CET Beijing
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(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
Lots of Chinese language ability I did not have before. In this sense, it was worthwhile, although someone who wanted to explore Beijing more might have not had the opportunities he/she was expecting A student - Brandeis University View Entire Review
I gained a completely different perspective on the Chinese and American political systems and I found myself much more able to think critically about Chinese and American culture. Michael R - Brandeis University View Entire Review
Chinese language and culture learning. A student - Brandeis University View Entire Review
I'm a Chinese major so I went sort of first and foremost to get experience being in China, using my Chinese skills there, and learning more about the culture and language. I'd say that this program was great for the cultural experiences and then I followed it up with one of CET's other programs, Harbin Intensive Language, and *t... Caroline M - University of Massachusetts Amherst View Entire Review
I gained a lot from having local Chinese students as our roommates, as we got to learn about their culture, lifestyle, and ways of thinking in a casual setting. The program's greatest asset is the Chinese roommate, but they have not yet made full use of this aspect (though I suspect they will in the near future). Belinda P - Harvard University View Entire Review
I made great strides in my language study and learned a lot about myself. I plan on returning to China in the future as a result of this trip. Kai P - Trinity University View Entire Review
Yes! I got everything I wanted from the experience and more. My Chinese improved, I am more culturally aware, and I have made friends that live in China that will last me a lifetime. I definitely want to visit them again in the future and see other parts of China now. Matthew C - The University of Texas at Austin View Entire Review
I gained better study habits, a more accepting mindset, and a positive attitude Emily Y - The University of Texas at Austin View Entire Review
When I first arrived to Beijing, I was unable to form a sentence in chinese on my own. I remember my last week there, I had conversations with local people that I met. The program drastically improved my language skills. Being in China tremendously impacted my cultural awareness and academic interest. I've traveled outside of th... Luis A - The University of Texas at Austin View Entire Review
Super obviously worthwhile, my Chinese improved fast and consistently. Gave me a huge confidence boost speaking Chinese. Benjamin B - The University of Texas at Austin View Entire Review
Living in China teaches you a lot that I definitely can't even come close to explaining in this little box. If you want to appreciate America, go. If you want to learn Chinese, go. If you want to see a totally different culture that you'll realize isn't so different, go. Just go! Ashley S - The University of Texas at Austin View Entire Review
One of the best things that happened in China was becoming good friends with my chinese roommate and also a few others in the program. It was so satisfying to have my chinese reach the level at which I could have a friendship relationship in Chinese. Charlotte B - The University of Texas at Austin View Entire Review
Yes. It has made me realize that China is a big part of my professional future as a policy researcher and international NGO staffer/consultant. I can't wait to return. Emily B - The University of Texas at Austin View Entire Review
Many language skills/higher language level in Chinese, how to live and adapt to a different culture. Completely worthwhile. Sam S - The University of Texas at Austin View Entire Review
I definitely learned a lot about Chinese culture, and my language skills improved as well. It was worthwhile, and if I had the opportunity, I would definitely go back to China. A student - Brandeis University View Entire Review
I made my best friend in another country. jessica b - The University of Texas at Austin View Entire Review
Definitely. This experience confirmed my interest in China and made me more aware of the challenges that lay ahead in seeking a career there. Every time I visit China, I grow up a little. This trip taught me how to handle a massive workload and still enjoy myself. Lila B - The University of Texas at Austin View Entire Review
My experience hasn't impacted my future plans at all, it was merely a means to really get started in my Chinese studies. Studying in China allowed me to witness first-hand the lessons learned in my Chinese history classes. A student View Entire Review
improved chinese Connor D - The University of Texas at Austin View Entire Review
Yes. Everything I hoped and more. I even made some business connections and will be returning to Beijing for an internship. Lindsay M - The University of Texas at Austin View Entire Review
got bunches of connections in beijing with foreigners and locals alike, built a sturdy base for further study in china, and learned a great deal of the language Kenneth P - The University of Texas at Austin View Entire Review
My program experience was more than worthwhile. I was so satisfied with the language progress I made that I chose to continue with the program an additional semester. Savannah C - The University of Texas at Austin View Entire Review
Definitely. My chinese improved so much, as did my understanding of the country. Sarina T - Wellesley College View Entire Review
My experience is China was without a doubt worthwhile. James F - Brandeis University View Entire Review
I would probably have spent more time in a smaller city, splitting the year between Beijing and Hangzhou, for example. Made some fantastic chinese and non chinese friends. Charlotte B - The University of Texas at Austin 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 & learningÂ
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
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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.
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