Frequently Asked Questions
On the right side of this webpage, interested persons may ask their questions related to the following topics:
- Our Study Programs
- Locations
- Our Extra Services
- Travelling to China
- Living in Beijing
Perhaps you may already find the answer to your questions in the list here below. This is a random list of questions asked by visitors and students and our answers to them:
Our Study Programs
Q: How many Educational Programs does Confucius Programs offer?
A: So far, we have designed 3 Educational Programs: a Mandarin Chinese University Program, a Mandarin Language and Culture University Program and a Chinese University Degree Program.
Q: How do you decide to offer this or that new program?
A: When designing a new educational program we use our well established selection criteria, methodology and approach to create a program that is meant to satisfy the learning and academic needs of our students.
Q: What are the criteria used by Confucius Programs to add an University or Institute to the offer of locations where one can follow your programs?
A: Quality of the teaching, consistency of the course offer, professionalism of the teaching staff, good learning environment and experience in teaching to foreign students.
Studying in China
Q: What is the difference between the universities you mention on your website?
A:
BLCU (Beijing Language & Culture University) is the first university which could receive international students in Beijing. Therefore there are many international students from all over the world who are studying at BLCU and you would find it interesting to study there with international ambience.
TLI (Taipei Language Institute) is a joint Chinese language-training center between the Taiwan based Taipei Language Institute and the mainland based International Youth University. Their flexible schedule and self-edited textbooks are the best choice for short term and basic Chinese learners.
CUC (Communication University of China) is one of the key universities in China and a comprehensive university of liberal arts, engineering, management, science, economics, law and education. It enrolls more than 1,000 overseas students from Canada, France, England, Korea, Japan and other different countries each year. As a famous media university in China, there are many cultural activities on the campus such as concerts, theater plays, movies and cartoon festivals. Besides these cultural activities there is a newly built sports stadium and new teaching buildings.
UIBE (University of International Business and Economics) is a fast developing university with many students wishing to learn business Chinese and Chinese foreign trade affairs. It is the best choice for students who are interested in foreign business or doing business in China.
Q: What are the starting dates for the courses?
A: Starting dates vary per program. For a degree program at one of the universities the starting date is usually in the fall starting in September. For semester programs the universities mostly have 2 semester programs, the spring semester and the fall semester. The fall semester starts in September and the spring semester usually in March.
Q: What kind of visa do I need if I want to study in China?
A: After you receive the admission letter and visa application form from your university you can apply for a visa depending on your study period. You can apply for your visa at your local Chinese embassy or consulate. For one-year study students he/she will need to apply for a student visa (“X” visa), for half-year students he/she needs to apply for a short study or business visa (“F” visa).
Q: What holidays can I expect while studying in China?
A: The winter and summer holidays will normally occur in July, August, January and February. Throughout the year Chinese also have 27-days of shorter holidays. Examples are the May holiday in the first week of May and the National-day holiday in October.
Daily life
Q: What currency is used in China?
A: The Chinese currency is “Ren Min Bi” (RMB) but in daily life Chinese people usually use “Yuan” or “Kuai” to name their currency. Counterfeiting is currently a serious problem in China so please be aware of the many fake banknotes. Also important to know is that many banknotes and coinage looks a little the same in the eyes of foreigners. So beware of giving 5 Jiao (0.5 RMB) instead of a 5 RMB note.
Q: What type of climate has Beijing?
A: Beijing is situated in the northeastern part of China at an elevation of 43.5m above sea level. The climate in Beijing is of the continental type, with cold and dry winters and hot summers. January is the coldest month (normally -4 Celsius), while July the warmest (33 Celsius). There are four distinct seasons in Beijing.
Q: How does a sim-card for my mobile phone work in Beijing?
A: Confucius Programs will provide you with a sim-card when you arrive in Beijing. There is already money on the sim-card so you are connected to the world in a matter of minutes. All you have to do is to buy new credit at a local kiosk when your credit level reaches 0 RMB. Make sure your mobile phone is sim-lock free. If necessary you can of course also buy a new sim-lock free phone in Beijing.