Chinese language courses

SPRING SEMESTER begins on February 19th 2024

Welcome to our programme for learning Chinese! Our programme is intended to provide a holistic and comprehensive approach to learning Chinese. We are glad to provide students of all levels with a complete and intensive experience. You will receive the most accurate and authentic language teaching, as all our instructors are native speakers.

We offer both online and in-person classes, allowing you to choose the format that best suits your needs. Our 40-hour and 60-hour courses are available in the mornings and afternoons, allowing you to select a schedule that matches your schedule. We also provide HSK (Hanyu Shuiping Kaoshi) exam (Chinese Proficiency Test) preparation classes so that you can assess your Chinese proficiency and monitor your development.

But that is not all: our programme includes a wide range of supplementary content, including webinars, lectures, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) content, and Chinese calligraphy workshops so that you may immerse yourself in the Chinese language and cultural heritage experience. Our students and lecturers have established a superb community that allows you to learn Chinese, exchange experiences, and make new acquaintances.

Learn with us right now and take the first step toward Chinese fluency!

!NEW! We are updating our syllabus, restructuring some of our courses, and upgrading some of our course materials needed since February 2023.

Beginners with little or no prior knowledge of Chinese may start their learning journey with a 40-hour and 60-hour course. A student must complete both portions of 1.1 Beginner Basic (two 40-hour courses) or a 1.1 Beginner course (60-hour) that focuses on conversational skills to enrol in Beginner 1.2. For a smoother transition to Level 1.2, especially in reading and writing Chinese characters, it is advised that students from the 1.1 Beginner course (60-hour) also join a 20-hour Chinese Character course (as shown in the following flowchart).

The Confucius Institute Ljubljana Chinese language learning programme is standardised in line with the international Chinese proficiency test HSK, the sole official standardised Chinese language exam of the People's Republic of China for foreigners. Our courses also comply with the EU language standards:

Courses EU Standard Suggested HSK New name of the course

1.1 Conversational

A1

HSK 1

A1

1.1 Comprehensive, Part 1


A1, part 1

1.1 Comprehensive, Part 2

HSK 1

A1, part 2

1.2 Comprehensive, Part 1

A2


A2.1

1.2 Comprehensive, Part 2*

HSK 2

A2.2

1.3 Comprehensive

B1


B1.1

1.4 Comprehensive

HSK 3

B1.2

2.1

B2


B2.1

2.2

HSK 4

B2.2

2.3


B2.3

2.4

HSK 4

B2.4

*Based on our students’ feedback, we determined that the previous 1.2 course needs to be separated into two components. That means students will have more chances to dedicate themselves to Chinese Character writing and reviewing their learning.

The Confucius Institute Ljubljana offers online and on-site (on the premises of the Confucius Institute at the School of Economics and Business, Kardeljeva ploščad 17, 1000 Ljubljana) Chinese language courses. Please check the preliminary course schedule for the level you are interested in for further details.

PLACEMENT TEST:  We have accomplished a placement exam whose primary objective is determining the student's language proficiency. Anyone who does not have proof of having completed a prior course or the minimum hours of learning must take a placement test. Beginners from 1.1 Conversational course (60h) and 1.1 Comprehensive, part 1 (40 h), who have little or no prior knowledge of Chinese, are exempt from the placement test. The placement test for the Spring semester will be administered online on the 15th of February, 2024. Applicants will receive more information by e-mail. 

Applications for the upcoming term in 2024 are now CLOSED.

We have extended the registration deadline to welcome more students to the following courses until February 27, 2024. The initial sessions for these courses are scheduled to commence on either March 4th or March 5th, 2024.

  • 1.1 comprehensive, part 1 (40h)
  • 1.1 conversational A (60h)
  • 1.1 conversational B (60h)
  • 2.4 comprehensive (60h)
  • Chinese Calligraphy workshop-20 hours

If you have course-related inquiries, please contact zhi.ma@ef.uni-lj.si (in English) or ciljubljana@ef.uni-lj.si (in Slovenian).

