Why Chinese at Iowa?
Develop proficiency in Chinese and gain a competitive edge in global careers.
Explore undergraduate programs in Chinese
Enrich your academic journey
Join a supportive community of learners and immerse yourself in Chinese language and literature while at the University of Iowa. Gain access to study abroad opportunities in China, enrich your language skills and cultural understanding.
Honors
Earn honors in your major while studying Chinese at the University of Iowa.
Study abroad
Practice your language skills, expose yourself to world cultures, and expand your worldview.
Internships
Apply what you learn in the program, gain real world experience, and pursue your future career path.
Connect with an ambassador
Become a student ambassador
Why study Chinese at Iowa?
Study Chinese at Iowa to connect with a rich cultural heritage and global opportunities.
At the University of Iowa, you can major or minor in Chinese through the Bachelor of Arts in Asian Languages and Literatures program. This track offers comprehensive coursework in Chinese language, literature, and culture, providing a deep understanding of one of the world’s most influential civilizations. You'll also have access to immersive experiences like study abroad programs and cultural events such as the Spring Festival and Mid-Autumn Festival.
Studying Chinese at Iowa opens doors to diverse career paths in international trade, government, law, media, education, and translation. The program encourages interdisciplinary studies, allowing you to complement your major with minors or second majors in areas like international studies, political science, or business. Additionally, you can participate in language partner programs and practice your skills through conversation hours and tutoring sessions.
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Courses offered
News
2023 Midwest University Chinese Speech Contest
2022 Midwest University Chinese Speech Contest
Chinese language and culture resources
Hanyu Shuiping Kaoshi (HSK) test
Hanyu Shuiping Kaoshi (HSK) is an international standardized Chinese language test to measure the ability of non-native Chinese speakers to communicate in Chinese in daily lives, academic and working settings. HSK enables you to test your current language proficiency, help you apply for scholarships of study abroad programs in Chinese and prepare you for your future Chinese study.
Why take the HSK test?
HSK enables you to test your current language proficiency, help you apply for scholarships of study abroad programs in Chinese and prepare you for your future Chinese study.
JUHE supplement
JUHE supplement 居荷副刊 is an annual magazine dedicated to the publication of fine Chinese essays written by learners of Chinese as a foreign language for the purpose of promoting Chinese study in North America. It provides a venue for learners to practice their penmanship and to share their ideas, inspirations, and successes in their Chinese learning.
We sincerely thank the Chinese Students & Scholars Association of the University of Iowa for its support to JUHE SUPPLEMENT, which has made this publication available to our Chinese learners.
Read past issues:
Submitting essays to JUHE Supplement
We welcome students of Chinese nationwide to submit their writings. We accept manuscripts anytime during the year. A sample copy of JUHE SUPPLEMENT might be available upon request. All submissions should be sent electronically. Upon receipt, the principal author will receive notification of receipt of the manuscript. Once the manuscript is accepted for publication, the contributor(s) will receive two complimentary copies of the magazine.
Please include contact information in your submission and send your manuscript to juhe.supplement@gmail.com.
STARTALK Chinese
The STARTALK Year-Round Chinese Program for Iowa High Schools (2022-23) is a three-semester plus one summer day camp specially designed for IOWA Junior high and high school students in grades 8-11 who wish to learn Chinese. Participants will earn 11 University of Iowa credits upon successful completion of the program.
The STARTALK program is funded by a grant from the National Security Agency. It is designated to promote critical language education in the U.S. Selected participants will receive a scholarship of approximately $6,800 to cover all program costs, including tuition, learning materials, lunches during the summer camp, cultural activities, workshops, and field trips.
Companion websites for required textbooks
Additional resources
- Learning Chinese website (Learning Chinese Online)
- Learning Chinese website (eChineseLearning)
- Learning Chinese Grammar (Chinese Grammar Wiki)
- Learning Chinese Culture and History
- Chinese Related Websites
- Best Chinese Websites
- Council on East Asian Libraries
- 100 Films to Watch to Help You Understand China
Study abroad
We encourage you to study abroad to develop your linguistic and intercultural competencies. The university has several opportunities to select from.
Write your story
Build knowledge. Conduct research. Create new work. Stand out among your peers. You're going places, and it all starts here.
Chinese faculty
Newell Ann Van Auken, PhD
Yanjie Li, PhD
