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featured programs

Study in China
beijing - chinese language + culture

Study in France
paris - critical studies

Study in Nicaragua
managua - liberal arts

Study in the Czech Republic
prague - film studies

Study in Italy
naples - liberal arts

Study in Italy
naples - classical studies

Study in Germany
berlin - language + culture

Study in Thailand
khon kaen - community public health

Study in Australia
perth - sustainability + the environment

New! Additional scholarships available for CIEE Study Centers in China.
Click here to learn more.

Is this program right for you?

The CIEE Study Center at Peking University 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.

Program Snapshot

  • Hosted by the prestigious Peking University—offers largest selection of Chinese language electives in China; ideal for advanced and heritage language learners
  • 20 hours of in-class language coursework per week; one-on-one tutorials with Peking University peer tutors; target language meals
  • Four on-site educators trained in Teaching Chinese as a Second Language
  • Excursions to such places as the Great Wall, the Temple of Heaven, and a weekend trip to an area outside Beijing such as Xian or Hangzhou

Subject Areas

  • Chinese Studies/Chinese Culture
  • Classical Chinese Literature
  • Contemporary Chinese Culture
  • Contemporary Chinese Literature
  • Cultural Studies
  • Culture (host country)
  • Language (host country)
  • Language, Literature, Culture (host country)
  • Literature (host country)
  • Mandarin Chinese
  • Political Science

About Beijing

As the capital of the world’s most populous nation, Beijing is at the center of much that happens in China. It is a city of over 15 million people struggling to adapt as China emerges as a global player. Beijing reflects China’s long and evolving history when different dynasties based here constructed some of the nation’s most well-known and culturally important sites such as the Great Wall and the Summer Palace. In addition to being the political and cultural center of China, Beijing is known as the birthplace of Chinese cinema and modern art. Beijing also has China’s largest concentration of top research institutions.

Where You'll Study

Peking University

As one of China’s most prestigious universities, Peking University (PKU) was founded in 1898 and has a long tradition of scholarly excellence and political activism. Its primary mission is to train scholars for advanced research in the natural and social sciences. More than 30,000 undergraduate and graduate students are enrolled. The PKU campus comprises a blend of traditional and modern buildings and architectural structures.

Thoughts From Abroad

Beijing is a fascinating combination of modern development and ancient cultures. In the center of Beijing, the bustling commercial strip of Wangfujing is just half a mile away from the Forbidden City, the former home of the emperors for several hundred years. Living in Beijing, not only can you visit unique places such as Laoshe Tea House, the Summer Palace, and the Great Wall, but you can also find western flares such as the Hard Rock Cafe, Starbucks Coffee, a French bakery, and Häagen-Dazs ice cream. You can literally find every kind of world cuisine in Beijing.

The pace of development in Beijing is breathtaking. Every time I come back to the city, I feel that it’s changed enormously, and even students that stay just for a few months will be able to notice changes. I sincerely invite you to be a part of the CIEE Beijing experience. I’m confident that it will change your life.

— Yuan Tian, Resident Director

Staff Bios

Dr. Yuan Tian, Resident Director, holds a Ph.D. in Language Pedagogy from the University of Hawaii. Since 2002, she has served as the Resident Director of the CIEE Study Center at Peking University. Her experience with CIEE dates back to 1995 when she taught CIEE students at Peking University. Before assuming her position at CIEE, she served as the Assistant Field Director at an intensive Chinese program in Beijing and also taught Chinese at Columbia University.

Recommended Credit

semester: 15-17 semester/22.5-25.5 quarter hours
academic year: 30-34 semester/45-51 quarter hours

Eligibility Requirements

  • Overall GPA 2.75
  • 3–6 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 permanent U.S. residents.

Depending upon their language background, superior language students with near native fluency may not be appropriate for this program. Students arriving with superior language fluency who test above the advanced level classes at the Peking University Language Center will be asked to enroll in the CIEE Advanced Chinese Studies program, a direct enrollment program. These students should also be aware that their coursework runs on PKU’s academic calendar and not the CIEE program calendar, which means their coursework would extend for approximately one month beyond the standard semester or academic year program dates listed for the CIEE program. There are also different fees and information associated with this program. Please see the Beijing Advanced Chinese Studies program section of this catalog.comprehension when conversing with native people living in the Amdo region.

Program Dates

Fall 20099/7/2009 - 12/20/2009
Academic Year 2009-109/7/2009 - 6/6/2010
Spring 20102/22/2010 - 6/6/2010

Application Deadlines

Fall 20094/1/2009
Academic Year 2009-104/1/2009
Spring 201010/15/2009

Click here to check for deadline extensions.

