Study Abroad in China: Chinese Studies & Service-Learning in Beijing – City & Daily Life

Beijing, China

Frequent visitors to Beijing marvel at the city’s constant state of flux. Nothing is as it once was. Development has touched every corner of the city and Beijing has been rebuilt from the ground up. Indeed, the city has become a symbol of present-day China—rapid growth, foreign investment, nodding toward tradition while racing to modernity.

CET Chinese Studies embraces the two faces of this change. The program takes advantage of Beijing’s rich modern resources—events, facilities, organizations—while examining those slices of modern life that development left behind—migrant workers, traditional neighborhoods, the disabled. The CET Chinese Studies program is designed for inquisitive and empathetic China watchers who are excited to uncover the vibrant, sometimes conflicting and always fascinating city of Beijing, China.

Capital Normal University

The program is hosted by Capital Normal University (CNU). CNU is national university that is home to over 25,000 students. CET students have access to many campus facilities, including study areas, sports facilities and cafeterias.

Chinese Studies Housing & Meals

Students share rooms with local roommates in an international student dormitory. This building also houses “smart” classrooms and faculty offices.

Each student room has a phone, television and internet access. Each dormitory floor shares a small kitchen and laundry facilities.

Meals are not included in the program fee. Students eat at CNU cafeterias or explore the numerous inexpensive cafes and eateries around campus.

Chinese Roommates

Sharing a room with a local roommate is frequently cited by CET students as “one of the best parts of the program.” Many students become good friends with their roommates. Roommates often invite students to their homes for a weekend or holiday.

Chinese roommates are CNU students selected by CET. CET staff conduct an extensive application process to select friendly and motivated Chinese roommates who are interested in cross-cultural exchange.