Program Overview

The CLS Program in Xi’an provides an intensive 8-week language learning environment designed to cover the equivalent of one academic year of university-level Chinese study. Students receive a minimum of 20 hours per week of formal classroom instruction that focuses on intensive reading, writing, speaking and listening practice. Formal language instruction is supplemented with additional cultural activities and classes, such as business Chinese, Chinese media and popular culture, Taichi, and calligraphy.

Additionally, students meet with a language partner several hours each week to practice language skills and engage in learning outside the classroom with native speakers through self-arranged excursions throughout the host city. On weekends, students in Xi’an participate in a variety of cultural excursions to explore the rich culture and history of their host city and surrounding areas. These activities are designed to deepen the students’ understanding of Chinese culture and language through interaction with local Chinese people. The CLS program in Xi’an also incorporates a language policy that requires scholarship recipients to speak only Chinese during all program activities, with one another, and with all staff.

CLS students in Xi’an live on-campus in dorm rooms that they share with Chinese roommates. Living with a Chinese native speaker gives each student yet another opportunity to use their Chinese language skills outside of class, as well as providing them with cultural learning opportunities and insights into day-to-day life in Xi’an.

The CLS Xi’an institute is hosted by Shaanxi Normal University. SNNU now consists of 16 colleges which offer 50 undergraduate subjects and 63 disciplines that confer doctoral or master’s degrees. Appended to the University are such training institutions as the College of Continuing Education, College of Network Education, College of Teachers and Cadres Training, the Technical and Vocational Training College, and Xi’an International Chinese College. SNNU now accommodates a total of 24,852 students, including 9,764 undergraduates, 1,078 postgraduates, 9,900 adult students, 147 international students and 3,952 students in other programs.