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Scholarship News

Languages

The best way to learn a language is the natural way, on its home turf! Is it not?

We are currently emphasizing the following languages:-

• Learning Chinese
• Learning English
• Learning Spanish

Learning Chinese

About learning Chinese

If you are considering learning Chinese in China, almost all Universities which are permitted to accept foreign students have a Centre or College for international studies, where chinese language classes are taught at all levels. It is always good to have prior knowledge of the language and better if you have sat for the HSK(Chinese competency test held by the Chinese government), prior to studying in China. Students pursuing a degree programme should have at least reached level three HSK or level 4 HSK, different Universities have different requirements. However, for students who do not have any prior knowledge of the language, most universities recommend one or two years of chinese language studies. Chinese(Mandarin) is a language spoken by one fourth of the world , so it is very worthwhile learning!

Which is the best school to learn Chinese? That is hard to say. Why? Because each school has its unique style. Through our own experiences, schools in Beijing offer wider choices of classes and due to the larger volume of foreign students studying in Beijing every year , Beijing schools have very much experience in teaching foreign students. However, studying China in smaller cities where the volume of foreign students are much lesser, gives the students a better chance for more individual attention and programmes for foreign students tend to place a lot of importance on not just learning the language but also teaching about the culture of China , which is a huge help in understanding the country and its people.

Some very interesting chinese language programmes are offered at the following Institutes:--

• Beijing University of Civil Engineering and Architecture
• Beijing University of Technology
• Beijing International Studies University
• Harbin Institute of Technology
• Liaoning Medical University, Jinzhou
• South China Normal University, Guangzhou
• Sichuan University, Chengdu
• Xian Jiaotong-Liverpool University, Xian
• Zhejiang University of Science and Technology, Hangzhou 

Chinese Languages Courses

South China Normal University, Guangzhou

The courses of Chinese language are offered at a range of levels in order to fit each student.

 

Levels of courses
Code	Class	Candidates
A	Elementary Chinese (1)	for foreign students who has studied little Chinese, i.e. for beginners;
B	Elementary Chinese (2)	fit for students who have studies Chinese language for 4-6 months, or as an equivalent to HSK Grade 2;
C	Elementary Chinese (1)	fit for students who have studies Chinese language for 10-12 months, or as an equivalent to HSK Grade 3;
D	Elementary Chinese (2)	fit for students who have studies Chinese language for 16-18 months, or as an equivalent to HSK Grade 4;
E	Elementary Chinese (1)	fit for students who have studies Chinese language for 2 years, or as an equivalent to the level of HSK Grade 5; Advanced Chinese (1) is equivalent to the level of the third academic year of a four year study.
F	Elementary Chinese (2)	fit for students who have studies Chinese language for 2 years, or as an equivalent to the level of HSK Grade 6; Advanced Chinese (1) is equivalent to the level of the fourth academic year of a four year study.

Cantonese language program

Cantonese as a regional dialect originally in the Pearl River Delta, which is the Southern part of Guangdong Province, of which Guangzhou is the capital city. In the past around century, with the spreading of people to nearly all parts of the world, Cantonese is also widely used next to the standard Chinese, which is also known as Mandarin.

As our university is located in the center of the dialect region, the offering of such course is an extra advantage for us and we have native speakers to teach such courses. Due to the demand of such course, now only elementary class is available, i.e. class for Cantonese beginners.

Chinese for Business

Another unique and interesting programme is offered by College of International culture, South China Normal University in Guangzhou is the Chinese for Business. The programme helps students obtain business knowledge and gain successful post-graduation involvement in business and trade work.

It targets students who intend to do business and trade in China as well as employees from foreign enterprises. The course objective is to improve Chinese proficiency as well as business competence and expand commercial knowledge. Core courses include Chinese Listening for Business, Business Conversation, Business Reading, Practical Writing for Business.

Optional Courses are Chinese Economy, A Survey of China, Chinese Culture, Hot-topic Discussions, etc.

The courses are to develop practical Chinese competence in business and commerce in four aspects: speaking, reading, listening and writing. Visits to Chinese enterprises are arranged as part of the programme.

Admission Requirements:
Have studied Chinese for more than half a year in China
Certificate and Credits
Upon successful completion South China Normal University will issue a certificate of Business Chinese. will be issued by SCNU.

South China Normal University enjoys a good international reputation. Many foreign students study Chinese language and other specialties or subjects every year at SCNU.

