Beijing, China
Contemporary Issues Program with IES Abroad
Contemporary Issues Program with IES Abroad
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Introduction
Take an in-depth look at this incredible change and explore the history, economics, and culture of China with the IES Abroad Contemporary Issues in China Program The most populous country on earth, China is experiencing unimaginable change at a pace matched by few countries. Enormous transformations and challenges in nearly every aspect of life and culture has occurred in the last 20 years. The accessibility of information and alternate media voices, and the rise of an entrepreneurial class and immense private wealth – all in a country still governed by communist doctrine – are challenges being addressed in the personal and political realms of modern China.
Take an in-depth look at this incredible change and explore the history, economics, and culture of China with the IES Abroad Contemporary Issues in China Program The most populous country on earth, China is experiencing unimaginable change at a pace matched by few countries. Enormous transformations and challenges in nearly every aspect of life and culture has occurred in the last 20 years. The accessibility of information and alternate media voices, and the rise of an entrepreneurial class and immense private wealth – all in a country still governed by communist doctrine – are challenges being addressed in the personal and political realms of modern China.
The City
Beijing is a city of contrasts - a modern Asian boom-town that strives to preserve the cultural landscape of its glorious past while all around the glass and steel emblems of its dynamic present flourish. While its new high-rises and financial institutions testify to its booming economy, remnants of Old Beijing remain. Streets lined with dumpling and noodle stands, beautiful parks bedecked with pagodas, and 19th century homes with graceful four-walled courtyards still charm visitors from around the world.
Beijing is a city of contrasts - a modern Asian boom-town that strives to preserve the cultural landscape of its glorious past while all around the glass and steel emblems of its dynamic present flourish. While its new high-rises and financial institutions testify to its booming economy, remnants of Old Beijing remain. Streets lined with dumpling and noodle stands, beautiful parks bedecked with pagodas, and 19th century homes with graceful four-walled courtyards still charm visitors from around the world.
Facilities
Colloquially known as Bei Wai, the University is one of Beijing’s most prestigious academic institutions and enrolls 4,000 students (including approximately 700 foreign students mostly from non-English speaking countries). IES Abroad is currently the only resident U.S. program at BFSU, allowing you to better integrate with local students. You can join in sports activities, such as ping pong and basketball, playing with Chinese colleagues.
Colloquially known as Bei Wai, the University is one of Beijing’s most prestigious academic institutions and enrolls 4,000 students (including approximately 700 foreign students mostly from non-English speaking countries). IES Abroad is currently the only resident U.S. program at BFSU, allowing you to better integrate with local students. You can join in sports activities, such as ping pong and basketball, playing with Chinese colleagues.
Academics and Curriculum
Students must enroll full-time during the semester, which includes one Chinese Language course, one Introduction to Chinese History and Civilization course, and additional English-taught area studies courses. Area studies topics include Anthropology, Communications, Environmental Science, International Relations, Political Science, and more. Take a look at IES’s Course Offerings website to get a full list of courses.
The curriculum structure is based around six blocks. The program begins with intensive language training, followed by a two-week Introduction to Chinese History and Civilization seminar. The last three blocks of the semester each feature a 3-credit 300-level course on China as well as a continuation of the Chinese language classes. Each block lasts three and a half weeks and a long weekend is provided at the end of blocks 4 and 5 to allow time to travel independently in China.
Accommodation and Meals
Homstay: Homestays provide students with the ideal environment for learning about China and improving their Chinese. IES Abroad has located homestays within a short walk or bus ride to the Center, and all homestays feature a private bedroom. Students are provided with two meals a day by their host family (breakfast and dinner), seven days a week, while the IES Abroad Beijing program is in session.
Homstay: Homestays provide students with the ideal environment for learning about China and improving their Chinese. IES Abroad has located homestays within a short walk or bus ride to the Center, and all homestays feature a private bedroom. Students are provided with two meals a day by their host family (breakfast and dinner), seven days a week, while the IES Abroad Beijing program is in session.
Residence Halls with Chinese roommates: IES Abroad offers students the extraordinary opportunity to live with Chinese students in a modest, but comfortable Bei Wai residence hall. The residence hall rooms are wired for high-speed Internet access and the facility includes a lounge and kitchen. No meals are included in this housing option.
Program Costs
CUA tuition and a $5,000 program fee to cover most overseas expenses. Round-trip airfare, some meals, passport, visa, additional field trips, required cell phone, and personal expenses are not included. Contact CUAbroad for an estimated cost breakdown sheet.
CUA tuition and a $5,000 program fee to cover most overseas expenses. Round-trip airfare, some meals, passport, visa, additional field trips, required cell phone, and personal expenses are not included. Contact CUAbroad for an estimated cost breakdown sheet.
What's included
• Tuition
• Accommodation
• Some meals if in Homestay (No meals if in residence hall)
• Selected field trips
• IES Abroad on-site staff support
• On-site orientation and all pre-departure advising and services in the US.
• Emergency evacuation insurance
• An official CUA transcript for non-CUA participants
• Tuition
• Accommodation
• Some meals if in Homestay (No meals if in residence hall)
• Selected field trips
• IES Abroad on-site staff support
• On-site orientation and all pre-departure advising and services in the US.
• Emergency evacuation insurance
• An official CUA transcript for non-CUA participants
Note on IES Abroad and cell phones: Since IES Abroad is first and foremost committed to student safety and security, we require you to have a cellular phone while enrolled in our programs. Throughout the program's entirety, you will be required to have your cell phone turned on, charged, and with you at all times to enable IES Abroad staff and/or family to reach you in the event of an emergency. IES Abroad staff members use students' cell phone numbers to broadcast text messages with instructions during emergency situations.
IES Abroad gives you the option of obtaining a cell phone while still in the U.S. or once you arrive at your program location. You choose your own cell phone provider and negotiate the best terms and conditions for the cellular service you choose. Once admitted to an IES abroad program, you will receive further information about acquiring your cell phone.
Eligibility
Applicants must have completed three semesters of college-level study by the time the program begins, enrolled full-time at the time of application and in good academic standing, and not on disciplinary probation. A minimum cumulative G.P.A. requirement is 2.8. Previous knowledge of Chinese language is not required.
Applicants must have completed three semesters of college-level study by the time the program begins, enrolled full-time at the time of application and in good academic standing, and not on disciplinary probation. A minimum cumulative G.P.A. requirement is 2.8. Previous knowledge of Chinese language is not required.
How to Apply
All applicants must follow the CUAbroad application guidelines and submit the CUAbroad online application with all required supplementary documentation. For details, please click on the How to Apply guidelines link.
All applicants must follow the CUAbroad application guidelines and submit the CUAbroad online application with all required supplementary documentation. For details, please click on the How to Apply guidelines link.
Additional application materials to submit to CUAbroad:
• IES Online application
• IES Authorization and Evaluation Form
• For Students with GPAs lower than 3.0 only, the IES Professor Recommendation Form, and a personal essay addressing your GPA, any particular academic challenges faced, and goals for studying abroad.
• IES Online application
• IES Authorization and Evaluation Form
• For Students with GPAs lower than 3.0 only, the IES Professor Recommendation Form, and a personal essay addressing your GPA, any particular academic challenges faced, and goals for studying abroad.
Last reviewed: August 19, 2009
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