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.

Closing date: 20 June 2023

Dates of the course:
Option A and Option B - semester course: 14 September 2023 – 12 January 2024
Option C – 12 weeks: 14 September 2023 – 6 December 2023
Option D – 4 weeks: 15 December 2023 – 12 January 2024 

Check-in and check-our dates for accommodation:
Option A and Option B - semester course: 12 September 2023 – 14 January 2024
Option C – 12 weeks: 12 September 2023 – 8 December 2023
Option D – 4 weeks: 13 December 2023 – 14 January 2024 

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

The semester course can be either regular (20 hours a week) or intensive (30 hours a week).

12-week and 4-week courses are regular courses (20 hours a week).

Timetable

• Standard course (20 hours a week): 8.00 to 12.00 Monday to Friday 
• Intensive course (30 hours a week): 8.00 to 12.00 and 13.00 to 15.00 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 housed on campus in Building 17, the newest building, in single rooms with 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.

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.

• Option A (semester regular course of 20 hours a week): €4,400
• Option B (semester intensive course of 30 hours a week): €5,450
• Option C (12-week regular course of 20 hours a week): €3,200
• Option D (4-week regular course of 20 hours a week):  €1,375

The cost includes:

• Orientation and support during enrolment at BLCU
• Assistance before departure
• Italian emergency number active 24/7 while abroad
• Assistance on return regarding procedures for official registration of exams taken abroad
• Application fee
• Language course of 20 or 30 hours, with final exam 
• Certificate of attendance 
• Access to BLCU campus facilities
• Accommodation in halls (single room)
• Health insurance for the duration of the programme and Safety App

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

• Return flight to Beijing
• Teaching material
• Costs related to issue of visa (approximately €150)
• 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.

In addition, if Faculty of Linguistic Sciences students undertake the semester (regular or intensive) course or the 12-week course, they can obtain recognition of the Intermediate Oral Chinese Language Test. To check whether recognition is possible, follow the instructions given here.

1. Attend an infosession
    
2. Complete the online application: during the application phase you will be asked to upload a valid copy of your passport (if you do not have a valid passport, apply for one as soon as possible).
    
3. After applications close
   Payment: you will be asked to proceed with payment of the selected option the day after the closing date for registration.
   Orientation: after confirming participation in the programme by paying the programme cost, you will be invited via email to an orientation meeting, essential for the preparation of the forms to send to BLCU for issue of an invitation letter, a document necessary for a study visa application.
   The invitation letters will be sent directly to Cattolica International. Only after receiving an invitation letter can the visa application procedure be initiated.
   Read details on how to apply for a visa.