Tsinghua University

This semester I will be studying intensive mandarin Chinese at Tsinhua University [清华大学] ] in Beijing, China (right). Term begins mid-September and will finish towards the end of January '09.

Campus
I will be staying on campus in a hall of residence intended for international students.

The campus was established in 1911 on the site of a former Qing Dynasty royal garden, some elements which remain include traditional Chinese-style landscaped gardens and some traditional buildings. Tsinghua is famous throughout China for having one of the most beautiful campuses in China.

It is situated to the northwest of Beijing's city centre in the Haidian district. The Haidian district is also known to many as Beijing's "student district" given it was designated for Beijing's universities and academic institutions. Haidian is Beijing's second largest district with a population of a 2.2 million, mainly college students.

Reputation
Tsinghua is nationally and internationally ranked the top university in China and is reputed for its prestigious guest speakers hosted over the years such as Bill Clinton, Tony Blair, Henry Kissinger among many others. Former alumni include China's current President, Hu Jintao.

Chinese Language Course
My course will be intensive mandarin and will be taught through four hours of tuition each weekday followed by examination in January. The programme also offers its students the opportunity to take elective courses relating to Chinese culture and tradition ranging from the martial art Tai Chi and traditional calligraphy. I am certainly interested to check out what is on offer - the thought of me playing the Er Hu an ancient Chinese two-string fiddle is intriguing to say the least! Watch this space!

For more information about Tsinghua University visit: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tsinghua_University

For more information about the Er Hu visit: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Erhu !
[Thanks to Wikipedia for their image and information.]

Chinese Student Societies Video Series

OJT will launch a series of short weekly video documentaries exploring a selection of Tsinghua University's student societies from the perspective of an exchange student. A rare opportunity to gain an insight into the lifestyle and mindset of students from the highest ranked university in China. Exploring societies ranging from the intriguing 'Anti-Cult Association', from Table Tennis to Entrepreneurship, Marxism to Dancing, 'Speech and Eloquence' to 'Social Interaction Development', this amateur series aims to be both entertaining and thought-provoking. Not to be missed!

Yet Another Blog Is Born...

Welcome to One Jasmine Tea!

My name is Harry and here I will share my experiences whilst stuyding as a student in China's capital city, Beijing. Presented creatively using a combination of written blogs, video pieces, picture galleries and slideshows, this blog will seek excitement, address concerns and uncover revelations - and all presented here in a concise, disciplined manner for your interest and amusement. That's the aim. There'll also be lots of Jasmine Tea.

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