Confident Chinese

Resources for Smart Chinese Learners

Archives for November 2019

Studying Chinese at a University in Taiwan – Overview of Universities

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A number of universities in Taiwan have Chinese/Mandarin Language Centers. Usually you sign-up for a three months term and have 3 class hours per day.

With small group sizes between 5-10 people, you are able to practice all skills.

Here is an overview of Taipei Universities offering full-time intensive programs:

National Taipei Normal University (國立臺灣師範大學)

National Taiwan Normal University Mandarin Training Center

For Taipei Normal University offering Mandarin training is more than an afterthought. The language learning program exists since 1956 and the university is best known for it. The university even developed their own textbook “Course in Contemporary Chinese” 《當代中文課程》, which is used in class from Beginner to Advanced Levels. There are more than 1700 students signed up to the Mandarin program each term.

The tuition charged is more on there higher end 36000 NTD per term and a class size of 6-9 people. However, the university also offers cheaper options with larger class size.

National Taiwan University (國立臺灣大學)

Chinese Language Division (CLD) of the NTU Language Center

At National Taiwan University (NTU) the classes are kept small to facilitate learning. You will be in a class of 5-7 people and study 3h per day.

However, do not forget about homework. You will be busy during the study term. The Chinese Language Division puts an emphasis on hand writing skills. As course book primarily Practical Audio-Visual Chinese is used.

If you are deciding to get started studying mid-term, you may still be able to join the class half-way if there is space and you have prior experience.

National Chengchi University (國立政治大學)

政大華語文教學中心

The National Chengchi University is located in the South of Taipei.

Classes are offered in two time slots 8:10-11:00 or 12:10-15:00.

As a course book Practical Audio-Visual Chinese is used. The tuition fee comes in at 33000 NTD.

Shih Chien University (實踐大學)

https://chineseusc.com/

The Chinese Language Center of Shih Chien University was only started in 2012. Next to day classes there are also night classes offered. The night classes have a different set-up and use Course in Contemporary Chinese as opposed to Practical Audio-Visual Chinese.

It is located in walking distance from MRT Dazhi station.

The tuition fee is 28500 NTD per term. A limited number of dormitory rooms is available for Chinese learners. Reach out to the university to learn more.

National Taipei University of Education

Chinese Language Education Center – 國北教大教務處

The National Taipei University of Education has a small language center with 2 full-time teachers and 11 part-time teachers.

Unfortunately the official website was not reachable for me. Further information can be found here: Office of Global Mandarin Education-學華語到臺灣

Tamkang University 淡江大學

淡江大學華語中心 Learning Chinese in TKU – 首页

While the Tamkang University itself is outside of the city, the Chinese Language Center of the University is located in Da’an, right in the heart of Taipei.

Tamkang University offers more flexibility than other language centres. New classes are starting every month, so you can get started in the short-term.

The tuition fee is 28000NTD per term.

Picking the right fit for you

All universities have a more or less flexible offering. Pick whichever is most convenient for you. The learning materials and course scope are similar. The tuition fees differ slightly by university but are in a close range.

If you are looking for more flexibility in class times you may want to consider a private learning center or online course.

How to nail the HSK exam – 汉语水平考试

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Passing the HSK exam and gaining a great score is certainly possible with good preparation. This article is a guide with helpful tips on what you need to make it.

0. Are you ready?

There is not much correlation between being able to pass the exam and being able to communicate effectively with other people in Mandarin. You can pass the test without being able to pronounce a word of Chinese correctly.

Even a native speaker may fail at some grammatical questions posed in the test (I’ve had a few Chinese friends take the grammatical questions of HSK6 and they answered incorrectly).

With a good learning strategy and practice, passing the test is entirely possible. The good news is also that you can always try again. It is possible to redo the test as often as required.

1. Find a test center and register

You can take the test at authorized test centers. There are test centers available in many countries and major cities. The test can only be taken on specific dates, so you need to plan ahead.

You can search for test centers in your area using the official website: Test Center Search. With the filters you can select your country/area and search for the test you would like to take.

The type of test site (paper test or digital) is an important selection

When selecting a test center, the choice between paper-based and digital test is important. The paper-based test will require you to be able to write Chinese characters by hand. The digital test only requires knowledge of Pinyin.

2. Preparing for the test – Study System

To nail the HSK test you will need a well-thought out study system. Good intentions alone won’t get you there.

As the author James Clear puts it “You will not rise to the level of your goals, but fall to the level of your systems.”

You will need a schedule, the right tools and a big enough why to stick to it.

2.1 Structure of the Test

HSK1 and HSK2 consist of a listening and a reading part. Next to Chinese characters you are provided with Pinyin. All other HSK levels up to level HSK6 consist of listening, reading and writing. There will be no Pinyin, only characters.

2.2 Schedule

The most important thing about scheduling is having a schedule and making it work for you. It’s easy to put something on your calendar put not follow through with it. You should favor short periods over long periods of time with low frequency.

Better study just 20 minutes every day instead of six hours during the weekend.

3 Tools

Class book for studying

The most targeted class books for studying the HSK test are the HSK Standard Course Book series. They cover all vocabulary you will need and will prepare you for the exam.

Studying vocabulary

There are a lot of spaced repetition vocabulary study tools around. All of them offer basic functionality. Pick your favorite. There is no one size fits all.

Review and exam preparation

My tool number #1 for review and practising past exams is the app HSK Online. It is purposefully built for the exam and puts everything you need at your fingertips.

The app includes vocabulary review, example phrases, mock exercises, complete HSK tests as well as actual past exams.

The app luckily is quite affordable. You will not have to break the bank.

4 Taking the test

If you have used HSK Online and have done a few mock tests, you should be well prepared for the actual exam.