The Beijing Center: Semester and Full Year Abroad
The Beijing Center
The Beijing Center: ChinaGreen Environmental Studies Summer Program
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Stand out from the crowd and join The Beijing Center for a Semester or Full Year immersion in the heart of Beijing, China!The Beijing Center for Chinese Studies offers quality language studies and coursework, unparalleled immersion opportunities, ... read more
All Reviews
Besides just my improved language skills, I go a much more indepth vision of the Chinese culure and system of governance. We really were able to analysis the things around and just see China in a whole new light that isn't discussed at all in America. There was a lot of breaking down of stereotypes. Not to metion I really grew a... Maria T - Loyola University New Orleans View Entire Review
This program was invaluable because it expertly balanced exposure to a foreign culture and the community characteristic of Jesuit education. I felt very close to my fellow TBC students, but also never felt like I was held back from being immersed in the culture. I made many friends, traveled to wonderful places both in groups an... BenW - Gonzaga University View Entire Review
There is no better gift that you can give yourself than the chance to experience living in a different country for an extended period of time. China taught me so much about developing a global perspective, challenging myself to take risks, seeing things from other points of view, and exposed me to so many new ideas. I began the ... sophie e - Elon University View Entire Review
The program was great. I improved my language skills a lot more than I ever could have in the US and I also was able to get a deep understanding of the culture (which helps understand the language too!) A student - Loyola University Maryland View Entire Review
How to handle myself in another country Sean O - Fordham University View Entire Review
A great opportunity to experience something new with a support system. Definitely worthwhile. A student - Loyola University Maryland View Entire Review
Maturity, Experience, Fun, Life long friends, A gap year I intend to take, Answers Avery C - Fordham University View Entire Review
I learned a lot more of the language, the local culture, and the country's people. It was completely worthwhile, because I was challenged in countless ways just in order to make a life there, but I wouldn't have changed it for anything. Thomas M - Fordham University View Entire Review
A humbling perspective on different people that translated to a gain in humility in myself. Definitely worthwhile. Tim L - Fordham University View Entire Review
I was gone for a year. I'm still processing what I learned. But I know, no matter what, it was worthwhile. Everyone should study abroad. I've never done anything so challenging and eye opening. A student - Fordham University View Entire Review
Language skills, new perspectives on society and peoples, better understanding of myself. Absolutely worthwhile, the smartest thing I did in college Claire B - Fordham University View Entire Review
Career interest Zheng L - Fordham University View Entire Review
Incredible travel experiences along the Silk Road route in China, riding camels, visiting museums, camping overnight in the desert, getting to know local cultures, and much more! The intensive language course catapulted my language skills from beginner to immediate in just a semester. A student - Loyola University Chicago View Entire Review
I learned about a whole other culture that I knew very little about and I learned that despite all our differences we are all people who want the same things life, love, family, companionship, safety, etc. I also learned a lot about myself and the challenges that I am able to overcome if I put myself to the test. Jason O - Loyola University Chicago View Entire Review
This was the most rewarding experience of my life. It changed my heart forever and I will be forever grateful to TBC for giving that to me. Being in China for 4 months made me realize I could do absolutely anything, it gave me friends that I will have for the rest of my life and people to visit all over the world. I cannot recom... Maggie R - Elon University View Entire Review
Do not be afraid and enjoy the ride. I loved it! Benny L - Loyola University Chicago View Entire Review
My time abroad helped me to grow in ways I never thought I would be able to. Going into the program I was pretty shy and I was interested in traveling, but nervous. Coming home from the program I was open to try new foods, new experiences, do things that once scared me, and I was much more willing to speak out. I grew in confide... A student - Loyola University Maryland View Entire Review
A much better perspective on both cultures A student - Fordham University View Entire Review

This experience has expanded my perspective of the world, broadened my knowledge of China-U.S. relations, and challenged me in every way imaginable. The excursions particularly are something that TBC does very well and uniquely, and they make this program the best in China by allowing you to travel all over the country and truly... Shannon M - Fordham University View Entire Review

There is really no way to truly explain how much i've learn from my experience in China. It was more than what i had expected from the program. A student - Fairfield University View Entire Review
So much. Amongst many other things, I gained a greater appreciation for difference of people and culture, and of the openness of myself and others. Also, a greater appreciation for language. My experiences abroad in China were definitely worthwhile and if I could, I would definitely do it again. A student - Fordham University View Entire Review
I learned a lot about the Chinese culture, politics, and economics while making many great friends. I think it was definitely worthwhile Donald R - Fordham University View Entire Review
I am more of an adult now than I was before leaving. China has a way of pushing you to your limits. It is not for the faint of heart, but the experience will definitely be worth it. Very life changing. Catherine M - Fordham University View Entire Review
I really think my Chinese language improved and I got to see some incredible places in China. Therefore I achieved my goals that I set when I chose this program. Therefore I am very satisfied with my choice. Allison K - Wellesley College View Entire Review
About
The Beijing Center for Chinese Studies offers quality language studies and coursework, unparalleled immersion opportunities, and excursions throughout the country, where you will learn more about China in one week than you have in your entire life! You will select a level of Mandarin appropriate to your efficiency, and choose from over 20 courses through our school of record, the University of International Business and Economics (UIBE), that are taught in English by leading scholars from China's outstanding universities and institutes. Each semester you will travel throughout China on a two-week excursion. In the Fall, you will follow the ancient route of the Silk Road, history's cultural bridge between East and West, and in the Spring, you will experience China's cultural diversity as you travel throughout country's southeastern province of Yunnan.
