Which Beijing University Language Course is Best? Part 1: BLCU, Peking, Tsinghua

Coming to Beijing to learn Chinese can be a daunting experience, particularly when there are so many different universities and language courses to choose from. Everyone has different reasons for coming to China to learn Chinese, but those who choose Beijing over another city, like Shanghai, are usually seeking a more "authentic" experience in the capital – but maybe we’re biased? 

In this blog post, we will compare the experiences of students who have been learning Chinese at Tsinghua University, Peking University, and Beijing Language and Culture University (BLCU). Keep your eyes peeled for part 2, which will include look at Beijing Normal University (BNU), Beijing Foreign Studies University (BFSU), Beihang, Beijing International Studies University (BISU), and China Youth University of Political Studies (CYU).

Tsinghua, Peking, and BLCU are the most established and well-known universities outside of China with the majority of international students choosing one of the three to learn Chinese. So, the rivalry between them should be no surprise, particularly when Tsinghua and Peking are constantly battling it out to be #1 in China.

Peking is the oldest and most prestigious university in China, while its neighbor, Tsinghua, is more renowned for its scientific acumen. On the other hand, BLCU was founded with a focus on teaching Chinese language, so it predictably has one of the most highly rated Chinese language courses.

All three are located in Wudaokou, the student hub of Beijing, and are surrounded by many bars, clubs, restaurants, and shops for all budgets and tastes. With a location close to historical sites like the Summer Palace and good transport links into the city center and the hutongs, students are able to immerse themselves in Beijing’s culture for that aforementioned "authentic" Beijing experience.

Teaching

Tsinghua
So, confusingly, the university offers two Chinese language courses: the ICLCC Program and Chinese language classes taught within the Exchange program. Obviously, exchange students are placed in the Exchange or “non-intensive” language program; while scholarship and non-degree students go into the ICLCC Program after a placement test. Although the Exchange program is flexible because students can choose their timetable, pick Chinese culture classes and modules outside the Chinese department, there is a limited range of levels (1-4). Teaching quality in both programs depends on the teacher, whether they prefer more interactive ways to learn or classic rote learning; however, the ICLCC classes link the vocabulary and teaching better according to students. The overall consensus is the ICLCC program offers more intensive, structured lessons every morning with a better range of levels.

Peking University
Peking is at the forefront for its research in the arts and humanities fields, so choosing to study at Peking guarantees you a language course that is intensive but flexible. Students are allowed to self-assess by looking at textbooks and determining for themselves if they are in the right level. Unfortunately, there is a lot of homework sometimes due the next day, but teachers keep the classes interactive and interesting. There is also the option to take elective classes, such as Cinema and Newspapers, which are very interesting and well-taught. 

Beijing Language and Culture University
BLCU produces most of the textbooks used in Chinese language lessons, so the professors at BLCU know what they are talking about! Students agree that teachers explain points clearly and in detail using a variety of writing exercises, memorisation and oral presentations in order to reinforce learning and boost confidence in speaking. Along with a placement test, the first two weeks of the semester allow you to try out different levels and find the right class. 

Accommodation

Accommodation can be a sore spot for international students, although it is guaranteed to be nicer than the dormitories of four, six or more that Chinese undergraduate students live in. Off-campus accommodation is easy to find albeit expensive in nearby Wudaokou, so most students prefer to live on-campus for its affordable prices and convenience with canteens and classrooms nearby.

Tsinghua
Tip #1: buy a bike to get around! Tsinghua University doesn’t like to do anything on a small scale, as students will first notice when arrive on the enormous campus. International students are either housed in Zijing Apartments by the northeast gate of campus or if you are lucky, the newly refurbished Asian Youth Center in the middle. You have the choice of single rooms (with ensuite), AB rooms (shared bathroom, living area), and double rooms (with roommate and shared bathrooms on each floor). Despite most Tsinghua students having the luxury of a single room, there are restricted times for hot showers (7am-2pm, 5pm-midnight) and visiting times (7am-11pm). 

Peking University
Zhongguan Xinyuan Global Village is the student accommodation at Peking University where students have AB rooms or double rooms, sharing with a Chinese or international student. There are laundry rooms on every two floors and kitchens on every floor, but if you run out of electricity and water, you have to recharge your student card at reception. Living in a different country comes with different rules and customs, as is the norm amongst Chinese universities, and guests are only allowed between certain hours and must sign-in. 

Beijing Language and Culture University
BLCU’s accommodation is infamous for their ancient dormitories and fuwuyuan who do strict room checks every week. All international students share a room with communal showers and toilets on each floor, which are cleaned regularly but not particularly well. No cooking is allowed in dorm rooms for health and safety reasons but there is a kitchen space downstairs, a rule you're likely to want to stick to unless you want nighttime visitors aka cockroaches. There are no hot water restrictions but visitors are only allowed in between 4-10pm each day. The quality of the dormitories vary, so it is worth paying the extra RMB 10 or 20 more to upgrade from the prison-like dorms (#1 and #9). 

Student Life

As we said before, everything you need from Swiss chocolate to Korean restaurants are all easy to find in Wudaokou thanks to the complexes of cinemas, shops, bars, and clubs. If you don’t own a bike, download the Ofo or Mobike apps to get around Wudaokou and the rest of Beijing with ease. Staying on campus, you can easily find everything you need within walking distance, from supermarkets to pharmacies, plus the canteens on campus offer a tour of Chinese cuisine. As international students, you can join societies at university but it helps if you speak some basic Chinese – it is a great way to make Chinese friends and improve your Chinese, which, admittedly, is the best way to learn the language in Beijing!

Why and Why You Should Not Enroll?

Tsinghua – If you can switch to the ICLCC program and find the right classes with enthusiastic teachers, you are onto a winner.
BLCU – Bad accommodation, great classes, and an easy campus to navigate, complete with an international feel.
Peking – Interesting lessons, good accommodation, easy to join student societies, and a beautiful campus full of history.

Images: Best Masters, Go Abroad China, Tsinghua University, Hannah-Mei Grisley