CET Beijing: Janterm Study Abroad

Janterm: At-A-Glance

20 hours/week of intensive Chinese language
One-on-ones with an instructor
Full-time language pledge
Out-of-class learning and assignments
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Janterm

Janterm study abroad students at CET Beijing are progress-driven learners committed to taking on a challenging five weeks of Chinese language learning. This condensed term abroad offers all the advantages of a full semester—intensive classes, a language pledge, a local roommate—but in a quarter of the time. Janterm can be taken on its own or paired with a spring semester in Greater China.

Academics in Beijing

Janterm
Snapshot

Curriculum & Syllabi

You take one comprehensive Chinese language course for 5 credits.

Student studying in a CET Beijing classroom

Give your Chinese the boost it needs

Intensive Chinese language learning. You study Chinese language for 4.5 hours a day with some of the best teachers in the field. We flood you with new material, but we also make sure language is not taught in isolation. Each week, classes study a particular theme, with an out-of-the-classroom language practicum one of those days. You might chat with village farmers living in the outskirts of Beijing one week and attend an environmental fair the next. 

Practice makes perfect. An intensive language program isn’t just about fast-paced language classes. It’s about daily one-on-one sessions and interviewing locals for your assignments. It’s about committing to a 24/7 language pledge. This program pulls it all together, and Janterm gives your Chinese the boost it needs to continue on to a spring semester in China or continue your studies back home.

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Housing and Meals

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Living Like a Local

Language Partners. Language buddies are CET-picked students from Capital Normal University. Each week, meet on-campus for a guided discussion session to practice your Chinese. Then, explore Beijing together on the weekends. Check must-sees like the Forbidden City or National Museum of Art off of your list. Then, enjoy a bowl of zhajiangmian (noodles with garlic sauce) at a local restaurant. Language partners give you instant insider’s access to the city and best of all, a group to see it with.

Eating in Beijing. For meals, take your pick of the city’s many cheap eateries, try out each of the campus cafeterias, or cook up a meal in the dorm’s communal kitchen. And in the capital city, you have access to regional cuisines from all over China. But don’t forget to try some of Beijing’s specialty dishes… Peking duck, anyone? Learn more about accommodating your dietary needs in Beijing. 

students and local roommates selfie on street

Life in Beijing

lit up temple at night in city

You can’t experience China without spending time in Beijing. Historical and cultural sites meet the modern comforts of a globalized, first-tier city. And as the country’s capital, you can find communities, cultures, and cuisines from all over China. Join retirees playing mahjong in city parks. Dabble in the online gaming culture and make some friends along the way. Explore the hutongs (traditional alleyways) after class. Stay warm indoors during a karaoke night with classmates. And on the weekends, take the high-speed train to explore more of China.

Experience Beijing with CET

Around the city. Experience the grand, ancient architecture of the Forbidden City from within its walls, then hike up the hill in Jingshan Park for one of the best views in the city. Try ice skating at the Summer Palace. Go see a comedy show in Chinese. Get to know local students over a game of badminton. Every Janterm offers different activities and opportunities to help you discover Beijing and Chinese culture.
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Student Resources

"The teachers that I was so privileged to have at CET Beijing were excellent, in and out of the classroom. They were always willing to help, regardless of the subject matter. The office faculty made themselves available to you throughout the day leaving their door open and encouraging students to stop by, even if it was just to chat."

— Abigail Dickstein,
Kalamazoo College | Janterm student
"I learned a lot about myself and felt as though I made a lot of big life changes while I was abroad. I not only left China with a number of skills that will benefit me later in life, but I felt like I achieved one of my biggest goals before I left, which was to push myself out of my comfort zone each day. I tried a lot of new things, made great relationships with new people, and left feeling like I understood myself more."

— Kaylee Henderson,
Kalamazoo College | Janterm student

"Speaking only Chinese definitely presented a challenge that I hadn’t seen before. At my college, we could speak English if we had questions. This program forced me to use my limited knowledge of Chinese to communicate, which definitely accelerated my learning."

— Anonymous student evaluation
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On-site Staff

Zhu Li- Director of China Programs

Zhu Li
Director of China Programs

Drew Kunard
Resident Director

"Each week's lessons had a broad theme, and each Wednesday we would leave campus to visit a public place that revolved around that topic. For example, when we were studying environmental issues, we had the opportunity to visit a NGO based in Beijing that does global work to encourage sustainable economic development. "

— Kaylee Henderson,
Kalamazoo College | Janterm 2020

Program Fees

Janterm

$4,990

What's Included

All of your classes and program-related learning are included with your tuition.

We arrange for you to live in a dormitory with a CET peer. Your program fees go toward rent, furnishing, and other management costs. 

From pre-departure to orientation, from on site to re-entry, CET provides you with the support you need every step of the way. 

We guide you step-by-step through the visa process. You’ll need to do the legwork, but we pay the consular fees if you obtain your visa through the service we recommend.

You’re provided with a comprehensive insurance plan through GeoBlue that even includes medical evacuation coverage.

The activities and excursions that we arrange are included in your program fee. All you need to do is remember to bring your camera!

Your textbooks and course supplies are covered and waiting for you on site.

You’ll receive an official transcript jointly issued by CET and CNU. If your home institution requires a School of Record transcript, CET is able to provide one through the University of Minnesota. 

More on finances

Students wearing masks about to tour a museum in China
Program Fee Breakdown. Of the total program fee, $3,992 goes to tuition and fees, and $998 goes to housing and other student life fees.

Local Cost of Living. Day-to-day cost of living has increased in recent years and is now generally considered on par with US cities. Some meals and transit are often cheaper, but western comforts (restaurants, coffee, etc.) cost about the same or more than they do in the US.

Estimated out-of-pocket expenses: 

How to Apply

  • •  Pre-requisites: 2-3 semester of Chinese language coursework
  • • Must be 18 or older at the time of program participation.
  • • Open to students from any US college or university
  • GPA: 3.0 or higher is recommended, students with lower GPAs will be asked for a faculty recommendation to supplement their application

Complete the application through your online CET account. This is a brief form that asks for basic information and has a few short answer questions about why you want to study abroad.

Upload a scan of your passport to your online CET account. This should be a single scan that includes the signed signature page and the photo/personal details page. Don’t have a passport yet? Let us know and we can help advise you.

This is an online form that your current or most recent language instructor completes to help us get an idea of your language level. Use the link in your online account to send the recommendation request.

This is an online form that your study abroad office completes to let us know you meet the requirements to study abroad. To send the electronic form request,  simply enter the name and email address of your study abroad advisor in the designated fields of your online account.

Your online CET account has specific instructions for submitting an official transcript.

Application
Deadlines

Janterm:

October 1

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Have a question? Get in touch!

Tara Strauch

Student Services Coordinator
202.349.7325
[email protected]

Price Subject to Change:

CET reserves the right to increase quoted charges at any time without prior notification, based on increased instruction costs, exchange rate fluctuation or other cost increases beyond CET’s control.

Course Availability

Our goal is to offer every course every term, but sometimes factors like faculty availability and program enrollment keep us from reaching that goal. If you’re concerned about needing to enroll in one particular course, please contact us
 

CET Jordan: Academic Consultation Board

Over the years, we’ve built a strong network of locally-based faculty that we’re proud to call our peers. These faculty make up our Academic Consultation Board—a select group of local voices and thought leaders that help advise and shape components of the CET Jordan program. 

Board members support the program in many ways, including but not limited to:

Academic Consultation Board Members

Learn More about our Programs