Minzu University of China
The Central University for Nationalities is Located in Beijing
Apr 29, 2009
The Minzu University of China (also known as Minzu Daxue in Chinese (or simply Minda for short) is a major ethnic minority university in China. Located in Beijing, approximately 70% of the students are non-Han Chinese minorities. The school’s student body represents all of China’s 56 officially recognized ethnic groups.
Minzu University of China is sometimes referred to as CUN, short for Central University for Nationalities. This was the school’s English name prior to the 2008–2009 school year.
The school has been designated as a Project 211 School. This means that the government gives the Minzu University of China special funding and support for the purpose of modernizing and improving the competitiveness of higher education in China.
Minzu University of China is not the only ethnic minority university in China. Other ethnic universities in China include Chengdu's Southwest University for Nationalities and Xining's Northwest University for Nationalities.
Location: Beijing’s Haidian District
Minzu University of China (or the Central University for Nationalities) is located in Beijing’s Haidian District. This is in the western section of urban Beijing. It sits along Zhongguancun street, a major north-south artery.
Minzu University of China is a short bus ride between Xizhimen and Haidian Huangzhang subway stations. It is a half-hour bus ride or 20 RMB taxi ride to Wudaokou, one of Beijing’s student nightlife centers. It is also near the Zhongguancun electronics district, the Beijing zoo and aquarium as well as the Purple Bamboo Park.
The neighborhood around the school has many ethnic-minority restaurants. Cuisine from the Mongolian, Uighur, Korean and Dai ethnic groups can be found within walking distance of the campus.
Programs and Academics
Minzu University of China is known for outstanding anthropology, ethnic studies and minority language programs. Chinese and foreign students alike can learn ethnic minority languages like Tibetan or Mongolian. The dance program is also one of the best in China.
The school also offers Chinese language classes for international students. There are around 10 levels of classes in all, ranging from absolute beginner to advanced levels. There are hundreds of foreign students from a variety of countries, including North America, Europe, South Korea, Japan and many Central Asian countries such as Mongolia and Kazakhstan.
Students studying Chinese at Minzu University of China are also given free optional tutoring lessons in the evenings. Students are given the opportunity to learn Chinese dance, calligraphy and music.
International Student Accommodations
There are two on-campus housing options for international students. The East Gate Dormitory houses two students in one room; each room has a private bathroom. Each floor shares a refrigerator and a washing machine. Wireless internet is available. Rent is about 50 RMB per person per day, comparable to the off-campus apartments in the neighborhood.
Another option is the International Student Apartments near the school’s west gate. These apartments are somewhat more expensive than the East Gate Dormitory. They include a large living room, a kitchen and a bathroom. There are generally two students to an apartment and bedrooms are shared.
The school has four cafeterias. Meals generally cost 10 RMB or less. Halal food is easily available due to the large number of Muslim Chinese and international students at Minzu University of China.
The Minzu University of China, or Central University for Nationalities, is the most well-known ethnic university in China. It has a wide variety of liberal arts and language programs. It is located in Beijing's Haidian District and has good facilities to accommodate its large international student population.
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