Timetable of courses in the spring semester 2023/24: TBD

Academic calendar for 2023/2024: Calendar

Price: There are 20- and 40- and 60-hour courses. The price of our 40-hour Chinese language courses is 110 EUR (including VAT). For students, the price is 60 EUR (including VAT). The price of 60-hour Chinese language courses is 160 EUR (including VAT). For students, the price is 90 EUR (including VAT). The price of our 20-hour Chinese calligraphy courses is 60 EUR (including VAT). For seniors and students, the price is 25 EUR (including VAT).

CONDITIONS FOR OBTAINING A CERTIFICATE: A minimum of 80% of attendance at lectures.

Further information: By email ciljubljana@ef.uni-lj.si or phone +386 1 5892 748.


All courses

SPRING SEMESTER BEGINS ON FEBRUARY 20TH 2024

The 40-hour courses are held online, with classes twice a week for two school hours. The first lecture will be held on Tuesday, February 20th 2024.

 All groups will only be organised if there are at least 3 applicants.  


1.1 COMPREHENSIVE, PART 1

The 40-hour 1.1 Comprehensive, part 1 is open to those who are interested in Chinese language and culture but probably have not yet learned it. Students who wish to enroll in this course are not required to take a placement test. 

Timetable: Tuesday, Thursday, 18.45-20.15

Textbook Materials: HSK Standard Course 1 Textbook (Jiang Liping, ISBN: 9787561937099) and Workbook (Jiang Liping, ISBN: 9787561937105)

Course outline:

Lesson Function Topic School hours
1 Introduction to Chinese phonics
汉语语音入门		 Pronunciations 4 hours
2 Hello
你好
Greeting 4 hours
3 Thank you!
谢谢你！
Greeting 5 hours
4 What's your name?
你叫什么名字?
Names 5 hours
5 She is my Chinese teacher.
她是我的汉语老师。
Nationality 5 hours
6 Her daughter is 20 years old this year.
她女儿今年二十岁。
Time 5 hours
7 What is the date today?
今天几号？
Time 5 hours
8 I can speak Chinese.
我会说汉语。
Space 5 hours

Final exam
2 hours

We recommend that students continue learning Chinese language at the Basic, part 2 level and then take the HSK1 and HSKK1 exams.


1.1 COMPREHENSIVE, PART 2

The 40-hour 1.1 Comprehensive, part 2 is open to everyone who successfully finished part 1. Students, who want to apply to this course, do not need to take the placement test.

Timetable: Tuesday, Thursday, 18.45-20.15

Textbook Materials: HSK Standard Course 1 Textbook (Jiang Liping, ISBN: 9787561937099) and Workbook (Jiang Liping, ISBN: 9787561937105)

Course outline:

Lesson Function Topic School hours
1 Review of previous semester
2 hours
2 Where does your son work?
你儿子在哪儿工作？
Space 4,5 hours
3 Can I sit here?
我能坐这儿吗？
Space 4,5 hours
4 I'd like some tea.
我想喝茶。
Shopping 4,5 hours
5 What is the time now?
现在几点？
Time 4,5 hours
6 What will the weather be like tomorrow?
明天天气怎么样？
Time and Space 4,5 hours
7 He is learning to cook Chinese food.
他在学做中国菜呢。
Time and Space 4,5 hours
8 She has bought quite a few clothes.
她买了不少衣服。
Shopping 4,5 hours
9 I came here by air.
我是坐飞机来的。
Transportation 4,5 hours

Final exam
2 hours

Upon completion of the Part 1 and Part 2 levels, students are encouraged to register for the HSK1 and HSKK1 exams. Find out more about HSK exams here.

SPRING SEMESTER BEGINS ON FEBRUARY 19TH OR 20TH 2024

The courses of the Confucius Institute Ljubljana comprise 60 school hours and take place twice a week for two school hours.

The first lecture will be held on February 19th, 2024.

All groups will only be held if there is a sufficient number of applicants. 


