Chinese Language Program
The University of Kansas has offered Chinese since 1959 and has maintained the strongest Chinese language program in the Great Plains.
Training
China has one of the richest literary and philosophical traditions in the world, and a vibrant contemporary cultural scene. With an extensive history of inventions and ever-evolving technological innovations, China is also the US’ largest trading partner, the world’s second largest economy, and the largest film market outside of Hollywood. With over 1 billion speakers in many different countries and communities all over the globe, Chinese is the world’s most spoken language. Knowledge of Chinese is becoming increasingly sought after by employers – and with one of the nation’s best Chinese programs, our department will prepare you like none other to enter the job market.
Study Abroad
China is a vast and fascinating country with limitless potential for learning and adventure. K.U. students typically spend some time in China, whether at a summer intensive language program or for a year at one of three schools that have exchange programs with K.U. Someone is always around who can tell you what's what in China, Taiwan, and Hong Kong.
Careers
Graduates have gone on to jobs in China in universities, schools, and companies. Some have continued their studies in graduate school, medical school, and law school in the United States. These are some of the places they have gone on to: a consulting firm in Washington, D.C., Hallmark International in Kansas City, United Airlines to be an attendant on flights to Asia, Johns Hopkins University to study public health in China, Shanghai to edit a newspaper, and Thailand to manage a fitness center. Opportunities also exist in government and military intelligence.
China has one of the fastest economic growth rates in the world and holds one quarter of the world's population. It is a country with an ancient and fascinating history, and a complex and interesting role to play in the present. See the following for more information:
Chinese Placement Exam
If you are enrolling at KU for the first time and want to continue your study of Chinese, you should take an on-line placement exam prior to your arrival on campus. To take the exam, simply follow this link to the testing page, and access it with your KU ID (guest log-in options also available).
Upon completion of the exam, you will be given a preliminary placement, which you should use to register for a specific Chinese course. During the first week of classes, you should meet with your instructor to confirm the accuracy of the placement. If it is determined that another course would be more appropriate, you will be allowed to transfer to that course.
Resources
- The Chinese Program at KU offers language tables and flexible instructor office hours to ensure students meet their academic goals.
- KU Libraries has one of the biggest collections of East Asian materials in the Midwest as well as a specialist librarian for the Chinese collection
- Placement Tests are available online
- The Ermal Garinger Academic Resource Center (EGARC) at KU houses numerous feature films from China, including several award winning movies by well known directors. EGARC also has documentary movies related to Asia. Each year new movies are added to the collection. Students can check the digital catalog and availability of these movies online.
- Study abroad in China, Taiwan, or Hong Kong through KU's own programs or with an approved and accredited non-KU study abroad program
- Student Organizations
