Language Top Up

We are all aware that learning Chinese well requires a considerable initial investment of time and energy. Maintaining and improving language skills after graduation is clearly crucial and ChineseSpeakers is keen to help. Our suggestions:

Top-up language courses

An increasing number of Confucius Institutes are being established throughout the UK. Some of these offer advanced and/or profession-specific language courses, in the evening or weekends, to ensure you never forget your 汉字. In the London CI bespoke courses, tailored to a small group’s specific needs, can also be arranged. Contact the Chinese Speakers if you would like us to lobby for our university partners to offer any alternatives, eg a residential weekend language course etc. etc.

HSK (汉语水平考试)

As you probably remember from your university course (!) when it comes to learning Chinese, exams can help focus the mind. The HSK is increasingly recognised as a professional qualification in Chinese language. Universities in major cities throughout mainland China offer this exam. If you are based in the UK, Sheffield and SOAS both run the exam annually, in May. For more information, and to register or view past papers see http://www.shef.ac.uk/confucius/hsk.html.