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featured programs

Study Abroad with CIEE in Australia Study in Australia
wollongong—arts + sciences

Study Abroad with CIEE in the Caribbean Study in Bonaire
bonaire—tropical marine ecology

Study Abroad with CIEE in China Study in China
shanghai—advanced chinese studies

Study Abroad with CIEE in China Study in China
shanghai—business, language, + culture

Study Abroad with CIEE in Germany Study in Germany
berlin—language + culture

Study Abroad with CIEE in Italy Study in Italy
naples—liberal arts

Study Abroad with CIEE in Italy Study in Italy
naples—classical studies

Study Abroad with CIEE in Peru Study in Peru
lima—business + society

Study Abroad with CIEE in Peru Study in Peru
lima—language + culture

Study Abroad with CIEE in Sweden Study in Sweden
uppsala—arts + sciences

Study Abroad with CIEE in Taiwan Study in Taiwan
taipei—chinese language + culture

Study Abroad with CIEE in Vietnam Study in Vietnam
ho chi minh—language + culture

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

  • Choose from the largest selection of Chinese language electives in China at the prestigious Peking University; ideal for advanced and heritage language learners
  • Improve your Mandarin through 20 hours of in-class language coursework per week and one-on-one tutorials with Peking University peer tutors
  • Learn from educators trained in Teaching Chinese as a Second Language
  • Immerse in Chinese culture by visiting the Great Wall, the Temple of Heaven, and an area outside Beijing such as Xi’an or Hangzhou
  • Live with a Chinese family in a homestay

Subject Areas

  • Chinese Studies/Chinese Culture
  • Classical Chinese Literature
  • Contemporary Chinese Culture
  • Contemporary Chinese Literature
  • Cultural Studies
  • 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 wellknown 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 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 has changed enormously, and even students who stay for just 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 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.

Faye Wu holds an M.A. in Second Language Acquisition from Beijing Language and Culture University. Since 2007, she has been working with the CIEE Study Center at Peking University in Beijing. Before joining CIEE, she taught Chinese to international students in Tsinghua University, Beijing Language University, and Harvard Beijing Academy.

Joyce Zhang holds a B.A. in Chinese Language and Literature and an M.A. in Teaching Chinese as a Second Language from Peking University. She has been working for CIEE since 2009. Before working at CIEE, she served as an instructor at the Columbia in Beijing program and the International College for Chinese Language Studies at Peking University.

Lin Liu holds an M.A. in Education Curriculum and Teaching Methodology from Beijing Language and Culture University. Since 2007, she has been working with CIEE Study Center at Peking University in Beijing. Before joining CIEE, she served as an instructor at the Harvard Beijing Academy.

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.

Program Dates

Academic Year 2009-109/7/2009 - 6/6/2010
Spring 20102/22/2010 - 6/6/2010
Fall 20109/3/2010 - 12/16/2010
Academic Year 2010-119/3/2010 - TBA

Important! Students should not purchase plane tickets based on these dates. Please check with your Enrollment Officer regarding travel plans.

Application Deadlines

Academic Year 2009-104/1/2009
Spring 201010/15/2009
Fall 20104/1/2010
Academic Year 2010-114/1/2010

Click here to check for deadline extensions.

Duration

Academic Year 2009-1044 weeks
early September - late May
Spring 201015 weeks
early February – late May
Fall 201015 weeks
early September - mid-December
Academic Year 2010-1144 weeks
early September - 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:

  • 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.


  • Fall 2010 $12,200
    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)$8,883
    Housing*$3,050
    Medical Insurance$74
    Visa Fee$193
    Total$12,200

    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.

    Meals (Dormitory Options)**$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

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


  • Academic Year 2010-11 $23,200
    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)$16,833
    Housing*$6,100
    Medical Insurance$74
    Visa Fee$193
    Total$23,200

    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 (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 $550 for meals per semester.


Scholarship Information

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