BEGINNER LEVELS

1.1 CONVERSATIONAL

The 60-hour 1.1 Conversational course is designed for those who are interested in Chinese language and culture and have no prior knowledge. Students who wish to enroll in this course are not required to take a placement test. 

Schedule:
GROUP A [Online]: Monday, Wednesday, 17:00-18:30
GROUP B: [face-to-face] Tuesday, Thursday, 17:00-18:30

Textbook: HSK Standard Course 1 textbook (Jiang Liping, ISBN: 9787561937099) and workbook (Jiang Liping, ISBN: 9787561937105)

Course outline:


 Lesson Topic School hours
1 Hello
Greeting 4 hours
2 Thank you!
Greeting 4 hours
3 What's your name? Names 4 hours
4 She is my Chinese teacher. Nationality 4 hours
5 Her daughter is 20 years old this year. Time 4 hours
6 What is the date today? Time 4 hours
7 I can speak Chinese. Space 4 hours
8 Where does your son work? Space 4 hours
9 Can I sit here? Space 4 hours
10 I's like some tea. Shopping 4 hours
11 What is the time now? Time 4 hours
12 What will the weather be like tomorrow? Time and Space 4 hours
13 He is learning to cook Chinese food. Time and Space 4 hours
14 She has bought quite a few clother.
Shopping 4 hours
15 I came here by air. Transportation 4 hours

*We reserve the right to change the syllabus.

After successfully finishing 60 hours of Chinese language course, students are encouraged to take HSK2 exam and HSKK1. Obtaining the HSK certificate is a prerequisite for applying for a Confucius scholarship to study in China.

20-hour Chinese Character course: It is not a compulsory course. Students can continue studying in level 1.2, part 1 even without participating in Chinese Character course. But it is advised, since Chinese character knowledge will be needed in 1.2 Comprehensive, part 1. This course will take place in June. More details soon.


1.2 COMPREHENSIVE, PART 1 (Online)

The course 1.2 Comprehensive, Part 1 is suitable for all those who have already had around 60 hours of study of the Chinese language. Students who do not have the appropriate certificates to enroll in the Beginner 1.2 course must take the placement test. 

Schedule: Monday, Wednesday, 18:45-20:15

Textbook: HSK Standard Course 2 textbook (Jiang Liping, ISBN: 978-7561937266) and workbook (Jiang Liping, ISBN: 978-7561937808)

Course outline:


 Lesson Topic School hours
1 September is the best time to visit Beijing Hobby 7 hours
2 I get up at six every day Daily activities 7 hours
3 The red one on the left is mine Colours 7 hours
4 He recommended me for this job Job 7 hours
5 Take this one Shopping 7 hours
6 Mid-term review
2 hours
7 Why don’t you eat more Reasoning 7 hours
8 Do you live far from your company Transport 7 hours
9 Let me think about it and I'll tell you later Reasoning 7 hours
10 End-of-term review
2 hours

Final exam

*We reserve the right to change the syllabus.


1.2 COMPREHENSIVE, PART 2 (Online)

The course 1.2 Comprehensive, Part 2 is suitable for all those who have already had around 120 hours of study of the Chinese language. Students who do not have the appropriate certificates to enroll in the 1.2 Comprehensive, Part 2 course must take the placement test. 

Schedule: Tuesday, Thursday, 17:00-18:30

Textbook: HSK Standard Course 2 textbook (Jiang Liping, ISBN: 978-7561937266) and workbook (Jiang Liping, ISBN: 978-7561937808)

Course outline:


 Lesson Topic School hours
1 Review
2 hours
2 Stop looking for your cell phone; it’s on your desk
Suggestions
7 hours
3 He is three years older than me
Comparison
7 hours
4 You wear too little
School life 7 hours
5 Midterm review

2 hours
6 The door is open Status
7 hours
7 Have you seen that movie
Experience
7 hours
8 The New Year is coming
Culture
7 hours
9 Level 2 vocabulary review

4 hours
10 Level 2 Grammar review

4 hours
11 HSK level 2 preparation

6 hours

Final exam

*We reserve the right to change the syllabus.