Learning at TBC
Our students will learn that there is no easy analysis for a civilization as complex as China. However, complicating matters is an exciting adventure when renowned Chinese and international scholars lead you through hidden doors and windows to this magnificent culture.
Our classes are taught in English by leading scholars and practitioners that expose you to both Chinese and Western styles of teaching and perspectives. Our curriculum is designed to educate you about where China has been, where it is now, and most importantly - where China is heading.
Earn credits towards your degree by choosing from over 50 courses across 13 disciplines. Our diverse course offerings enable you to focus on your major, as well as explore other interests.
Each student, no matter whether beginner of fluent, will undertake a Chinese language course. Standard Chinese sessions are 1.5 hours and meet 3 days a week, whereas Intensive Chinese holds 3 hour sessions 4 times a week. All language classes are taught by native speakers. TBC pairs students with a Chinese university student for language tutoring each week so they can make faster and deeper strides towards learning the language and culture.
Academic Excursions
Excavating China would be pointless if you never got your hands dirty. We think of our excursions not as tourism but, as a way to ratify and see the figures and facts of China (about which you have and will continue to do so). If our academic courses are the "head" of our program; these excursions are the "heart." Your heart will be touched by real people who open their homes to you for an overnight stay. You will share meals and they will teach you their dances, while you sing for them. While traveling you will teach your classmates through presentations and reports of your own research on the characters, paths, ideas, literature, and economy of China. After everything you experience, you cannot return to your room unchanged. Except for inexpensive meals, the expense of these trips is included in the program fee.
Program Type(s):
Study AbroadInternship
Volunteer
Intensive Language
Program Length(s):
- Fall
- Summer
- Spring
- Academic Year
Instruction Language(s):
- English
Relevant Study Subject(s):
- Architecture
- Asian Studies
- East Asian Studies
- Chinese Studies
- East Asian Languages, Literature
- Chinese Language, Literature
- Literature
- Global Studies
- Theology
- Economics
- Sociology
- Film, Video, Photographic Arts
- Business Administration and Management
- International Business
- Marketing
- History
Minimum GPA:
2.8Year Founded:
1998Website
Take me there!Statistics
The Beijing Center Scholarships
Provides scholarships to U.S. undergraduate students to study abroad in areas of the world that are critical to U.S. interest. Maximum scholarship awards are $10,000 for a semester program and $20,000 for a full academic year.
$10,000-20,000
Award amounts vary however will range in increments of $500 to $1,500.
$500-1,500
The returning student scholarship provides current undergraduate TBC students or alumni with a cash award to support their continued study in China at TBC. To learn more, please contact advisor@thebeijingcenter.org.
Up to $1,000
Award amounts of up to $10,000 (full year abroad); $5,000 (fall/spring semester abroad); prorated by no. of weeks, minimum $1,250 (summer programs)
$1,250-10,000
The fly free scholarships are available to students at: Elon University, Georgetown University, and Marquette University. The fly free scholarships offer up to three students from each university an airfare subsidy of up to $1,000 for their flight to China. To learn more and apply for this scholarship, please contact your home university study abroad office.
$1,000
The Beijing Center offers paid internships and assistantships, depending on need, in the following departments: Academics and Administration, ChinaContact, Career Ventures, Marketing and Communications, Anton Library, Human Resources, and Student Life.
TBD
The Beijing Center (TBC) is committed to remaining a budget-friendly study abroad option for students. We aim to keep our costs similar to, or less than, a semester/year spent at your home university. To further assist students of financial need, TBC offers a Pell Grant Supplement Scholarship. The Pell Grant Supplement will be a $500 scholarship for any semester student who receives a Pell Grant as part of their regular financial aid package. To confirm eligibility, students will simply be required to submit a financial aid office letter detailing your overall financial aid package.
$500
Created to assist U.S. students with demonstrated financial need and limited prior experience in East and Southeast Asia, Freeman-ASIA will fund approximately 400 students over the next two academic years, with awards ranging from $3,000 per student for summer study and $5,000 per semester, to a maximum of $7,000 for a full year abroad.
$3,000-7,000
Recipients receive up to $5,000 and are available for U.S. citizen undergraduate students of limited financial means to pursue academic studies abroad and credit-bearing internships abroad. Also, students studying Mandarin (a critical need language) are automatically considered for the Gilman Critical need Language Award, with a total award of $8,000.
Up to $8,000
Videos
Day in the Life of a TBCer from The Beijing Center on Vimeo.