Description

The Advanced Chinese Studies study abroad program in Beijing, China is designed for students interested in using their superior level of Chinese to study international affairs, business, history, or Chinese literature alongside Chinese students. The Advanced Chinese Studies program offered at the CIEE Study Center at Peking University supports students in enrolling in one of four schools or departments both administratively and intellectually. Students learn about important topics in Chinese from a Chinese perspective, while developing professional writing and research skills in Chinese.

Academic Program
The CIEE Study Center at Peking University (PKU) was founded in 1980. The Advanced Chinese Studies program, which opened in 2009, offers support for superior Chinese language students interested in taking content classes completely in Chinese with Chinese undergraduate students. Students are required to pass a placement exam taken upon arrival in Beijing. Once students pass, they enroll in one of four schools or departments: the Department of Chinese Language and Literature; the Department of History; the School of International Studies; or the Guanghua School of Management. A CIEE Advanced Research and Writing course supplements direct enrollment courses at Peking University.

Academic Culture
Students attend classes from Monday through Friday and take most courses within one department or school. The academic culture of each department or school varies. Classroom size can range from 20 to 200 students depending on the course and teaching styles, and course requirements vary from course to course. Syllabi may or may not be provided depending on the professor. There is a Teacher's Assistant (TA) assigned to each course, and international students are expected to communicate with their TAs for specific course information and to discuss any issues they may be having. Students are expected to be both independent and diligent in regard to the requirements of each course.

Semester students take at least three direct enrollment courses and the CIEE core course. Academic year students take about seven courses; they do not need to repeat the CIEE core course in the spring.

Highlights

* Directly enroll in specific departments or schools of the prestigious Peking University including the School of International Studies and the Guanghua School of Management
* Advance your Chinese to a professional level with one-on-one tutorials and Chinese language meals with tutors and staff
* Participate in cultural activities, with reimbursements, to the Beijing Opera, acrobatic performances, Tiananmen Square, and the Dashanti Art District

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 Forbidden City, the Temple of Heaven, the Dashanzi Art District, and various other famous sites of interest. Cultural activities may include the Beijing Opera and an acrobatic show. Classes in calligraphy, painting, taijiquan, seal carving, and traditional Chinese musical instruments are also offered. Although there are no formal community service activities in this program, volunteer opportunities can be arranged by CIEE Staff.

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.

Degree Level

Bachelors Degree (Undergraduate)

Subject Areas

Cost in US$:

Please check the CIEE website for current program pricing.

Program Fees Include:

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.

Experience Required

yes

Students must take Peking University's (PKU) initial placement test in Beijing to be qualified to directly enroll at PKU. Typically, students that speak and write at the superior level on the ACTFL scale are likely to pass the PKU placement test. These students have often completed Third Year Chinese or the equivalent at the college level. Students who do not pass this test are required to enroll in the CIEE Intensive Chinese Language program at the advanced level.
Students are encouraged to provide a current HSK (National Chinese Language Proficiency Test) score along with their application to expedite the admissions process. The minimum HSK requirement is level 6 but level 8 is highly recommended.

• Overall GPA 3.0
• Junior standing and above * 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.

This Program is open to

Worldwide Participants.

Typical Living Arrangements

• Group living
• Home-stays

Participants Travel

Independently

Scholarships are Available

We have several scholarships that students can apply for. Contact CIEE for details.

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