Temple of Heaven in BEIJING, CHINA
Beijing, China

Chinese Language & Culture

Spots Available Only For Session 1

Language & Culture

Dates

-

4 weeks

Costs

$6,950

Extended Deadline

Enroll Now

Request Information

Dates

-

4 weeks

Costs

$6,950

Extended Deadline

Enroll Now

Request Information

Program Overview
Elevate your Mandarin in the historic heart of China.

Four weeks of language immersion in Beijing, the pulsating core of China, will take your Mandarin skills to the next level! After language classes, wander through bustling hutongs (alleys), markets, restaurants, and practice your language skills while conversing with locals. Go on expert-guided tours of the city’s iconic landmarks, like the Forbidden City and the Summer Palace, and catch incredible views from the top of the Great Wall as it winds its way down along the mountains. Learn martial arts or Chinese traditional painting and linger in countless museums—there are nearly 150 museums to choose from—and meet local teens, too. 

At your homestay, your Mandarin will flourish, forming lasting bonds with your host family, with whom you’ll cook and share traditional Chinese meals. On excursions, venture to other large cities, like Tianjin, or to rural destinations nearby. Let explorations in and beyond Beijing immerse you in Chinese culture, giving you a chance to soak in its art, architecture, and history.

The Take-Aways

Language Growth And Cultural Competence

Come home with a higher level of Mandarin and a greater understanding of Chinese culture. Use your STAMP 4S language proficiency pre- and post-test scores to demonstrate your language growth and help you earn a Seal of Biliteracy.  

College Credit

Earn 4 college credits toward your future college degree. Take advantage of the credits to stand out on your college applications or to satisfy college language requirements.

Life Skills And New Friendships

Return with greater self-confidence, independence, and adaptability. Enjoy a broader worldview and diverse friendships from across the U.S. 

60

Hours Of Instruction With A Native Mandarin Teacher

4

College Credits

1

Life-changing Experience

The Destination
  • Students shopping in Beijing, China
  • Forbidden city in Beijing, China
  • Forbidden City in Beijing, China

The Destination

Welcome to Beijing, the center of Chinese culture since the Ming dynasty. 

The capital of China, Beijing, is a massive city, second only to Shanghai in population. Beijing is home to the world’s longest wall (the Great Wall), the largest palace (The Forbidden City), and the largest Imperial Garden (The Summer Palace). The National Museum, filled with ancient treasures, is one of the world’s largest museums and the third most visited, topped only by the National Museum of Natural History in New York City and the Louvre in Paris. Other highly visited attractions in the city include Tiananmen Square, Lama Temple, and the 798 Art District. 

When it comes to food, there are more options than you can imagine. Choose from hundreds of restaurants serving famous local dishes like Beijing roast duck, tudou si (shredded potato), and jiaozi (dumplings). Try the donkey burger if you dare! 

As big as Beijing is, you’ll find it’s easy to navigate around the city, with its 27 subway lines, extensive buses, and affordable taxis. The fastest high-speed trains heading out of Beijing take only a few hours to reach other incredible cities. 

CULTURAL AWARENESS 

CIEE wants all our students to feel welcomed, supported, and empowered to succeed while studying abroad. Local CIEE staff have provided details about conditions and cultural attitudes that students with specific identities might encounter in Beijing. 

Daily Life

Daily Life

Monday–Friday 

Each day offers a balance between interactive instruction and cultural activities with time on your own, too. Morning classes and afternoon activities may swap places. 

  • Breakfast at your homestay 

  • Engaging Mandarin classes with expert language instructors, all native speakers  

  • Lunch in the community with your fellow Global Navigators 

  • Out and about for authentic conversations in the community and a cultural activity  

  • Dinner and evening discussions at your homestay 

 

Weekends  

  • Overnight or day excursions to top sites 

  • Quality time with friends and your host family 

Housing

Carefully-screened homestay

24/7 Support

1 Program Leader for every 12 students and support from local staff

Program Blogs

From CIEE

Discover a typical old neighborhood in Beijing

By Ru Si at CIEE

As our last excusion on the program, we went to Nanluogu Xiang, one of the typical hutong (small street) in Beijing. Even though it has been developed into a commercial... keep reading

From CIEE

Our little heroes made it to the Great Wall of China!

By Ru Si at CIEE

As a Chinese phrase says: one is not a hero unless he made it to the Great Wall of China. Under an incredible hot weather, all of our students can... keep reading

From CIEE

The Kids are Coming Home!!!

By Margot Pinckney at CIEE

That's right. Tomorrow morning (or, depending on from what time zone you view the events, the day after), the Global Discoverers are returning to the states. It's been an amazing... keep reading

Activities

Sample Activities

2 students  in Beijing, China

Just imagine all the fun you’ll have!

  • Master new skills in martial arts and learn more about the history and traditions of Tai Chi, which focus on individual balance, stability, and sensitivity. 

  • Visit the Forbidden City Museum, an amazing complex housing the former Chinese imperial palace dating from the Ming dynasty in 1420. 

  • Try your hand at Chinese painting or the highly esteemed visual art form of Chinese calligraphy. 

  • Check out a fashion show at the 798 Art Zone, a district abuzz with modern galleries, design studios, and international culture. 

  • Hike up to the top of the Great Wall for breathtaking views of Beijing and beyond. Marvel at this feat of engineering that winds all the way to the Gobi Desert. 

Please note activities are based on past programs and subject to change at CIEE's discretion to adapt to local circumstances and participant feedback. Our goal when arranging activities is always to enhance your experience.  

Dates & Fees

Dates & Fees

Eligibility 

  • Participants must be 14 years old and above.
  • All proficiency levels.
  • Program open to all current high school students: Freshmen, Sophomores, Juniors, and Seniors.
  • For scholarship eligibility requirements, please check our scholarship page

For more information, refer to the detailed Program Essential Eligibility Criteria.

Application Fee 

$25

Optional College Credit Fee 

$150  

Learn more about how to get college credit for your future college degree 

Program scholarships and tuition include iNext Travel Insurance, but do not cover the cost of flights. Find additional details about what’s included with your tuition.   

More questions? Find answers, get application support, sign up for virtual presentations, or contact us

Program

Application Due

Start Date

End Date

Costs

Program Summer Session I 2024 4 weeks Start Date End Date Costs $6,950
Program Summer Session II 2024 4 weeks Start Date End Date Costs $6,950

What's Included

Interactive Classes

Housing

3 Meals/Day

(Dietary Needs Accommodated)

All Ground Transportation

(Once In-country)

Optional Flight Chaperone

(Flight Cost Not Included)

Pre-departure Advice and Orientation

Access to Local Phone and WIFI

All Cultural Activities and Excursions

Comprehensive Medical and Travel Protection

24/7 Emergency On-site Support

Our Staff

Our Staff

Karlis Rokpelnis

Center Director

Karlis Rokpelnis joined the CIEE China team after receiving a PhD from Minzu University of China in 2016. He has ten years of study abroad management, teaching, and student support experience in China and the rest of Asia.

Ready to change your life?

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