With the study of 60 hours, students should be able to easily pass the exam HSK2 and for most of the students, it is also the appropriate time to take the HSKK1.


1.3 COMPREHENSIVE

The 1.3 Comprehensive course is suitable for all those students who have passed the HSK2 exam or have knowledge equivalent to the 180 hours of study at CI Ljubljana. Students who do not have the appropriate certificates to enroll in the 1.3 course must take the placement test. 

Schedule: Monday, Wednesday, 17:00-18:30 (Online)

Textbook: HSK Standard Course 3 textbook (Jiang Liping, ISBN: 978-7561938188) and workbook (Jiang Liping, ISBN: 978-7561938157)

Course outline:


 Lesson Topic School hours
1 Review
4 hours
2 What is your plan for the weekend? Daily life 5 hours
3 When will he come back? Daily life 5 hours
4 There are plenty of drinks on the table. Daily life 5 hours
5 She always smiles when talking to customers. Work life 5 hours
6 Midterm review
2 hours
7 I am getting fatter and fatter lately. Life and health 5 hours
8 Why are they suddenly missing? Life and health 5 hours
9 I have known her for five years. Work life 5 hours
10 I will go wherever you go. Future and plans 5 hours
11 She speaks Chinese like a native. School life 5 hours
12 Math is much harder than history. School life 5 hours
13
End of term review
4 hours

Final exam

*We reserve the right to change the syllabus.


1.4 COMPREHENSIVE

The 1.4 Comprehensive course is suitable for those students who have passed the HSK3 exam or who have had approximately 240 hours of learning Chinese language at CI Ljubljana. Students who do not have the appropriate certificates to enroll in this course must take the placement test. 

Schedule: Monday, Wednesday, 18:45-20:15 (Online)

Textbook: HSK Standard Course 3 textbook (Jiang Liping, ISBN: 978-7561938188) and workbook (Jiang Liping, ISBN: 978-7561938157)

Course outline:


 Lesson Topic School hours
1 Review
3 hours
2 Don't forget to turn off the air conditioner. Work life 4,5 hours
3 Leave the important things with me. Work life 4,5 hours
4 I walked back. Daily life 4,5 hours
5 Please bring the fruits here. Daily life 4,5 hours
6 Midterm review
2 hours
7 The rest of them are all ok. Time and space 4,5 hours
8 I am so tired that I want to do nothing but sleep after work. Life and health 4,5 hours
9 Everybody is able to cure your "disease". Life and health 4,5 hours
10 I believe they will agree. Opinions 4,5 hours
11 Didn't you recognize him? Opinions 4,5 hours
12 I have been influenced by him. Opinions 4,5 hours
13 End of term review
4 hours
14 HSK 3 preparations
6 hours

Final exam

*We reserve the right to change the syllabus.

After the study of the level 1.4 Comprehensive, all those students who study well are able to pass the HSK3. Most of the students are supposed to do a very good job at the HSKK primary level, and are also able to pass the HSKK intermediate level.

Students who have no experience of studying in China can apply to study in China for one semester through the Confucius Scholarship with the HSK3 certificate with at least 180 points and the HSKK score report.


INTERMEDIATE LEVELS

INTERMEDIATE COURSE 2.2

The course Intermediate 2 is open to those who have had at least 300-320 hours of study of Chinese or those who have equivalent knowledge (or those who have passed the test HSK3).  Students who do not have the appropriate certificates to enroll in Intermediate 2.2 must take the placement test. 

Schedule: Monday, Wednesday, 18:45-20:15 [Face-to-Face/Online]

Textbook: HSK Standard Course 4 上 (Textbook and workbook)

Course outline:

Sessions Lesson Topic School hours
1 to 5 The higher the price, the better the quality Shopping 10 hours
6 to 10 The best doctor is yourself Health 10 hours
11 to 15 Beauty is not rare to life Attitudes towards life 10 hours
16 to 17 Review
4 hours
18 to 22 The sun will shine again after the storm Success 10 hours
23 to 27 Standards of happiness Happiness 10 hours
28 Review
2 hours
29 to 30 Mock exam
4 hours

*We reserve the right to change the syllabus.

