Chinese

Being conversant in Mandarin and able to read and write in Chinese characters can expand your career options, and help you to build relationships with colleagues, clients and neighbours.

The UBC Award of Achievement in Chinese is a part-time program that helps you improve your Mandarin language skills, enhance your knowledge of Chinese culture, prepare for travel and increase your career opportunities.

Program Format: Conversational courses are 100% online instructor-supported with real-time classes. Reading and Writing courses are 100% online and instructor-supported.
Duration: A minimum of four courses, 8–9 weeks each
Cost: $380 to $555 per course
Applications accepted any time

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What This Program Offers

By completing the UBC Award of Achievement in Chinese, you gain a basic foundation in conversational Mandarin, and written Chinese characters. Build your confidence in speaking, and in reading and writing Chinese, whether for business, travel or personal purposes.

Who is This Program For?

This program is for people with very little or no previous experience with Mandarin who would like to gain fundamental language skills and be able to communicate at a functional level.

How We Deliver This Program

The part-time program consists of a minimum of four courses including conversational courses, and at least one reading and writing course. Conversational courses feature live virtual classes with your instructor. Reading and writing courses are self-paced and supported by an instructor.

Technology Requirements

You should have access to a desktop or laptop computer, or tablet, an email account, the internet and an up-to-date web browser. Your device should have a video camera and microphone for live virtual classes.

Program Courses

The curriculum consists of a minimum of four courses. Starting at the Beginner 1 or the Beginner 2 level, you progress through at least two levels in order to complete the award of achievement. You must complete at least one reading and writing course as well.

View our Overview of Conversational Course Levels.

Sample Progression: In-class Starting at Beginner 1

Course
Mandarin Beginner 1	More
Reading and Writing Chinese Characters - Beginner 1	More
Mandarin Beginner 2	More
Mandarin Lower Intermediate	More

Sample Progression: In-class Starting at Beginner 2

Course
Mandarin Beginner 2	More
Reading and Writing Chinese Characters - Beginner 1 or Reading and Writing Chinese Characters - Beginner 2	More More
Mandarin Lower Intermediate	More
Mandarin Intermediate and Advanced	More

View all Chinese language courses.

Students who have previously taken a Mandarin or Chinese characters language course with UBC Extended Learning may ask to have it applied retroactively to the award of achievement. Note that only one course can be applied retroactively, as students are assessed as they progress through the program.

How Am I Assessed?

You’re assessed informally on your demonstrated oral abilities and on written assignments. It’s possible you may need to repeat a course to achieve the required competency before moving to the next level. You must complete a minimum of 80% of each course’s class time and mandatory assignments in order to be eligible to apply it to your award of achievement.

Instructors

Our passionate instructors are qualified, experienced adult educators.

Joan Li
Jenny Lu

Program Costs

The minimum cost to complete this program, including the application fee of $175, is $1,840. Earlybird pricing is available for all courses. Course fees range from $380 to $555.

All fees are in Canadian dollars and are subject to change. Fees may be paid by Visa®, MasterCard®, money order or certified cheque.

How to Apply

Applications to the program are accepted on an ongoing basis. A $175 non-refundable application fee is due upon acceptance into the program. The admissions process helps to ensure that the needs, intentions and expectations of participants are adequately matched to the program's objectives and capabilities.

Graduating and Requesting Your Certificate

To be granted the UBC Award of Achievement in Chinese, you must successfully complete four courses and progress a minimum of two levels within 16 months. In addition, you must attend a minimum of 80% of scheduled classes and complete all readings and online learning activities with a minimum of 75% on all graded assignments.

When you have successfully completed the program requirements, you can request to receive your award of achievement.

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UBC Award of Achievement Program

Who is This Program For?

Technology Requirements

How Am I Assessed?

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