 22.2 25.8 25.0 21.1 14.2 7.7 1.5

29. What are the major holidays in China ?

New Year's Day: January 1 Chinese Spring Festival: Late Jan/early February May Day Holidays (International Labor Day): May 1-7 National Day Holiday: Oct.1-7 Women's Day: March 8 Teacher's Day: September 10 Children's Day: June 1  

30. Do you issue any certificates at the end of the Program?

Yes, you will receive the Certificate of Completion of the Chinese Program granted by Yantai University Administration at the end of each program for both short-term and long-term semester study.

31. Can I obtain the Chinese university degree if I complete the 4-year Program?

Yes, of course, you will be granted the Bachelors of Arts in Chinese Language and Culture by Yantai University, which is authorized and recognized by the Ministry of Education of P.R. China for 4-year intensive study upon graduation and earning 166 credits.

32. Do I have any chance to teach English for internships as volunteers after studying the Chinese in Yantai University?

Yes, we can combine the teaching and volunteering program with the Chinese language and culture program. We will organize a place for you to teach at the kindergarten, the primary school or high school as a volunteer for internship and experience after you have completed the Chinese Study Program in Yantai University. You may choose to learn the Chinese language for one or two months before teaching in a school for one or two months or more. The length of the study and teaching program can be allocated and the program schedule can be tailored to meet your own schedule.

33. Do you also offer any other undergraduate programs of science and engineering subjects in addition to Chinese language program?

Yes, we offer 40 undergraduate programs, which are all open to international students. All these programs are taught in Chinese mandarin for four-year intensive study with a B/A or B/S degree granted upon graduation. You may choose to participate into any of the programs if you could successfully pass the Test of Chinese Proficiency(HSK).

34. What are the best way for you to get an ideal job in China after graduation?

There are many ways to find jobs in China nowadays. You may get many job offers from the local job markets in every city organized by the Chinese government at various levels, through newspapers, radio, TV, or online. The most effective and efficient way to get the job interview is to browse internet. However most of these job offers are from the Chinese companies/organizations or foreign companies based in China, which require the applicants to be both fluent in Chinese and English language. Therefore, you will need to study and master Chinese language hard and well so that you may easily get one highly-paid and permanent job in China to realize your“ Chinese Dream”.

35. What are hints and tips for sightseeing and traveling in China?

It will greatly cheap for traveling in China It you make all hotel and ticketing reservations while you are already in China. It is highly recommended that you should make any tours and hostel/hotel/flight bookings when you are in placement for budget purpose. You will save a lot of money by booking online while you are in China. We could help you to plan your travel event in China upon any request.