This course will comprehensively cultivate the five aspects of "listening, speaking, reading, writing and translation" and prepare students with all the knowledge and skills required for taking the HSK 4 proficiency test. Upon completion of Intermediate 2, students are expected to pass both HSK 4 and HSKK Intermediate. 


INTERMEDIATE COURSE 2.4

The course Intermediate 2.4 is open to those who have had at least 400-420 hours of study of Chinese or those who have equivalent knowledge.  Students who do not have the appropriate certificates to enroll in the Intermediate 2.4 must take the placement test. 

Schedule: Tuesday, Thursday, 18:45-20:15 (Online)

Textbook: HSK Standard Course 4 下 (Textbook and workbook)

Course outline:

Sessions
Lesson Topic School Hours
1 to 5
Life can be better
Values
10 hours
6 to 10
Humans and nature
Values
10 hours
11 to 15
Science, technology, and the world
Technology
10 hours
16 to 17
Review

4 hours
18 to 22
Task of life
Relationship
10 hours
23 to 27
The view along the way
Relationship
10 hours
28 Review

2 hours
29 to30
Mock exam

4 hours

Final exam


*We reserve the right to change the syllabus.

This course will comprehensively cultivate the five aspects of "listening, speaking, reading, writing and translation" and prepare students with all the knowledge and skills required for taking the HSK 4 proficiency test. Upon completion of Intermediate 2, students are expected to pass both HSK 4 and HSKK Intermediate.


HIGHER LEVELS

If you are interested in higher levels, please contact us at ciljubljana@ef.uni-lj.si (in Slovenian), zhi.ma@ef.uni-lj.si (in English). Chinese language courses at higher levels are offered only in case of a sufficiently large number of applicants.

Introduction: The higher levels are open to all who have passed the HSK4 exam and can communicate freely in Chinese or have equivalent knowledge.

Proposed group-class Textbook: HSK Standard Course 5

The content of the courses is adapted to the level of knowledge of the applicants.


BUSINESS CHINESE PROGRAM

We offer Individual Business Chinese and Culture to individuals or intensive groups (2-5) from business community. All the content will be tailor-made to your time, needs and requirements, including:

  • Language training based on your needs
  • Presentation of Chinese culture values, Chinese mindset, Chinese life etc.
  • Seminars on business negotiations, cross-culture management, Chinese economics etc.

For more information, please contact Confucius Institute Ljubljana at ciljubljana@ef.uni-lj.si (in Slovenian), zhi.ma@ef.uni-lj.si (in English).

Chinese Calligraphy Workshop for Lifelong Learners


The 20-hour courses (10 sessions) are held face to face, with classes once a week for two school hours. The first lecture will be held on Tuesday, April 9th, 2024.


Course Description

Embark on a journey into Chinese calligraphy crafted explicitly for mature learners. Whether you’re a complete novice or seeking to enhance your current skills, this workshop is designed with a straightforward, step-by-step approach to learning.

Our sessions will cover the foundational aspects of Chinese calligraphy, such as basic strokes, character structure, and the essential tools of the trade. You'll gain historical insights into this ancient art, learning how it has evolved and its place in contemporary culture. We will introduce the different calligraphy styles, from the traditional to the modern, and discuss the philosophical elements that give meaning to the art. In addition to practical writing techniques, we’ll examine the parallels between calligraphy and classical Chinese painting, enriching your understanding of these interrelated disciplines.

The workshop is tailored to adult learning styles, with plenty of hands-on practice, personalised feedback, and opportunities for peer discussion. We aim to offer a fulfilling and intellectually stimulating experience. By the end of the course, you will be able to create beautiful calligraphy pieces confidently, and you’ll have deepened your understanding of this art form’s historical and cultural significance. Join us to discover the meditative and artistic rewards of Chinese calligraphy.

