Short session in September/October

[Alhazred]

I'm trying to find some place to learn Mandarin, anywhere in China or Taiwan for 3-4 weeks in September or October this year. I've been looking around but most schools do not seem to offer short-term sessions in September/October, all are in July and August, sometimes June but I can't go that early due to work. Any pointer appreciated.

[yonglin]

Actually, most schools will let you join their regular classes for a shorter period of time, although you would have to pay the higher short-term fee. That's why a lot of them say something along the lines of "short-term students may apply at any time of the year". Actually, some schools only take short-term students applying in groups during summer, because there are no ordinary classes to fit them into.

As I see it, the only problem would be finding classes at an appropriate level. It would probably make things easier for you if you could join a regular class when it starts for the fall semester in late August / early September. Thus, you may want to check the regular semester dates for your prospective school.

Since Chinese university websites are frequently unclear or even incorrect, I suggest you write to the schools in question, explain your situation and see what they'll offer you. I sometimes get the feeling that at least the international students' section at most Chinese universities are run as profit-maximising businesses: if you'll be a gain on net, they'll take you on.

[gato]

How about Taipei Language Institute?

http://www.chinese-forums.com/index.php?/topic/8099-taipei-language-institute-beijing-dongcheng-query&highlight=tli

http://www.tli.com.tw/tli/eng/en/3-6.ASP?class=3

[wix]

If you go to Taiwan TLI, which gato mentioned above, is probably a good choice.

Universities (in Taiwan at least) are generally less flexible about enrollments. i.e. you have to enrol for a full-term. However, the private language schools are less fussy about this and will probably put you in a suitable class for a shorter time.

[Alhazred]

Thank you, will get in touch with TLI.

[Tysicus]

Yonglin I just saw your reply and I want to do the same thing as Alhazred here. Although for me I want 3 weeks in either late October, or Nov or Dec. What university (preferably in Shanghai or Beijing) would be open for international students to drop into for three weeks out of the semester?

I have studied chinese already, probably elementary level, and I have studied in China before. So I don't need to start at the beginning of the semester. I think the bigger problem is housing, because it may be hard to get a room (shared is fine) mid-semester. Thoughts?

Thanks.