Sichuan University

Bachelor's Degree for Chinese Language at Sichuan University

Sichuan University offers a Bachelor’s degree for Chinese Language. It is a four year programme and will enable the students to understand Chinese history and culture, to have the language skills to work in the related areas. Students are required to finish the designed courses, a thesis and internship to be awarded a Bachelor’s Degree in Chinese Language.

• Exemption is given for prior knowledge of Chinese Language. Those who reach HSK level 3 (Elementary C) can enter the second year of the programme directly.
• Those who reach HSK level 6 (Intermediate C) can enter the third year of the programme directly.

Courses at the Center for China Studies, Sichuan University

The Center for China Studies at Sichuan University is a program specially designed for international students who wish to learn about Chinese culture. The program offers a wide range of courses to meet the academic needs of students studying abroad. Previous Chinese language study is not required.

Fall Semester: September to December
Spring Semester: Late February to Late May
Length of the Program: 12 weeks of academic instruction

Fees
Application fee RMB420;
Tuition fee RMB8600/semester

Zhejiang University of Science and Technology, Hangzhou

Programmes and entry requirements

Note:
1)  HSK is an internationally recognized Chinese language proficiency test.
2) There are two terms in an academic year. The first term starts in early September and the second term starts in late February. 

5. Tuition Fees

1) Application Fee: RMB240 Yuan or USD30.
2) Books or Learning Materials: Actual price.
3) Tuition Fees:
Study Tour Program: Fees depend on the tailored programs.
Chinese Language Program: RMB 13,000 Yuan/year or RMB 750 Yuan/week.
General Advanced Study Program: RMB 15,000 Yuan/year.
Bachelor’s Degree Program: RMB 18,000 Yuan/year for the major of Art and Design.
RMB 15,000 Yuan/year for other undergraduate program

Learning English

We have cooperation with the following schools, they are all very well established and accredited Schools and Institutions with many years experience of teaching English to foreign students. Whether you just wish to improve your English or wish to study English for academic purposes, these schools offer some very interesting programmes:-

• Cambridge Education Group, UK
• Malvern House college, UK
• Ealing, Hammersmith and West London College, London
• Thompson River University, Kamloops, British Columbia, Canada
• St. Giles International, San Francisco, USA

For younger students at primary, middle, high school level, these are some very good schools with impeccable reputation, safe environment, where they will take care of all the students needs to be able to study well:-

• British International School Phuket, Thailand
• Western Spring College, New Zealand

And for those who want to study English for a short term or enjoy a summer camp, there is:-

• British International School Phuket, Thailand
• Camp Beaumont, UK
• St. Giles International, San Francisco

Details on English programmes

Cambridge Education Group, UK

Cambridge Education Group offers a wide range of opportunities for studying English language.

You can study English full-time or part-time, at any level, at Stafford House School of English in Canterbury. You can also gain work experience in the UK, or take a paid job in the hotel industry while studying English at Stafford House. Courses run all-year round.

You can study English during your summer vacation, at centres throughout the UK, with Stafford House Study Holidays.

We can also bring English language courses direct to your school, almost anywhere in the world! English in Action offers English language programmes at all levels, taught by native English-speaking teachers.

English for Academic Purposes is also available at both CATS Canterbury and CATS Cambridge

Malvern House college, UK

General English classes develop all areas of English language, including reading, writing, speaking and listening. Emphasis is placed on speaking and pronunciation and listening, making sure that students develop communicative skills quickly.
Students can choose to study:

• 15 lessons per week
• 20 lessons per week (15 + 5 module lessons)
• 25 lessons per week (15 + 10 module lessons)

General English classes are available at 7 different levels, ranging from beginner to proficiency.

Intensive English Programme offers students the opportunity to study in a small group, where they will receive individual attention by the group teacher. This Fast Track course will assist students who wish to have an accelerated start to their English Programme. With a maximum of 8 students per class, students will progress faster with more individual support. The programme includes 30 minutes of one-to-one lessons per week and an exclusive London Excursion.

Students taking Business English will be using materials that prepare students for LCCI English for Business. This means students can start any Monday. We generally recommend a 12-14 week preparation period prior to the exam.

The 3 month English for Academic Purposes (EAP) programme focuses specifically on the basic academic skills, particularly writing. It is useful for students who are ready to go to university, but want an extra boost before they start.

Ealing, Hammersmith and West London College, London

This College runs a number of different Levels from Beginner to Upper Intermediate. Your level will be assessed at an initial test and interview and the most suitable class selected for you. Part-time classes and above Upper Intermediate Level are also offered.

