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Peking University (PKU) reviews

68 reviews
3.61 / 5 based on 68 reviews
Useful  |  1
patricia g
Universidad Católica Boliviana, La Paz, Bolivia
International Relations, Graduate, Chinese Government Scholarship
Academic
Course recommendations
My master program is in English, i had the opportunity to study chinese one year before, but it will be nice if they can add chinese courses, at least for help the students in this kind of program to learn basic chinese.Maybe would be ok if it is an optional choise..but anyway i would love to take it besides my year of study.
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My academic experiences
Quality of courses
Variety of courses
Access to resources
Interaction with teachers
Interaction with international students
Interaction with local students
Useful  |  2
Caroline v
University of Redlands, Redlands, United States
Business Studies, Undergraduate, University Agreement
Overall
Personal recommendation
Create an environment for the International Students to interact more with local students. Allow them to integrate within the dorms and bath houses.
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During my experience abroad, I ...
(1) Never – (4) A lot
Became familiar with another culture
4
Traveled
3
Improved language skills
3
Met people from other countries
3
Became more independent
4
Partied a lot
4
Experienced a change in life
4
Advanced my studies & career
2
Useful  |  0
Caroline v
University of Redlands, Redlands, United States
Business Studies, Undergraduate, University Agreement
Academic
Course recommendations
The Chinese language course was phenomenal. In regards to the other courses: It seemed most of the professors had slight issues engaging the students during class. Find something that interests the students in the subject and expand on that. When we were interested in something it seemed to pass by too quickly.
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My academic experiences
Quality of courses
Variety of courses
Access to resources
Interaction with teachers
Interaction with international students
Interaction with local students
Useful  |  0
Quality has declined rapidly, don't waste your time
C
United Kingdom, Other courses
, 2020
Overall
I have studied Chinese in Beijing at two separate universities now, the latter being Peking University on the long term (one semester) course. 
I am sad to say that it is really not up to par with other universities let alone worthy of the higher fees they charge. I know a good deal of people who were at PKU the semester before me and they actually transferred to BLCU for the winter semester.

The course is far too oversubscribed so they cannot put all of the students in the correct level, therefore you have people with vastly different abilities in the same class. Numerous people in my class tried to move up/down a level but were not allowed to, and subsequently the semester did not help their Chinese.

The teaching itself is quite poor, the method used is to strictly follow the books (Boya), and the teachers prioritise completing each chapter over whether the students can actually understand and dynamically use Chinese. Furthermore, most only speak Chinese so unless you have a fairly high level of Chinese already, they will be unable to explain grammar to you. Be prepared to be spoken to like a child and chastised by the teachers - even if you are far older and no longer a 'student'!

The books are average. The content can be interesting and is one of the few things I really rate, but they are peppered with typos and incorrect translations. 

The administration department is really terrible, I don't know where to begin!

There is not enough accommodation for all students, so be prepared to find your own privately rented apartment. The email on the PKU website to a guy to help you find accommodation is redundant so you really must do it entirely yourself (I have some contacts if anyone needs).

Location is not great, unless you are keen to spend your time in Wudaokou (nothing much there except for some cheap bars), it is quite far from the centre of Beijing and over an hour from Sanlitun. 

Not one person from my class of 15 was satisfied with the course, most selected PKU because of its reputation (in politics), not because it is particularly good at teaching Chinese.

Having been in Beijing for a while now, at two different universities learning Chinese, and having spoken to dozens of people on the topic, I would highly recommend either going to a private language school for a shorter period of time, doing a homestay with a Chinese family (the best method to learn), or taking private classes/finding a language exchange in your own country. To be completely honest it would be a waste of your time and money to go to Peking University if your aim is solely to improve your Chinese. If you must pick a university, may I suggest BLCU, or Tsinghua. (PKU is however good for absolute beginners, I have heard that the class 1 teachers are fantastic).
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Pros
Reputation, campus might be nice in the summer
Cons
Quality of teaching, location, price,
REVIEWS BY INTERNS AT Peking University
ABOUT
Description not available at this time.
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Phone: +86 10 6275 1634
Address: Peking University 100871, P.R., Beijing, China