Dalian, China

FAQ about Dalian

Do I need to know Chinese to participate in the program?

No. Once arrival in Dalian, students will take a language placement exam and then enroll in Chinese language classes at the School of Chinese Studies. Chinese Mandarin is spoken in Dalian and the surrounding area and it will be the language that students will study will attending DUFL classes. Courses are taught in English and Chinese. No previous experience with Chinese is necessary. Chinese language classes are in Chinese. Students with advanced levels of Chinese may enroll in upper-level classes taught in Chinese. Each student will be required to enroll in Chinese 101 Intensive Basic Chinese and Modern China, taught by the BCA resident director.                                                                  

Where is BCA Dalian study center located?

BCA Barcelona located at the Dalian University of Foreign Languages (DUFL). The northern city of Dalian is located near the Liaoning Peninsula. Dalian is China's northernmost ice-free seaport and is China's most livable city according to China Daily.

What can I study at BCA Dalian?

DUFL has eight schools and seven departments offering languages such as Russian, Japanese, Korean, French, German, English, and of course, Chinese. The university has over 120 professors on its staff. When enrolling in language classes at the School for Chinese Studies, students have the following options: Basic Chinese, Listing and Speaking, Oral Chinese, Reading and Writing, Chinese Culture, News in Chinese, and Writing and Translation.  It is important to speak to your academic advisor prior to studying abroad to decide what classes are needed to meet academic requirements of your college or university. However, it is in a student’s best interest to come to the university with some flexibility in choices.

Where will I live?

Students live in a dormitory on campus not far from where they will take classes.  The building is uniquely situated to provide students with immediate access to the academic and administrative buildings.  It is also close to central Dalian, where students can dine out or go shopping. There will be many other international students on the DUFL campus: Koreans, Russians, Japanese and some Europeans.  All BCA students will have one thing in common with them: you are all learning Chinese!

Will my school accept credit from BCA Dalian?

Each university has its own policy for transferring credits, so you will want to check you are your university registration and records office to determine whether BCA credits are accepted. Upon completion, BCA sends transcripts from the DUFL and BCA course reports to you and your college or university. If your school requires a transcript from a U.S. institution, BCA will provide you with a transcript from Elizabethtown College, which is BCA’s school of record.

Will my financial aid transfer?

Most federal aid is transferable; some state aid is transferable. Aid from individual schools is transferred at the school’s discretion. Students are advised to consult their financial aid advisor for further information and advice.

Why study with BCA? What sets BCA apart?

BCA is one of the nation's oldest independent organizations committed to promoting international understanding and academic excellence through collegestudy abroad programs for U.S. students and adult seminars for faculty and administrators. Rooted in the values of peace and justice, BCA promotes international understanding, awareness of global citizenship and academic scholarship through educational exchange. Among the special qualities of BCA's programs: unique opportunities tostudy peace and justiceissues in places where conflict has profoundly affected culture, history and daily life; cultural immersion - which we believe offers the richest possible experience; and a lot of academic and administrative support, which helps both students and their home colleges and universities.

What are the application deadlines?

BCA encourages interested students to apply as soon as possible to get the process in motion. Applications for the spring semester are due by November 1. Fall semester applications are due by April 15. Students should expect an answer from BCA within three weeks after submitting a complete application.

Do I need a visa to study in Dalian?

Yes. There are two forms of student visa for China: X visa: for students staying in China longer than six months and F visa: for students studying in China for less than six months. Upon acceptance into the BCA Dalian program, students will receive information from the BCA's central office and DUFL to assist in preparing to obtain their student visa. For more visa information please visit www.state.gov/s/cpr.rls/fco, www.travel.state.gov/foreignentryreqs.htm, and travel.state.gov/passport.

Can I study abroad as a freshman?

No. To study abroad with BCA Dalian, a student must have at least one year of undergraduate study. However, BCA encourages students to start planning in their first year and investigate programs to find options that fit their needs.

I’m worried my GPA may not be good enough. Should I still apply?

BCA does employ minimum GPA standards for each study center. The required GPA varies by program and is an important tool in evaluating a student’s application; however, it is not the only consideration. BCA also takes into account the student’s personal statement and their letters of recommendation.

How many courses will I take?

Students are strongly encouraged to take a 3-credit course taught by the BCA resident director titled “The Global Conversation Course.” All students are required to take Modern China and Chinese 101 Intensive Basic Chinese or Chinese 151 Intensive Basic Chinese (only for students who have studied a semester or more in the past). It is important to speak to your academic advisor prior to studying abroad to decide what classes are needed to meet academic requirements. Students are required to take 3 additional courses - most of these are 2 credits.

E-mail us with your questions

inquiry@bcaabroad.org

Questions? Please call:

1-866-222-6188