Beijing in Spring

Students will mainly stay and study in Beijing at the China Foreign Affairs University (CFAU), the only tertiary-level school supervised by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. CFAU is long responsible for training China’s professional foreign service personnel, and those seeking careers in international affairs, international business, and international law.

The CFAU campus is home to some 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, are an array of restaurants, shops, tea houses, parks, and neighborhoods.

In addition to a valid passport, several extra passport-sized photos should be packed, along with student identification (for discounted admission to venues).

A pair of comfortable walking shoes is essential. At least a six-week supply of any medications the student is taking, including any for possible allergic reactions. Sun screen, hand sanitizer and wipes are advisable.

For electrical usage, a plug converter and power adapter (available in China, as well) may be taken. An early spring jacket or sweatshirt for the plane ride and for the initial week or so in China. Thereafter, summer clothing will be appropriate. Materials used for the research project, ideally in digital form, should also be carried.

Testimonials from Beijing Program Students

Daily Life:

Food:
#4:1 “really like having meal as a group, spinning table, very convenient.” “amazing, go out at 4:30 AM to watch baozi making,” “Everything I tried in China was full of flavor. It was very rare I did not like something.”

Interaction:
#2:4 play chess with an old man on the street, “he quickly wrapped up the game with a decisive victory. Even in victory, the older man was complementary and modest, much in contrast to the elderly people of the States.”

#2:4 interact with noodle shop owners “the proprietor and his wife didn’t care where we were from; to them, the United States wasn’t something to be feared or hated, it was simply an abstraction that was outside their experience and had little to do with their daily lives.”

General Comments:

#3:2 “I do regret though not applying for it sooner.”

#4:2 “It really is great to get out at night and even just walk around with no goal in mind.”

#6:1 “There is something innately charming in the way that walking down a street in China is as much a lesson in culture and manners.”

#6:3 “China was amazing and I cannot wait to go back.”

#3:5 “We have one more week left in China and I do not really want to go back home. I know this is a horrible thing to say considering the numerous people who have not seen us in over a month now, but they will understand once we start telling our stories of being abroad. They will be impressed with our stories and say nice things about our picture, but they will never truly understand the splendor of China simply by listening to us; they have to experience China for themselves.

(The comments above were collected for research purposes, thus individual names must remain anonymous.)

Beijing in Spring