The School of English and International Studies at Beijing Foreign Studies University embraces the goal that an undergraduate education must cultivate the ability to think globally, to analyze in a comparative context, and to value human differences. The School’s China Studies program makes a unique contribution to these goals. China, one of the most ancient civilizations in the world as well as one of the most dynamic modern states around the globe, is the right place for such a cross-cultural education.

The China Studies program provides a study abroad opportunity for international students. The program is committed to forging academic excellence through an exciting multidisciplinary and historical curriculum about China. The program offers a variety of content courses on Chinese culture, economy and literature, aiming at giving students a panoramic view of the ancient culture and contemporary development of China.

Classes are taught in English by Chinese faculty who are experts in their fields. The program also integrates a variety of excursions to significant cultural and historic sites so as to give international students opportunities to experience the real Chinese life.

Immerse yourself in the splendid culture of China for one semester or two, gain an international study and life experience an bring back credits for your university degree!

 Admission Requirement

Language Requirement

Since all the courses are instructed in English, you should be proficient in English. (Please see the reference table below) 

 Application Materials

C.V.

Personal Statement

Copy of Passport Information Page

Application Submission 

1)Through post or submit online (http://study.bfsu.edu.cn/)

2) Online application system opens:

Fall semester or one year study— 10 April – 10 June

Spring semester            — 10 October – 10 January.

Accommodation and insurance

You may request on-campus accommodation. Housing in overseas student apartment (containing several types of rooms) costs 1,500 RMB to 3,300 RMB a month, depending on the type of room you choose.

You will be required to buy insurance at BFSU which costs 600 RMB a year, 300 RMB one semester.

(Prices are given for reference only, it may change accordingly. Please confirm with BFSU Overseas Student Affairs Office before apply)

Course Descriptions

Buddhism in Chinese Culture

This course aims to help students to grasp the Buddhist infiltration in Chinese culture, traditional and modern. For more than two thousand years, Buddhism has permeated almost all levels of Chinese culture such as philosophy, history, language, literature, mores and behavioral norms, arts, architecture, folk traditions and beliefs, economy, education, modern life and so on. The course will enhance students’ intellectual understanding of Chinese culture, life and belief through historical analysis and theoretical inquiries into these aspects of Chinese Buddhism. Lectures are organized on the format of lecturer’s introductions and follow-up discussions on specific topics with multi-media aids. As a result, students, with the help of sociological and anthropological methods, will be able to understand, explain, research and critically examine both the Chinese culture in general and the particular Buddhist elements in Chinese life and culture, and in this process, they shall acquire the Buddhist wisdom pressingly needed in this post-modern world.

Classics of Chinese Thought

This course aims to initiate students’ cultivation in classical Chinese texts that mold the Chinese spirit and mental outlook: Taoist, Confucian and Buddhist, covering extracts from The Book of Change, Tao Te Ching, Zhuang Zi, The Yellow Emperor’s Inner Classic of Medicine, Confucian Analects, Mencius, Great Learning, Han Feizi, Book of Poetry, Three Character Classic, Heart Sutra, Diamond Sutra, Platform Sutra, etc.. The course will combine selected readings in English with early Chinese intellectual traditions and historical contexts, functioning as a gateway to future explorations in classical Chinese religions and philosophies, which, by being rooted in the past, shape the present and envision the future. With successful completion of this course, students will enhance their critical understanding of the profound influence of the above- mentioned texts on Chinese life, politics, art, and literature. 

Modern and Contemporary Chinese Literature

This course aims to provide students with the most fundamental knowledge of modern and contemporary Chinese literature from the 1910s to the present day with the coverage of the most famous literary figures and their representative works, thus familiarizing them with the development and mutations of Chinese literature in the past 100 years. In order to show the historical continuity of literary tradition the first two lectures are designed to give a general introduction to traditional Chinese literature. The course consists of 12 lectures, each for 3 hours. Lecturing and discussion are the main forms of in-class activities.

China on the Screen

This lecture covers the essentials of film studies through discussing mainland Chinese film examples and related readings. The major content includes seven aspects: 1) the development of the Chinese cinema, 2) main film genres, 3) important film directors, 4) film and social issues, 5) the construction of the national image, 6) stardom and spectatorship, and 7) technology and film. Each session focus on two film examples (There will also be a recommendation of more classical films on the topic in each session). Students are required to both read related articles and watch related film examples before coming to class. Through analysis and discussion on these topics, students are expected to acquire systematic knowledge on the Chinese cinema, have a deeper understanding of contemporary Chinese culture and society, improve their critical thinking ability, and develop their analytical potentials.

Chinese Economy

The Chinese Economy is designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of the Chinese economy. It is a one-term course consisting of 14 lectures covering various aspects of the Chinese economy, such as the structure of the Chinese economy, China’s financial institutions, the state-owned enterprises and private companies, privatization programs, multinationals in China, distribution of income and wealth, government spending and taxation, competition policies, unemployment policies, healthcare, housing, foreign trade, etc. The course is conducted mainly through lecturing with occasional student presentations and in-class quizzes. At the end of the term a written examination is required. The overall score of a student is based on his/her result of the final examination, class participation and attendance rate.

The Economy of Chinese Reform

This course explores China’s unique model of economic development, as well as the economic effects of ongoing, rapid institutional transformations. What exactly is the Chinese model of development and is it worth emulation by other countries? Given the overwhelming role, which the Chinese state continues to play in the economy; the course focuses in particular on the fascinating interplay between politics and economics. The class addresses pressing challenges ranging from inequality to environmental issues.

Through readings and discussions, the course will introduce a variety of approaches to understand China’s economic reform, which are expected to help students to further study of China’s political economy. Many of these can inspire students going forward with their own research.

Politics of Contemporary China

This course introduces students to some of the key aspects of contemporary Chinese politics. Discussion topics include economic development, political reform, factional politics, rural governance, corruption, civil society, nationalism, mass media, debate about the China model, and Chinese foreign policy. The course aims to improve students’ factual knowledge about China and to engage them in scholarly (particularly western) discourse on Chinese politics.

Western Civilization with Chinese Comparisons

This course is one in comparative culture studies. Its primary goals are to help students understand the central characteristics of two major civilizations, identified in the course as Western and Chinese, arouse your interests in comparative culture studies and put you in a better position to contribute to intercultural communication and understanding. As a cross-disciplinary course, it covers major areas of the two civilizations and examines their core spirits by analyzing some basic philosophical themes. Class activities mainly include lectures of the professor and students’ group presentations.

For further details regarding Study Abroad Program for International Students, including curriculum, please contact:

Email: internationalseis@163.com

Website: http//seis.bfsu.edu.cn/en

Tel: +861088810830, +861088814532

For application and matter of insurance and accommodation, please contact:

Overseas Student Affairs Office

No.19 North Road Xisanhuan, Haidian District

Beijing Foreign Studies University, China

Post Code: 100089

Website: http://study.bfsu.edu.cn/

Tel: +861088816549

Email: wsclxb@bfsu.edu.cn