This page will provide updates to CET’s plans to re-open and operate study abroad programs in Mainland China. We are seeing signs that study abroad in Mainland China might be possible again soon and look forward to welcoming students to China.
We are hoping to operate a program in Summer 2023 in Beijing and programs in Fall 2023 in Beijing, Harbin, and Shanghai.
Why We’re Cautiously Optimistic As you have no doubt seen, China has lifted most Zero-COVID protocols and has re-opened to certain types of international visitors. The X2 short-term student visa is among the group of entry permits that is now available. The availability of visas is the first sign that study abroad on the Mainland might be feasible soon. We are cautiously optimistic that a Summer term in Beijing will be possible and will continue to update applicants and partners on the viability of a summer program as we learn more from our host institution partner and as we assess the situation on the ground via our networks of advisors in Beijing, at the U.S. Department of State, and private security companies. We are more optimistic about the possibility of offering programs in Fall 2023 and plan to open sites in all of our Mainland locations (Beijing, Harbin, and Shanghai), pending student and partner demand.
Next Steps for Interested StudentsIf you are interested in studying abroad in Mainland China this summer or fall, we encourage you to select a program and start an application in the CET portal. We will communicate updates to applicants and home institutions as we approach and pass the application deadlines (Summer – March 1; Fall – May 1).Get More InformationWant to know more about our plans? Wondering how we’re making these decisions? Explore the FAQs below and feel free to contact CET with any further questions.
FAQs on Re-Opening
We are exploring the option of offering a summer term (June 9-August 5) in Beijing only. Many factors are still unknown, but we want to gauge student demand and partner interest now as we continue to gather information.We are more optimistic about the possibility of operating in Fall 2023 and will open programs in Beijing, Harbin, and Shanghai, pending enrollment and partner institution demand.
We rely on information from many sources as we make decisions about program operations. CET has maintained full-time staff in Beijing, Harbin, and Shanghai throughout the pandemic. These on-site teams are important sources of on-the-ground information. We also rely on our host university partners who sponsor our X2 visas and play a pivotal role in our students’ experience abroad. We are also in regular contact with officials from the U.S. Department of State, specifically the Beijing Regional Security Officer. And we maintain a contract with and utilize the resources of a private security company.
We have six pillars of program operation that must be met in order for CET to operate a program. We are continuing to assess each of these areas when making decisions about program operations in Mainland China and around the world. In particular, we are currently focused on the availability of flights to-and-from China and the status of hospitals in-country.
Yes, CET Taiwan re-opened in Summer 2022 and continues to operate with increasing numbers of students. The deadline for study in Taiwan for Summer 2023 has passed, but applications for Fall 2023 are open until May 1.
If you are interested in studying in Beijing this summer or in Beijing, Harbin, or Shanghai this fall, we encourage you to select a program and start an application on the CET website.Applicants and their home institutions will be informed of CET’s operating status every step of the way.The deadline for summer in Beijing is March 1. The deadline for all fall programs is May 1.
Want to talk through this information further?
For partners and interested students: Your Campus Relations Manager can get you the answers and resources you need.Current applicants: Your Student Services Coordinator can answer questions about your materials and the application process.