Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University

At XJTLU, you’ll have the opportunity to explore China’s vast and varied landscapes, ancient cultures and dynamic economic development from a prime location in the heart of China’s booming eastern corridor.

Course Information:

Students normally study 20 credits per semester (equivalent to 5 courses/15 units at UCalgary). Indicate at least 40 credits of modules (classes) in order of preference on your RAISA application, made from XJTLU's module catalogue. Tentative module selections must be approved by your academic advisor(s) if/when you are admitted on exchange. Exchange students can also study a maximum of one Chinese Language module (CLT module) per semester.

Level 1-3 courses correspond to our 1st-3rd year level courses. 

Course Restrictions: Physical Education (PHE) modules are not available for exchange students. Level 0 modules are also not open to exchange students. 

Please note that Haskayne students must apply through Haskayne. 

The academic year is divided into two semesters.

• Semester 1 runs from early September to mid-January, with mandatory orientation in late August.
• Second Semester runs from mid-February to mid-June 

Exchange students that apply by the deadline are guaranteed housing at XJTLU. Accommodation options range from studios to six-bedroom apartments (subject to availability with preference given to advanced bookings). See accommodation for more information. Cost ranges from 50-128 RMB/day. 

This exchange is open to regular, full-time students in any faculty at UCalgary, who have completed at least 1 full year (10 courses) at the post-secondary level, with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 (B).

XJTLU offers a selection of English-taught courses each semester. However, a minimum of Chinese 205/207 is recommended for this program. 

Students who want to take courses taught in Mandarin must have high intermediate to advanced Mandarin (HSK 5).

An academic reference is required for a complete application.

Please note: China restricts access to exchange programs to citizens of other countries. Students who plan to travel on a Chinese passport are not eligible for exchange in China.

Do I have to speak Mandarin?

No prior knowledge of Mandarin is required for this exchange. XJTLU makes China accessible for international exchange students with curriculum all taught in English, combined with Chinese language and in-depth studies of China, taught by some of Asia’s foremost experts.

How can I learn or improve my Mandarin?

XJTLU offers a Mandarin course each semester that is open to exchange students. With a knowledge of Mandarin and English, you become more globally mobile and highly employable.

What's special about Suzhou?

Blending one of Asia’s leading research and innovation hubs, a quirky old town with canals and willow-filled lanes, and a glitzy new town, Suzhou is a curious mix of the ancient and the hypermodern. Connected by bullet train to the centre of Shanghai and Beijing you will have a chance to experience the pulsing heart of east Asia. Develop an understanding of the world’s second largest economy and largest consumer market, all while meeting people from across the globe and forming friendships that will last a lifetime. Check out great attractions in and around Suzhou, as well as some of the local entertainment and amenities. 

What resources are available for new students?

As a student at XJTLU, you can participate in student sport clubs and classes. Currently 21 sports are offered through classes at XJTLU, including badminton, basketball, belly dancing, billiards, boxing, bridge, Chinese martial arts, football, free combat, body building, golf, popping, roller-skating, sport dancing, table tennis, taekwondo, tai chi, tai chi sword, tennis, ultimate frisbee, and yoga. Other sports such as rock climbing, soccer, and bowling are also available.

You can also join a variety of over 120 clubs and organizations. 

What supports or services are available at XJTLU?

Student Counselling is available for students through the Mental Health and Development Centre. This is a confidential service. 

XJTLU Global provides airport pickup, orientation, support for visa processing and arranging on-campus accommodation. See the International Student Guide for information on things to prepare before you go. 

Halal: In terms of diet, all Chinese cities have Halal restaurants mostly established by Hui Muslims. Traditionally the north west of China was predominately a Muslim region of Chinese Muslim converts and people of Turkic descent who had settled on the Silk Road trading routes. Hui and Uyghur cuisine are now popular all around China and Halal is relatively well understood and respected due to this long historical presence of Muslims in China. Halal products and restaurants normally display a Halal (清真) certification.

Vegetarians and those with food allergies: The concept of being vegetarian is not well understood outside of big cities and popular tourist destinations, and allergies are almost unheard of. Therefore, vegetarians and those with food allergies need to be very careful when eating out in China. If shortage of some highly seasonal fruits and vegetables does not bother you, access to a wide variety of fruits and vegetables in supermarkets, wet markets in communities or even roadside stalls will certainly meet self-catering needs. When going out to eat you need to be vigilant and make sure that the food you have ordered is ok for you. Many restaurants have picture menus to show you exactly what is in the dish you are ordering. Be aware that shellfish, gluten, and peanuts may be used in flavouring various dishes and servers may not even consider their presence. The International Student Guide contains more information on this.