The Catholic University of America

Beijing, China
Chinese Intensive Language Program with IES Abroad

 

 
 view of Beijing

 
 
Dates
Fall semester: August 22 - December 11, 2009
Spring semester: February 6 – May 28, 2010
 
Introduction
Designed for students who have already begun studying Chinese, the IES Abroad Beijing Language Intensive Program gives you the opportunity to rapidly expand your knowledge of written and spoken Chinese. The Beijing version of Chinese sets the standard pronunciation for the rest of the country, so it is the ideal location to study language. Working with Ben Wai University in Beijing, IES Abroad takes the language classroom on the road where language instructors lead students to regions of China and experiences not easily accessed through independent travel. In addition to innovate language exchange activities with the people met along the way, students also complete travel journals in Chinese, discuss their discoveries in evening debriefing sessions with their teachers, and produce oral and written presentations about their experiences.
 
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.

 
 
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.


 
Academics and Curriculum
Students enroll full-time in a three-course (nine credit) Chinese Language course, and then enroll in 2 additional IES Abroad area studies courses that are taught in English. Chinese-taught area studies courses are also available. Subjects include Economics, Government, History, Management, and more. Visit the IES Course Offerings website to view a complete list of courses.
 
Accommodation and Meals
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.
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.
 
 
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.
 
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
 
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. Students must have completed a minimum of one year of Chinese Language study to be eligible.
 
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.
Additional application materials to submit to CUAbroad:
IES Online application
IES Authorization and Evaluation Form
IES Foreign Language Assessment 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.
 
Application Deadlines
Spring semester: October 1
Fall semester: March 1
 
Questions? Contact Madison Bolls, CUAbroad Program Manager
 
 
map of China