The Council program at Nanjing University focuses on the development of communicative competence within selected subject areas of Chinese society and culture by covering topics simultaneously in language and area studies classes. The program aims to provide a solid foundation for intermediate level students in the four skills of reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Students are required to use the language creatively outside the classroom and then to present, discuss, and develop their efforts in cooperation with teachers and fellow students. All students take two language classes in Mandarin Chinese, taught by faculty of Nanjing University, and an area studies course taught in English by the resident director.
Independent travel is encouraged on weekends as well as during the mid-semester break.