Language courses abroad

The programme is aimed at Università Cattolica current students and new graduates (within 12 months of graduation).

No previous knowledge of the Chinese language is required: the courses cover all levels from basic learner to advanced.

Application deadline

Spring 2025: 5 December 2024
Summer 2025: 10 April 2025
Fall 2025: 5 June 2025
 

Spring 2025

Summer 2025

Fall 2025

Check-in and check-out dates start 2 days before the start of the course and 2 days after the end of the course.

Chinese language course at BLCU. Levels from beginner to advanced.

You will take a placement test online before the start of the course. Please refer to the table above to know which courses are held in which session.
 

Timetable

• Regular course (20 hours a week): 8.30 to 12.30 Monday to Friday 
• Intensive course (30 hours a week): 8.30 to 12.30 and 14.00 to 15.50 Monday to Friday

The courses are aimed at international students and delivered by mother tongue teachers specialised in teaching Chinese language.

Classes are made up of approximately 20 students

Students are recommended to be housed on campus in Building 17 where both single and double rooms are available: all rooms have a private bathroom and a shared kitchen on the same floor. Every floor also has a cash-operated washing machine and dryer.

The housing is a few minutes’ walk from the classrooms where courses are held.

Cattolica International will book the accommodation for the students.

The campus is in the university neighbourhood of WuDaoKou, about 15 km from Piazza Tienanmen, considered to be the centre of the city, and 35 km from the international airport.

Numerous services are available on campus, including:

• Libraries
• Bookshops
• Shops and minimarkets
• Dining halls
• Cafes and restaurants (Chinese, Japanese and international)
• Sports centre (swimming pool, inside gym, running track, basketball courts, tennis courts, volleyball and outside football pitch)
• Bank (currency exchange and Bancomat)
• Health Centre
• Post office

Check on campus how to access the various services.

The programme cost varies depending on the chosen option and type of accommodation (refer to the table above).

Programme fee: paid upon program registration, includes:

• Orientation and support during course registration at BLCU
• Assistance prior to departure
• 24/7 emergency hotline in Italian while abroad
• Support upon return, specifically for the exam recognition process
• Application fee
• Health insurance for the duration of the program and Safety App
• Self-assessment session upon return, "Welcome Back: unpack your experience!" organized by Cattolica International

Tuition fee: to be paid directly to BLCU, includes:

• 20 or 30-hour language course, with final exam
• Course materials
• Certificate of attendance
• Access to BLCU campus facilities

Accommodation: Cattolica International will book the accommodation and students will pay the fee directly to BLCU. Students will stay at Building 17 and can choose between:

1. Single room: 240 CNY/person/day
2. Double room: 90 CNY/person/day

Enrolled students will receive information on how to pay the accommodation and the tuition fee during the orientation sessions before departure.

The following items are not included in the cost of the programme:

• Return flight to Beijing
• Costs related to issue of visa (approximately €150)
• Costs related to the activation of BLCU insurance (approximately €50)
• Meals (BLCU campus has a student canteen and numerous bars, restaurants and supermarkets)
• Deposit on the room in halls of about 600 RMB, to be paid at check-in (the sum will be refunded if accommodation facilities are not damaged)

Conditions for refunds
If it is impossible to depart for the programme, a refund of the fee can be applied for. Non-refundable fees will be withheld, totalling €150.
No refund is possible for cancellations after the departure date.

Students taking part in the programme as a first experience abroad will receive 1 extra credit for International Activity upon return.

Students from the Faculty of Linguistic Sciences can request recognition of the Chinese language oral mid-term exam by completing the study plan and program plan before departure. Specific instructions on the recognition process will be available after registration in the Documents section of their dashboard on the international mobility portal.

1. Attend an infosession
    
2. Complete the online application: During the application phase, you will be asked to confirm your details, choose the option, and make the payment
    
3. After applications close

• Attend the mandatory orientation meeting where we will provide instructions on the next steps.
• Complete and submit the online application by the given deadlines.
• Communicate to Cattolica International the accommodation that you prefer
• Receive the invitation letter.
• Apply for your visa: Read all the details on the visa application process.
• Attend the mandatory pre-departure meeting where we will provide final details about the program.
• Start your journey!
• Check in at the dorm.
• Go to the building indicated in your admission letter for course registration and to pay the tuition and the accommodation.