Beijing in Spring

Students will fly together to Beijing, the capital of China and one of the world's leading centers for culture, politics, business, education, science and technology, and a treasure trove of ancient, classical, and modern Chinese landmarks and artifacts.

For four weeks in the capital, students study Chinese at China Foreign Affairs University. They will also take weekend excursions to such sites as the Great Wall of China along the historic northern border of Imperial China, the Forbidden City, the Temple of Heaven, and the Summer Palace, and tour the pre-revolutionary hutong alleyways and courtyard houses, eat at Han and Tibetan restaurants and explore the traditional shops of Liulichang Street, among other attractions.

In addition, students travel by train to the ancient city of Xi’an to view the famed museum of terra-cotta warriors of China’s Qin dynasty. In the final week, students have the opportunity to travel to other destinations, which may include, Shanghai, the former imperial capitals Nanjing and Hangzhou, the canal city of Suzhou, and rustic Guilin and Yangshuo.

Following the program, students return together from Beijing.

Requirements: There is no GPA requirement for this program. No prior Chinese study is required.

The Beijing in Spring program is open to all Oakland University students and qualified non-Oakland University guest students. 

Course: Students will enroll in 4, 8, or 12 credits of Chinese language courses. Courses are available at all levels. 

Students will study Chinese language, culture, history, and contemporary affairs, taught by China Foreign Affairs University faculty and receive Oakland University credits.

The curriculum includes ability-specific language instruction in Chinese conversation, reading and writing. Lessons in English on China’s political system, history, foreign policy and international relations, nationalities and religions, economy, culture, and etiquette are also provided. Instruction includes hands-on sessions in Chinese calligraphy and Taijiquan (shadow-boxing). All students study full-time and participate in all activities, but have the option of enrolling in (and paying for) 4, 8, or 12 credits.

Students may also conduct a research project overseen by the accompanying OU instructor.

Students will study and reside in Beijing at the China Foreign Affairs University (CFAU), the only tertiary-level school supervised by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. 

The CFAU campus is home to 2,000 Chinese students ensconced in a quiet, easily negotiated, modestly-sized compound set in the heart of the western quarter of Beijing. The elaborate Beijing subway system, affording gateway access to the far reaches of the city of some 20 million, is within walking distance of campus. Nearby parks and neighborhoods offer outdoor activity and enjoyment.

Cuisine in Beijing is varied and tasty: from plentiful Chinese dumplings and shredded pork in Beijing sauce to Peking duck and noodles with soybean paste, there are choices for every palate.

Most meals are included in the program fee. Students can explore an array of nearby restaurants, cafes and tea houses independent of included meals.

Tuition: 4, 8, or 12 credits

You will be charged for these credits on your eBill at your normal rate of tuition.

Program Fee: $5,000

To be paid to OU on our MarketPlace payment system and includes: housing and some meals, ground transportation and all excursions while in China, and health insurance.

Additional Costs: $2,975

You will need additional funds for these expenses not covered by program fee. Amounts are estimated.
Airfare: $1,500
Meals: $600
Incidental personal expenses: $600
Passport (if you don't have one): $175
Visa: $200

Scholarships and Financial Aid: You are able to use financial aid to cover your full cost of attendance to this program (tuition, program fee and additional costs). Scholarships are also available through your study abroad application.