Program Description

The University of California Program offers UW-Madison students the opportunity to study Chinese language and culture in Beijing, China's vibrant capital city. Students study at either Peking University or Beijing Normal University in semester and year-long programs that provide intensive language instruction for students who have varying levels of Chinese language proficiency, while students with advanced language skills may take university courses taught in Mandarin Chinese.

Beijing, China's capital, has served as China's leading center for learning and culture for more than 700 years. It is the political and administrative center of the country and a communications and transportation hub. With a population of 12.5 million and growing, it is the second largest city in China after Shanghai. At its core is the Forbidden City with the Imperial Palace and throne room of China's emperors. Surrounding the city center is a mixture of traditional neighborhoods, modern industrial quarters, and suburbs of high-rise office buildings, apartments, and luxury hotels. In anticipation of its new role as an international conference and meeting site, Beijing is in a frenzy of refurbishing historical monuments, razing swaths of buildings to make way for the redesign of city thoroughfares, and construction of vast new facilities to accommodate both foreign visitors and the needs of its expanding economy.

Academics

One of the top teaching colleges and oldest universities in China, Beijing Normal University enrolls over 12,000 students and is located north of the old city walls, midway between Peking University and Tiananmen Square. Most participants study with other international students through the university's Chinese Language Center. Participants with adequate language skills may take a course in a regular university department; those with advanced language ability will have a broader choice of regular courses taught in Chinese.

Located beyond the old city walls, Peking University sits northwest of Beijing Normal University in an area that has seen great development and reconstruction in the past few years. The university enrolls 30,000 students and is largely regarded as China's most comprehensive and prestigious university. Participants attend classes with international students in the College for Chinese Language. Students with advanced language ability may take regular Peking University courses alongside Chinese students.

Programs begin with a mandatory seven-week summer Chinese intensive language program at Beijing Normal University. After completing the summer program, participants pursue Mandarin Chinese language study at either Beijing Normal University (fall semester or academic year) or Peking University (academic year only). Chinese language study is required during each term, except for students who have advanced levels of Chinese language proficiency and can take courses in regular university departments.

Housing

Participants are housed with University of California or international students in single or shared rooms on campus in foreign student dormitories. Meals are available at Chinese and international student cafeterias, as well as eateries on and off campus.

Excursions and Activities

Upon arrival in China, the University of California Study Center organizes an on-site orientation that includes general information sessions, visits to local historical sites, a language placement exam, and information on housing, academic issues, and daily life. Cultural activities and excursions such as Chinese calligraphy workshops, visits to Chinese villages, dances, and excursions to the Great Wall are also offered as a supplement to university courses.