Study Abroad Programs in Beijing, China

As an international city, the list of subjects you can study in Beijing is virtually endless. Most international students that choose to study abroad in Beijing end up studying at local universities, either directly or specially enhanced by third-party study abroad program providers. In addition, U.S. based universities often arrange their own faculty-led study abroad programs in Beijing. 

That being said, there are some areas of study that are more emphasized than others. Naturally, there are a great deal of courses offered in Chinese and Asian studies, both of which come with plenty of opportunities to practice what you learn or take your learning outside the classroom. Since Beijing is the heart of over 3,000 years of Chinese history, there is no shortage of history classes to dust off your dynasties.

For those inclined to think more about the present state of the world, there are study abroad programs in Beijing focused on business, economics, and international policy and diplomacy. Not only does study abroad in Beijing offer students the latest technological advancements and the freshest perspectives, it also provides plenty of opportunities for networking and research.

Most large universities in Beijing operate in a similar fashion to Western schools, especially if you choose a study abroad program arranged through your home university. Classes will likely be organized into terms or semesters, though their are some short-term opportunities to study in Beijing, including winter and spring break options. China has distinct seasons, so when it comes to picking a time of year to study abroad in Beijing, ask yourself which season you’d like to experience in China. Cold winters will make a hot cup of green tea your BFF, dusty springs persist thanks to the nearby Gobi Desert, golden summers make the red color of the traditional buildings pop, and delightful autumn brings moon cakes and falling leaves. 

One last consideration before you decide how to study in Beijing: unless you enroll in a Chinese program directly, it is likely classes will be taught, at least partially, in English; so, if you’re not a pro at Mandarin (yet), no worries. If you would like to focus more on learning Chinese while studying in Beijing, do your research and sign up for classes instructed in Mandarin, or take some language classes on the side!