Duration

Fall 200915 weeks
early September - mid-December
Academic Year 2009-1044 weeks
early September - late May
Spring 201015 weeks
early February – late May

CIEE Costs

CIEE program fees, inclusions, and estimated additional costs, are outlined below. Please note that CIEE reserves the right to adjust its fees in the event of significant change in exchange rates or other factors beyond its control. The actual cost of the programs may vary slightly for students from different institutions.

For comprehensive fee breakdowns and estimated additional costs, click the costs below:

  • Fall 2009 $11,900
    The CIEE program fees include 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.

    Program Fees

    This breakdown has been prepared from the program budget for the purpose of calculating eligibility for financial aid. During the course of program operations, actual figures may vary. It should not, therefore, be used as a basis for calculation of refunds. CIEE reserves the right to adjust fees at any time.

    Students required to study on CIEE programs through a School of Record will be charged a $340 administrative fee in addition to the Program Fees listed below.

    Educational Costs (direct cost of education charged uniformly to all students; including $300 non-refundable Participation Confirmation Fee)$9,036
    Housing$2,600
    Medical Insurance$74
    Visa Fee$190
    Total$11,900

    The CIEE program fees include 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.



    Estimated Additional Costs

    The estimated additional costs indicated below are intended to assist students and parents in budgeting for those additional living and discretionary expenses not included in the program fee. Actual expenses will vary according to student interests and spending habits.

    Meals$1,200
    Books and Supplies$150
    Local Transportation$400
    Transportation (round-trip based on U.S. West Coast departure)$1,550
    Personal Expenses$2,150
    Total$5,450


  • Academic Year 2009-10 $21,400
    The CIEE program fees include 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. *Students placed in homestays will receive breakfast and dinner during the week and most weekends.

    Program Fees

    This breakdown has been prepared from the program budget for the purpose of calculating eligibility for financial aid. During the course of program operations, actual figures may vary. It should not, therefore, be used as a basis for calculation of refunds. CIEE reserves the right to adjust fees at any time.

    Students required to study on CIEE programs through a School of Record will be charged a $340 administrative fee in addition to the Program Fees listed below.

    Educational Costs (direct cost of education charged uniformly to all students; including $300 non-refundable Participation Confirmation Fee)$15,936
    Housing*$5,200
    Medical Insurance$74
    Visa Fee$190
    Total$21,400

    The CIEE program fees include 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. *Students placed in homestays will receive breakfast and dinner during the week and most weekends.



    Estimated Additional Costs

    The estimated additional costs indicated below are intended to assist students and parents in budgeting for those additional living and discretionary expenses not included in the program fee. Actual expenses will vary according to student interests and spending habits.

    Transportation (round-trip based on U.S. West Coast departure)$1,550
    Personal Expenses**$4,300
    Meals (On and Off Campus Dormitory Options)***$2,400
    Books and Supplies$300
    Local Transportation$800
    Total$9,350

    ** Students should budget an additional $1500 for meals and personal expenses during the semester break.

    ***Students placed in homestays should budget an additional $550 for meals per semester.


  • Spring 2010 $12,100
    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. *Students placed in homestays will receive breakfast and dinner during the week and most weekends.

    Program Fees

    This breakdown has been prepared from the program budget for the purpose of calculating eligibility for financial aid. During the course of program operations, actual figures may vary. It should not, therefore, be used as a basis for calculation of refunds. CIEE reserves the right to adjust fees at any time.

    Students required to study on CIEE programs through a School of Record will be charged a $340 administrative fee in addition to the Program Fees listed below.

    Educational Costs (direct cost of education charged uniformly to all students; including $300 non-refundable Participation Confirmation Fee)$8,558
    Visa Fee$193
    Housing*$3,275
    Medical Insurance$74
    Total$12,100

    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. *Students placed in homestays will receive breakfast and dinner during the week and most weekends.



    Estimated Additional Costs

    The estimated additional costs indicated below are intended to assist students and parents in budgeting for those additional living and discretionary expenses not included in the program fee. Actual expenses will vary according to student interests and spending habits.

    Transportation (round-trip based on U.S. West Coast depature)$1,200
    Personal Expenses$2,150
    Books and Supplies$150
    Local Transportation$400
    Meals (Dormitory Options)**$1,200
    Total$5,100

    **Students placed in homestays should budget an additional $550 for meals per semester.


Scholarship Information

For a complete list of scholarships available, please vist our Scholarships section.