CIEE's Intensive Chinese Language study abroad program at Peking University in Beijing, China, 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 onsite 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. The UI offers resident credit for this program as well as other CIEE programs in China.

Academics

The Intensive Chinese Language program is designed to enable high-intermediate and advanced language students to increase their language proficiency and knowledge about China and Beijing’s important role in Chinese society. This is achieved through intensive Mandarin training, weekly interactions with Chinese peer tutors and other local Chinese communities, a local family visit, and group excursions. This program is ideal for independent students looking to explore Beijing and its local culture outside of classes.

Cultural Activities

CIEE offers guided field trips to historic and cultural sites in and around Beijing, such as the Great Wall, Tiananmen Square, the Temple of Heaven, the Dashanzi Art District, and various other famous landmarks of interest. There are additional site visits to supplement the area studies course. Cultural activities may include the Beijing Opera and an acrobatic performance. Classes in calligraphy, painting, taijiquan, and traditional Chinese musical instruments are also offered.

Dates

Summer 2013: Mid June to mid August

Fall 2013: Late August to mid December

For More Info

Please make an appointment with program advisor Sterling Bacher. Call 319-335-0353 to schedule a meeting.

Peking University

As one of China’s most prestigious universities, Peking University 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 modern buildings and traditional Chinese architectural structures and is celebrated for its beautifully landscaped grounds and lake

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 22 million people adapting as China emerges as a global player. Beijing reflects China’s long and evolving history and home to some of the nation’s most well-known and culturally important sites such as the Great Wall, Forbidden City, 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.

China

China, officially known as the People's Republic of China, is the second largest country in the world by land area. Its 1.3 billion citizens live mostly near the eastern seaboard. China has grown and evolved for over 5000 years and due to its growing economic power, is set to be one of the world’s superpowers during the 21st century.

Living Arrangements

Housing is included in the program fee. All students will live in either the recently built foreign student complex, Zhongguanyuan Global Village or with a homestay family. Zhongguanyuan Global Village is conveniently located roughly five minutes from the University’s Southeast Gate. Students on the semester program living in Zhongguanyuan Global Village have the opportunity to take part in a three-week homestay experience. Students may not live in private accommodations outside of CIEE-arranged housing facilities during the duration of the program.

Living conditions in Zhongguanyuan Global Village are comfortable and inviting. Rooms for CIEE students are all suite-style. Students will be housed two or three to a suite, with each student getting his or her own bedroom. Each bedroom has a twin-sized bed with sheets and pillows, a desk, bookshelf, armoire, and Internet access. The suite features a shared living room and one full bathroom. Public kitchens are available for student use on almost every floor as are washers and dryers.

Students also have the unique option to have a homestay experience with a local Chinese family. Each family has a family member who is currently working at PKU or is a retired PKU faculty member. Chinese host families are located 15–20 minutes from campus by public transportation. Students have their own room and share the living room, kitchen, and bathroom. Students are invited to family meals twice a week, but should budget for all other meals on the program. Chinese family members speak Chinese only. This option is highly recommended for students who want to live in an entirely Chinese language environment and are motivated to make rapid progress in Chinese language outside of class.

Meals are not included in the program fee and are the responsibility of the student. Students usually eat at the many diverse cafeterias available on campus. In addition, there are also several affordable restaurants on and off campus.

Travel Arrangements

Airfare is not included in the program fee but students will work with CIEE to determine the best time for arrival. Students will also receive support from CIEE when applying for a Chinese visa. More information on travel arrangements will be provided by CIEE after the application cycle has concluded.

Eligibility

2.75 GPA; 2-6 semesters of college-level Chinese; 1 Chinese area studies course recommended

Costs

Costs for the summer 2013 and fall 2013 sessions have yet to be calculated. Please continue to check back for more information.

How to Apply

If you are ready to apply, please make an appointment with program advisor Sterling Bacher. Call 319-335-0353 to schedule a meeting.

Deadline

3/1

Study Abroad will provide information regarding confirmation and preparation after the application cycle. Please contact program advisor Sterling Bacher if you have questions.

Acceptance Materials

Continue to check this section for updates.

Pre-departure Materials

Continue to check this section for updates.

Orientation Information

UI Study Abroad will offer a large group pre-departure orientation for all outgoing study abroad students. Activities may include meeting with study abroad returnees. CIEE will also run both a pre-departure orientation as well as an on-site orientation. In the pre-departure orientation, UI students will meet CIEE's resident director as well as other program participants. The on-site orientation will help students acclimate to life in their host city and in Chinese culture.