Outcomes of the workshop for lifelong learners

  • Understanding of Calligraphy: Gain a solid introductory knowledge of Chinese calligraphy and the nature of Chinese characters, grasping their aesthetic and cultural significance.
  • Recognition of Styles: Be able to identify and differentiate between the various styles of Chinese calligraphy, appreciating the unique qualities of each.
  • Basic Techniques: Acquire the skill to handle a brush, execute the fundamental strokes used in Chinese characters, and craft simple individual characters confidently.
  • Emotional Expression: Learn to infuse your emotions into your calligraphy, using the brush as a tool for personal expression.
  • Creation of Artwork: Develop the ability to create your own Chinese calligraphy artwork that you’ll be proud to display or share with others.


Course Registration (Now closed)

https://forms.gle/skTjY9btMgjJjdFv6


Class Time：Each Tuesday 

Group A:  10:30-12:00 

Group B:  15:30-17:00

Instructor：Zhang Bo <Bo.Zhang@ef.uni-lj.si>

Location: CI -Tea house (Kardeljeva ploščad 17 1000 Ljubljana)


Course Outline (Each session lasts 2 school hours) :

1

9.4

2 school hours

Introduction and Basics

2

16.4

2 school hours

Practice 4 basic strokes and some characters

3

23.4

2 school hours

Practice 5 basic strokes and some characters

4

7.5

2 school hours

Practice 5 basic strokes and some characters

5

14.5

2 school hours

Practice 4 basic strokes and some characters

6

21.5

2 school hours

Practice characters，phrases and sentences

7

28.5

2 school hours

Practice single characters，phrases and sentences

8

4.6

2 school hours

Introduce the characteristics of running script and conduct basic training

9

11.6

2 school hours

Introduce the characteristics of cursive script and conduct basic training

10

18.6

2 school hours

Create personalized works，Show personalized works, rate and share your thoughts

*We reserve the rights to change the syllabus.

INDIVIDUAL HOURS OF GENERAL CHINESE LANGUAGE AND CULTURE

One-to-one Chinese language classes are recommended for those who:

  • wish to focus mainly on oral Chinese language;
  • cannot follow the fixed group lesson schedule;
  • prefer the lessons to be slower or more intensive;
  • have special requirements for the curriculum and other lesson contents.

The content of each lesson is fully customizable according to the students' needs.

The price for one lesson (45 minutes) is 24,00 EUR (including VAT). Quantity discounts are available.

To register, please contact the Confucius Institute Ljubljana ciljubljana@ef.uni-lj.si.


INDIVIDUAL HOURS OF BUSINESS CHINESE LANGUAGE AND CULTURE

The Business Chinese course is designed for individuals or small groups. The content of the course is adapted to the needs of each individual or group. With the Business Chinese course you will acquire:

  • Language training according to your needs;
  • Lectures on negotiating with Chinese companies, intercultural management, Chinese economy, etc;
  • Lectures on Chinese culture, Chinese opinion, Chinese way of life, etc.
  • Individual courses can be customized for all age groups.

Price for one lesson is EUR 24,00 (including VAT). Discounts are available on individual lesson packages.

For more information write to ciljubljana@ef.uni-lj.si or call +386 1 5892 748.


INDIVIDUAL PREPARATION FOR HSK AND HSKK EXAM

HSK or "Hanyu shuiping kaoshi" is the only official standardized examination of the People's Republic of China for foreigners.

Price for 1 individual hour: 24,00 EUR (including VAT).

For registration please write to ciljubljana@ef.uni-lj.si.

All necessary information regarding the HSK exam is available here.

Confucius Institute Ljubljana


University of Ljubljana, School of Economics and Business


Kardeljeva ploščad 17
1000 Ljubljana
T: (01) 5892-748
E: ciljubljana@ef.uni-lj.si  

Accreditations School of Economics and Business



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