What dialect do you teach?
We teach Mandarin Chinese.

What is the teaching language?
The course is taught in English.

Who can enroll in your courses?
Our courses are open to everyone. Anyone interested in learning Mandarin is welcome to enroll.

What is the minimum age requirement?
The minimum age requirement is 10 years old.

Do I need prior knowledge of the language?
No, prior knowledge is not required. Our courses are suitable for beginners as well as learners with previous experience.

How can I determine my language level?
We offer a placement test to help determine your current language level.

Do you offer placement tests?
Yes, we provide placement tests to ensure that students are placed in the appropriate level.

Are your teachers native speakers?
Yes, our teachers are native Chinese speakers who are also fluent in English.

I am not a USJ student. Can I still register and take classes?
Yes, our courses are open to everyone. Non-USJ students are welcome to register and join our classes.

What levels do you offer (beginner, intermediate, advanced)?
We offer courses for all levels, starting from beginner to advanced.

How long does each level take to complete?
The duration depends on the learner’s age group and study schedule.

For Teens and Adults:

• HSK 1 can be completed in one semester with two sessions per week, or in two semesters (one academic year) with one session per week.
• The same structure applies to HSK 2 and HSK 3 levels.
• HSK 4 can be completed in four semesters (two academic years) with one session per week. The same applies to higher levels.

For Children (10–11 years old):

• HSK 1 can be completed in three semesters with one session per week.
• The same structure applies to HSK 2.

What curriculum do you follow?
We follow the HSK (Hanyu Shuiping Kaoshi) curriculum, the official Chinese proficiency framework.

How many students are there per class?
Classes have a minimum of 6 students and a maximum of 15 students.

Do you offer private lessons?
No, we currently do not offer private lessons.

Do you offer intensive courses?
Not at the moment.

Are there courses specifically for children, teenagers, or adults?
Yes, our courses are designed and adapted to meet the learning needs of children, teenagers, and adults.

Do you offer business language courses?
Yes, we offer a one-semester Business Chinese course designed for professional needs. For more information, please visit our “Our Programs” page.

When do courses start?
Courses start during the second week of September and end by mid-December.

What are the class schedules?
Classes are offered in the evening. Please check our “Our Programs” page for detailed schedules.

Can I choose between morning, afternoon, and evening classes?
No, we currently offer evening classes only, except for USJ students who may have different arrangements.

Do you offer online courses?
Yes, online courses are available when there are enough registered students to open a class.

Are classes available in person?
Yes, we offer in-person classes at the Humanities Campus of Saint Joseph University (USJ) , Damascus Road.

Will I receive a certificate upon completion?
Upon completion of the course, students receive an attendance certificate. The official internationally recognized certification is the HSK and HSKK test certificate, which is issued by the Chinese government after students take and successfully pass these standardized Chinese language proficiency exams.

Is the certificate internationally recognized?
Yes. The HSK (Hanyu Shuiping Kaoshi) is the most widely recognized international benchmark for Mandarin Chinese proficiency. It is commonly required for international students applying to undergraduate or graduate programs in China (typically HSK levels 4 to 6).

Do you prepare students for official language exams?
Yes, our programs help prepare students for official Chinese language proficiency exams, including the HSK and HSKK tests.

Can I take proficiency tests at the institute?
Yes. The Confucius Institute at USJ is the only accredited center in Lebanon authorized to organize HSK and HSKK examinations

Are textbooks included in the course fee?
No, textbooks are not included in the course fee.

Do you provide digital learning materials?
Yes, students can purchase digital learning materials online.

Do students have access to a library or resource center?
Yes, students have access to learning resources and a resource center.

Is there homework and self-study material?
Yes, students receive homework and self-study materials to support their learning progress.

Do you organize cultural activities and events?
Yes, we organize cultural activities such as Chinese Corners, which provide students with opportunities to practice the language and discover Chinese culture.

Can students participate in competitions or camps?
Yes, eligible students are encouraged to participate in the Chinese Bridge Competition and the Summer Camp in China. For more information, please visit our “Scholarship Programs” page.

Do you offer scholarships to study abroad?
Yes. Our partner university in China, Shenyang Normal University (SYNU), offers scholarship opportunities for our students every year. Eligible students can apply for the “Scholarship Program Offered by SYNU for Chinese Language Teachers.”

Can university students receive academic credits for language courses?
Yes, but only USJ students can receive academic credits. Students must choose Chinese as an elective course within their university program.