Examinations

You will take either the IELTS exam or the Cambridge Main Suite exams in June 2009 (June 2010) depending on your level of English.

The table below shows how the levels of the Cambridge examinations scheme correspond to the IELTS grading system. Please note that the equivalences shown are approximates only.

Timetable

Full-time courses run for 16 hours, 20 hours or 25 hours a week, Monday to Friday and classes may take place in the mornings, afternoons and/or evenings.
Students can start classes on any Monday and students can study for as many weeks as required.*

* subject to student numbers

Recommended Start Dates

04th January 2010, 22nd February 2010, 19th April 2010

Thompson Rivers University, British Columbia, Canada

English as a second language

This program is designed to provide specific and appropriate language training for English as a Second Language speakers who intend to proceed to post-secondary study. Successful completion of the program means that a student has a sufficient level of English language proficiency to undertake studies at English-speaking colleges or universities.

The program is organized in five levels. Each level takes one semester to complete. Students can expect 20-25 hours of classroom study each week with additional time in independent study, language labs, and social activities.

Core Courses deal with practical English skills in reading, writing, speaking, and listening.

ESL Elective Courses are optional courses which focus on specific topics or skills (ie, Canadian Studies, Popular Culture, Listening, etc.).

Academic Elective Courses are available beginning at Level 4. From this level onward, students may choose to take academic courses in combination with ESL courses.

Students are required to take the English Placement Test (EPT) to determine appropriate placement. EPT Test Waivers are also possible with appropriate TOEFL or IELTS scores.

St. Giles International, San Francisco, USA

San Francisco

San Francisco offers a mild year-round climate, fantastic sightseeing, shops and restaurants, bars and night-life, and some of the most beautiful scenery in the USA.

San Francisco Bay ( Juniors only)

All the excitement of San Francisco, plus the opportunity to explore the Bay and the Golden Gate Bridge, as well as the surrounding areas of Berkeley, Napa Valley and Carmel

• New location in the heart of San Francisco
• Wide range of high quality English courses for adults of 16 +
• Teacher training courses including Cambridge, CELTA and DELTA
• Choose from a wide variety of accommodations
• Enjoy a varied an exciting social program
• Excellent student welfare and services

Specialists in providing top quality English courses at affordable prices

For students at primary, middle, high school level:-

British International School Phuket, Thailand

British International School, Phuket (BIS) is located on the beautiful island of Phuket in Thailand. The school is divided into two educational institutions, the Primary and the Secondary School. On campus, there is modern accommodation for students who wish to become boarders. Other areas include comprehensive sporting and recreational facilities available for both day and boarding students.

The school aims to develop students with the knowledge, skills and ethical understanding to help them achieve their personal goals, and be responsible citizens in an ever changing society. To this end, BIS pledges to offer the highest quality international educational programmes, using a process of continuous internal and external assessment, in a caring, tolerant and inclusive learning environment conducive to every individual having an opportunity to maximize his/her learning potential.

Western Spring College, New Zealand

English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL)

Junior to Senior schools
The English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) programme provides classes for students who need assistance developing skills in English language speaking, listening, reading and writing. For senior students (years 11-13) ESOL becomes one or more of the six subject choices.

New Immigrants
An additional block of Beginners' English is available for new immigrants.

Curriculum Support
Support is offered throughout the Springs' curriculum, both in-class and in withdrawal groups.

And for those who want to study English for a short term or enjoy a summer camp, there is:-

• British International School Phuket, Thailand
• Camp Beaumont, UK
• St. Giles International, San Francisco

Learning Spanish

In history, the Spanish did not come to Myanmar’s shores, but the Portugese did. Therefore, Spanish is not on of the popular languages of study in Myanmar, traditionally. But in this globalizing world, should we be learning Spanish?

Why? Here are four good reasons to learn Spanish:-

• Spanish is one of the six official languages in the UN ?
• Spanish is the third most spoken language in the world after Mandarin and English.
• Spanish is spoken by nearly 500 million people across the world
• Spanish is the mother tongue of approximately 350 million people in 21 countries.

So, now you are interested to learn Spanish?
We would like to introduce two very established Spanish language schools , with many years experience of teaching Spanish. They are :-

• Enforex Group, Madrid and
• International House Madrid

Website: www.pyinnya-shway-o.com

Kannar Road (Strand Road), Ground floor, Between Thein Phyu Road and Botahtaung Pagoda Road Block, Botahtaung Township, Yangona Township, Yangon, Myanmar.

phone: (+95-9-73100144 )

Email: information@pyinnya-shway-o.com