CET Beijing
Request Info
(For American Students)
Want an intensive academic environment where Chinese is the the top priority? CET Beijing students sign a full-time language pledge and live with a Chinese roommate. All classes are centered around language learning, and the goal is to use your Ch... read more
All Reviews
I can speak Mandarin with ease. It was worthwhile. A student - The University of Texas at Austin View Entire Review
Advanced a lot in my language ability. Gained some cultural understanding. A student - The University of Texas at Austin View Entire Review
It was worthwhile, I really improved my language skills. Allison C - The University of Texas at Austin View Entire Review
My Chinese improved significantly and I definitely learned a lot about Chinese culture. After talking with many of the Chinese roommates I also learned much about what young Chinese people think and what their aspirations are. A student - Brandeis University View Entire Review

I learned that if you want to get better at a foreign language, you really have to go all out for it. It can get really rough at times, what with massive pollution, large crowds, and a million hours of homework, but it really is one of the best things you can spend some of your college life doing. You make great friends and unfo... Caroline R - The University of Texas at Austin View Entire Review
I gained the ability to speak Chinese freely and listen fluently. The experience was definitely worthwhile, but I only said I wouldn't do it again because of how difficult it was. Not saying I don't like a challenge, but living in China is not something I'd want to do again right now. Dillon K - The University of Texas at Austin View Entire Review
It was definitely worthwhile. I not only got a chance to immerse myself completely in a new culture, but I also learned a lot about how a society different from our thinks. Yashera M - The University of Texas at Austin View Entire Review
definitely worth all my time! Victoria G - The University of Texas at Austin View Entire Review
Chinese Language Skills and a better understanding of Chinese Culture Shanny H - Brandeis University View Entire Review
Due to the rigor and intensity of this program, I am able to hold basic conversations in Chinese. This program was absolutely worthwhile, in that what you learn in the classroom is immediately put to use outside the classroom when living in China. A student - Clark University - Worcester View Entire Review
I was able to get involved with the culture and greatly improved my language skills. A student - Wellesley College View Entire Review
I gained a greater understanding of the Chinese language and culture. It was definitely worthwhile because my sole aim was to learn the language. A student - The University of Texas at Austin View Entire Review
I gained fluency in Mandarin Chinese and made great friends. Mostly, I discovered a city that I want to go back to. It was totally worthwhile. Shinhye (Lana) O - Brandeis University View Entire Review
Completely worthwhile Katia C - The University of Texas at Austin View Entire Review
I learned not only about the country, culture, but about myself. I have grown into a better, more prepared, more driven person. I definitely recommend studying abroad to a country out of your comfort zone, because only then will you grow. erandy.marquez.3 - The University of Texas at Austin View Entire Review
I improved my language skills tremendously, I was immersed in a rich culture, I went places people only dream of going, made connections, memories and friends I'll know for the rest of my life. You really can't lose. kelly S - The University of Texas at Austin View Entire Review
1. my Chinese language skill 2. my new friends. I don't think I would be able to find such good Chinese friend for elsewhere. I miss my roommate. 3. Chinese becomes one of my future job destination. And... It's worthwhile Duennapa S - Clark University - Worcester View Entire Review
I am ending the semester with a in-depth understanding of Chinese language and culture, with great new friends and incredible life experiences. A student - The University of Texas at Austin View Entire Review
Learned a great deal about Chinese people and chinese culture. Michael S - Brandeis University View Entire Review
How much I love Chinese culture and the language, and a group of friends that I will be in contact I hope forever, definitely worthwhile A student - The University of Texas at Austin View Entire Review
It was more than worthwhile. I learned what I'm capable of in terms of adjusting to a completely new culture and way of life. I learned much and more about one of the largest groups of humans on the planet. I learned that I'm fortunate to live the life I do. alec s - Brandeis University View Entire Review
I learned about myself from my experience abroad. I learned that no matter where anyone throws me, I will always adapt to any culture. I really felt that I was out of my comfort zone and didn't think I would be comfortable, but in the end I loved the culture/environment and I loved the people. I feel that I am stronger person fo... Gerardo J - The University of Texas at Austin View Entire Review
It was worthwhile. Greater world perspective. I can now eat spicy food Hallie F - Brandeis University View Entire Review
My language skills improved. I grew as a person. I became more independent. I made a lot of friends. Alex L - Fordham University View Entire Review
I gained a larger sense of the world through the study of a foreign language and actual use of that language in conjunction with meeting new people. I also had fun and got to experience a new place--an invaluable experience. John B - Trinity University View Entire Review
About
Want an intensive academic environment where Chinese is the the top priority? CET Beijing students sign a full-time language pledge and live with a Chinese roommate. All classes are centered around language learning, and the goal is to use your Chinese out in the city, where it counts. Practice ordering at a restaurant, share stories at a local high school, take a week to research and interview locals on the Chinese hukou system. Your one-on-one class is designed to target your particular strengths and weaknesses. Your teachers are some of the best in the field. A highlight of the program is an overnight trip to a new city--Xi'an to see the Terracotta Warriors, or Hangzhou to hike around beautiful West Lake. You'll live in a dorm with new furnishings, private bathrooms, and wifi access. This program is for students of all levels, from beginners to heritage learners. Janterm (January term) is open to students with at least 3 semesters of Chinese language instruction.
Highlights
Highlights
- 20+hours/week of Chinese language classes
- One-on-one sessions for targeted learning
- Full-time language pledge
- Local roommates
- Out-of-classroom assignments & learning
Program Type(s):
Study AbroadIntensive Language
Gap Year
Program Length(s):
- Fall
- Summer
- Spring
- Academic Year
- January Term
Instruction Language(s):
- Chinese - Mandarin
Relevant Study Subject(s):
- East Asian Studies
- Chinese Studies
- Foreign Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- East Asian Languages, Literature
- Chinese Language, Literature
Minimum GPA:
3.0Year Founded:
1982Website
Take me there!Statistics
CET Academic Programs Scholarships
This scholarship is awarded to students with demonstrated financial need. Priority is given to Pell Grant-eligible students. Award amounts range from $500 to $1,500 for in-person programs and $250 to $500 for virtual programs.
up to $1,500
Deadlines:
Reviewed on a rolling basis until your program application deadline.
Summer programs: March 1
Fall programs: May 1
Spring programs: November 1
Guidelines/Requirements:
When you apply to a CET program, you receive access to the CET Scholarship applications. Apply for as many CET Scholarships as you like! Each application includes short answer questions and one essay whose prompt matches the spirit of the award. Scholarships that consider financial need also ask for current financial aid information.
Videos
Featured Programs