1 . HSK TEST and HSKK TEST are both the internationally standardized tests that focus on the ability of candidates whose Chinese is not their first language to use Chinese for communication in life, study and work.

According to China’s Ministry of Education, any foreign students to be enrolled in Chinese university should at least hold a HSK Level 4 certificate.

Learners who want to apply for the Confucius Institute Scholarships should take the score reports of both HSK and HSKK.

All test takers taking HSK abroad are eligible (合格) to apply for the Chinese Test Summer Camp to experience Chinese culture and learn Chinese in a short period in China.

HSK and HSKK scores are valid for a long time. As a proof of the Chinese language ability of foreign students entering Chinese colleges and universities, the scores are valid for two years (counting from the day of the test).

HSK TEST

Test levels include HSK (Level 1), HSK (Level 2), HSK (Level 3), HSK (Level 4). HSK (Level 5) and HSK (Level 6).

Exam Object: HSK (Level 4) is mainly for candidates who have learned Chinese for four semesters (two academic years) with a schedule of 2-4 class hours per week and mastered 1, 200 commonly used words.

HSKK TEST

HSKK Test is designed to test the ability to express oneself orally in Chinese and includes the HSKK (Elementary), HSKK (Intermediate) and HSKK (Advanced).

Exam Object: HSKK (Intermediate) is mainly for candidates who have leaned Chinese for one to two academic years at a schedule of 2-3 class hours per week and master about 900 of the most commonly used words.

4 . Grading Policies for Introduction to Literature

90-100, A; 80-89, B; 70-79, C; 60-69, D; Below 60, E.

Your four major essays will combine to form the main part of the grade for this course: Essay 1 = 10%; Essay 2 = 15%; Essay 3 = 15%; Essay 4 = 20%.

Students will work in groups to complete four assignments (作业) during the course. All the assignments will be submitted by the assigned date through Blackboard, our online learning and course management system.

Class activities will vary from day to day, but students must be ready to complete short in-class writings or tests drawn directly from assigned readings or notes from the previous class' lecture/discussion, so it is important to take careful notes during class. Additionally, from time to time I will assign group work to be completed in class or short assignments to be completed at home, both of which will be graded.

An essay not submitted in class on the due date will lose a letter grade for each class period it is late. If it is not turned in by the 4th day after the due date, it will earn a zero. Daily assignments not completed during class will get a zero. Short writings missed as a result of an excused absence will be accepted.

8 . Below you will find a profile of each gap year program. If there is a specific program you are interested in or a question you have regarding these programs, please feel free to contact them directly.

Youth International

Since 1997, Youth International has been providing many people with the most exciting and educational experience of their life. It is a learning program that combines international travel, inter-cultural exchange, home stays, volunteer community service work and outdoor adventures.

Phone: 720-270-3323

Carpe Diem Education

Through volunteer service, travel and cultural exchange, students of Carpe Diem Education receive a personal insight into themselves and their cultures. We specialize in guiding summer and semester programs for high school students. Each course is carefully crafted to develop leadership and self-awareness within our students, who return home better prepared to be leaders in thought and action.

Phone: 503-285-1800

Center for Interim Programs

Founded in 1980, Center for Interim Programs is the first independent gap year organization in America. Based on students’ interests and budget, our experienced teachers help make individual course choices including: low cost volunteer options, language programs, research trips, and so on. We are committed to helping students find more experiences of formal education and work.

Phone: 413-585-0980

EF Gap Year

EF Gap Year offers students the ability to explore several countries where you will learn a language, volunteer for a good cause, and gain international work experience. Choose between a 12-week semester or 26-week academic year. You can then personalize your program to meet your learning goals and interests by deciding where, when, and how you wish to study on your own. Our well structured curriculum even allows you to place out of college-level classes and earn advanced credits toward graduation.

Phone:800-726-9746