Middlebury in Beijing

Middlebury in Beijing: At-A-Glance

16 hours/week of intensive Chinese language
One-on-one research tutorial
Full-time language pledge
Out-of-class learning and assignments
Traveling Seminar for hands-on learning

Fall

SPRING

Get the best of the best—Middlebury’s excellence in language teaching, and CET’s 40+ years of experience in China. You apply through Middlebury and receive a transcript from Middlebury, but the program is open to students from all schools.

Academics at Middlebury

Semester
Snapshot

students practicing calligraphy

Immersive Learning in Beijing

Intensive curriculum. When you’ve studied Chinese for a few years, you need specialized attention to take your skills to the next level. Under a full-time language pledge, take on a one-on-one research tutorial, Experience Beijing (a course that has you exploring the city as part of class), and two elective courses. Electives are different each semester, but past courses have included Chinese Politics, Chinese Theater, and Classical Chinese. 

One-on-one tutorial. Explore a topic that interests you and learn the technical language you need to turn your knowledge into a senior thesis or graduate school application when you’re back home. In Beijing, past students have explored LGBTQ Life in China, Beijing City Planning, Film Censorship in China, and more.

Traveling Seminar: Learning on the Road

Each semester, we take you on a hands-on excursion to see another side of China. Spend mornings exploring with guided activities on themes like economics, history, and art. Then in the afternoons, explore on your own or with fellow students as you conduct field research on a topic of your choice.  No term is exactly the same—past terms have traveled to Shanghai, Xi’an, and Chengdu. In just five days, this seminar blends academic exploration with the freedom to discover more of China on your terms.

Housing and Meals

Living Like a Local

Local Roommates. Your roommate is a CET-selected student from our host university, Capital Normal University. Let them show you their favorite spots around the city. Learn which apps to download for daily life in Beijing or ask what slang locals have been using lately. Sharing a room with a local roommate brings language learning into your home life and gives you instant insider’s access to the city. Learn more about living with local roommates.

Eating in Beijing. For meals, take your pick of the budget-friendly campus cafeterias and neighborhood restaurants. And don’t forget to find your favorite spot for Peking Duck—you’re living in Beijing after all. Feeling like a home-cooked meal? Have a night in with your roommate and trade cooking tips as you prepare dinner together in the dorm shared kitchen. Learn more about accommodating your dietary needs in Beijing. 

Life in Beijing

group of students and staff in front of temple

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. Hop on a bikeshare to study at a new café near campus. Grab dinner with your roommate at their favorite restaurant in Beijing, then meet more friends for a night of karaoke. Get lost in the hutongs (traditional alleyways) and see everything from traditional tea houses to artfully-curated shops and even snack streets. And on the weekends, explore more of China via high-speed rail.

Experience Beijing

Around the city. Each term, the program offers different activities that let you see the city, learn about Chinese culture, or just unwind with your local roommates. Enjoy hot pot with classmates and language partners. Learn kung fu with your roommates from a master of martial arts. Take a day trip to hike an unrestored section of the Great Wall with the entire cohort. And there’s even more to see on your own.

On-the-ground support

Navigating a new city, country, and culture is a big challenge worth taking—and we’re here to help you along on this adventure. Our on-site team is bilingual, provides round-the-clock support, and is passionate about sharing their love of Beijing (and China!) with you.

group of students taking selfie

How to Apply

Middlebury in Beijing Application Process

This program runs in partnership with Middlebury and has a two-step application—a program application with Middlebury and registration with CET. The deadlines listed here apply to CET registration. Please visit middlebury.edu for more information about completing your application.

CET REGISTRATION
Deadlines

Fall deadline:

May 1

Spring deadline:

November 1

woman smiling at camera

Have a question? Get in touch!

Tara Strauch

Student Services Coordinator
202.349.7325
[email protected]

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 studying abroad with CET

Learn more about studying abroad with CET