Learning a foreign language abroad

BEIJING LANGUAGE AND CULTURE UNIVERSITY

BLCU is a state-approved university in northwest Beijing that specializes in teaching the Chinese language and culture to foreign students. Short-term and degree programs are offered. Tuition for the 12-week accelerated course ranges from about $1,096 to $1,460, not including accommodations.

Office of Admissions for Foreign Students, 15 Xueyuan Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100083 China, www.blcu.edu.cn.

THE BEST WAY

From LAX, nonstop service is offered on Air China, and connecting service (change of planes) is available on Cathay Pacific, China Air, China Eastern, JAL, Korean, Northwest and United. Restricted round-trip fares begin at $770.

STUDY ABROAD INFORMATION

CET Academic Programs, 1920 N St. N.W., Suite 200, Washington, DC 20036; (800) 225-4262, www.cetacademicprograms.com, is a private study-abroad organization that offers programs in China, Vietnam, the Czech Republic, Italy and Spain.

IIEPassport Study Abroad Directories, 1350 Edgmont Ave., Suite 1100, Chester, PA 19013-3934, (484) 766-2930, www.iiepassport.org, maintains an electronic database of study-abroad programs worldwide.

International Assn. of Language Centres in Canterbury, England, 011-44-1227-769-007, www.ialc.org, monitors and represents 90 schools in 21 countries.

National Registration Center for Study Abroad, P.O. Box 1393, Milwaukee, WI 53201, www.nrcsa.com, keeps a list of foreign language programs in 39 countries and 29 languages.

Those who want more personalized assistance finding a program can use language-study booking agencies, such as Barcelona, Spain-based www.languagecourse.net. The agencies keep their own lists of schools and handle applications, accommodations and payments.

TO LEARN MORE

China National Tourist Office,

(818) 545-7507, www.cnto.org.