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CIEE Intensive Chinese Language in Beijing, China
Location: China: Beijing
Term: Fall, Spring, Academic Year
Dates: Fall 15 weeks: late August to early December; Spring 15 weeks: mid February to late May, Academic Year 44 weeks: late August to late May
300 Fore Street Portland, ME 04101 United States
Call Us
Phone: 207-533-4000;
Toll-free: 800.40.STUDY
Fax: 207-553-5000
Description
The Intensive Chinese Language study abroad program at Peking University in Beijing, China is one of the oldest and most recognized intensive Chinese language programs. The Peking University Center for Teaching Chinese houses over eight different language levels and many other elective courses that benefit the specific needs of each student. Intensive language courses coupled with individual language tutorials, diversified field trips, modern housing facilities, and experienced on-site staff, make the CIEE Study Center in Beijing an incredible place to study and learn cross-cultural skills under the auspices of the most famous university in China.
Academic Program
The CIEE Study Center at Peking University (PKU) was founded in 1980, soon after the normalization of U.S.-China relations. The Intensive Chinese Language program offers students an opportunity to improve their fluency in spoken and written Mandarin Chinese through intensive language training. Students may also elect to take one course in English to supplement their understanding of China. Electives in English are offered in the areas of culture, business, and politics.
Academic Culture
Students attend language classes from Monday through Friday for a total of 20 hours a week. Individual schedules vary depending on course levels. Typical classroom size for core language classes varies from 10 to 20 students. Elective classes typically have 20 to 40 students, depending on the topic.
Please note that a student's class level does not necessarily correspond with the years the student has spent learning Chinese. Broad language levels at PKU consist of multiple sub-levels to allow students with similar language proficiency to be grouped together in one class. Typically, several sub-levels exist for each broad language level. Therefore, course syllabi and content vary from course to course within each level at PKU's International College for Chinese Language Studies.
The CIEE semester program ends in accordance with the typical U.S. academic calendar as early exams are arranged for CIEE students. However, the language classes at PKU continue for one month past the end date of the CIEE program. Depending on the date of the Lunar New Year, there is approximately a two-month break between the end of the fall semester and the start of the spring semester, during which academic year students may travel around China and other parts of Asia. Other than these occasions, students should limit travel to nearby destinations on weekends or reserve more extensive travel until after the program has ended.
Highlights
Culture
Cultural Activities and Field Trips
Guided field trips are organized to historic and cultural sites in and around Beijing, such as the Great Wall, Tiananmen Square, the Temple of Heaven, the Dashanzi Art District, and various other famous sites of interest. There are additional site visits to supplement the area studies course. Cultural activities may include the Beijing Opera and an acrobatic performance. Classes in calligraphy, painting, taijiquan, and traditional Chinese musical instruments are also offered.
Cultural Reimbursement Program
As a means of encouraging students to enrich their study abroad experience, CIEE offers a Cultural Reimbursement Program. Through this program, students are reimbursed for their participation in such cultural activities as Chinese film screenings, theater performances, traditional music concerts, and visits to local museums and historic places of interest. Students are encouraged to invite peer tutors to such events when possible.
Immersion
Short-Term Homestay Experience
Students living in the campus dormitories or off-campus housing may take part in an optional, short-term homestay experience for three weeks. This allows CIEE students to experience both the student and Chinese family living environment while in Beijing. Each homestay provides a private room, Internet access, and laundry facilities.
Extended Cultural Excursion
An extended cultural excursion to Xi'an, Hangzhou, Nanjing, or Henan allows students to learn about areas outside of Beijing and to utilize their Chinese language skills under the leadership of the CIEE Resident Director. The location is selected prior to each term and changes each semester. Several Chinese students accompany the group to help foster a Chinese-speaking environment during the trip. Students are expected to maintain their language commitment during all program activities.
Target Language Meals
To encourage students to use their Chinese in an informal setting, CIEE arranges bimonthly group meals for students, their language teachers, peer tutors, and Resident Staff. Students attending the optional meals are encouraged to speak only Chinese with their teachers and peers.
Degree Level
Bachelors Degree (Undergraduate)
Cost in US$:
Please check the CIEE website for current program pricing.
Cost Includes:
Cost Include Description:
The CIEE program fee includes an optional on-site airport meet and greet, tuition, housing, orientation, full-time program leadership and support, cultural activities, local excursions, field trips, pre-departure advising, visa fees, and a CIEE iNext travel card which provides insurance and other travel benefits.
Credit Available
no
Experience Required
yes
- Overall GPA 2.75
- 3-8 semesters of college-level Mandarin Chinese or equivalent
- 1 college-level Chinese area studies course recommended
Note: Peking University will not accept students who are citizens of the People's Republic of China (PRC), Taiwan ROC, Hong Kong SAR, or Macau. This includes those who are U.S. permanent residents.
Students arriving with superior language fluency who test above the advanced level classes at the Peking University Language Center may be restricted to only to few appropriate Chinese language electives. There are also different fees and information associated with this program. Please see the Beijing Advanced Chinese Studies program.
This Program is open to
Worldwide Participant.
Typical Living Arrangements
- Dormitory
- Group living
- Home-stays
Participants Travel to China
Independently
Application Process Involves
- Letters of Reference
- Other
- Transcript
- Written Application
CIEE's Mission Statement
Since 1947, the Council on International Educational Exchange, known as CIEE, has been in pursuit of its mission, "to help people gain understanding, acquire knowledge, and develop skills for living in a globally interdependent and culturally diverse world. Our services to young people studying, working, teaching, and traveling abroad are more important than ever.
Year Founded
1947
