IES Abroad Study Abroad Program in Beijing
Studying abroad in China has become increasingly popular in recent years. When deciding between locations in China, many students choose to study in Beijing. As the capital of China, Beijing is a vibrant city. From old winding alleyways (called hutongs) to modern shopping malls and department stores, Beijing has it all.
The IES Abroad program in Beijing features intensive Chinese Language Study while also offering other more standard courses. The IES Abroad Center is located on the campus of the Beijing Foreign Studies University, in the heart of the city. The program combines language study with meaningful cultura immersion, cultural exchange and more. If you have decided to study abroad in China, the IES study abroad in Beijing program is an excellent choice. Why wait, apply today!
Reviews
100%Overall
Rating
100%Overall
Rating
I did IES' Language Intensive program in Beijing in 2010 and had an incredible experience. The quality of the language classes cannot be beat. In addition to my classes, I had an internship while in Beijing. I have maintained great relationships with my friends, teachers, and internship supervisor since returning to the US. I highly recommend this program!!
100%Overall
Rating
I did the Language intensive program and lived in a home stay arranged by IES. The workload was not as light as other programs I've heard of but my Chinese improved A LOT. Any student serious about pursuing Chinese should sign on for this program. Each class has multiple teachers and I received a lot of individual attention. Also the area of Beijing that the center is located in, HaiDian district, is vibrant and fun but not as commercial as other districts, such as Chaoyang. I liked the smaller feel of the surrounding area but everything was still convenient because buses and subways were still really close. There is Chinese class and "Area Studies" classes every day except Wednesday. Students can chose to do an internship on Wednesdays but I did not. I took Chinese Government and Politics and Calligraphy. Calligraphy was the most fun class I have taken and the teacher, Fang Laoshi, is so kind and patient with students.
I went on a two week trip with IES and it was so awesome. I got to see the Chinese-North Korean border and I actually crossed it for like 30 seconds! I got really close with a lot of other students on that trip.
The absolute highlight of my time at IES was becoming very close with the Chinese tutor that IES set me up with. Every student gets a Chinese tutor and me and my tutor became best friends. We still skype at least once or twice a week (in Chinese). Without IES's help I would not have met someone who is now such a close friend of mine.
This program is absolutely great. The only thing that I think students should consider before choosing it is how much work they want to do while abroad. All of the work in IES is very worthwhile but if a student is looking to just have fun and party while overseas, I don't think this is the program for you.
Alumni Interviews
Meet Lucy March, IES - China alum
Lucy March is from Tampa, Florida and is currently a senior History major at Davidson College. When school work isn't keeping her busy she enjoys running, cooking, and learning new languages.
GO: Why did you decide to study abroad with IES?
Lucy: I considered several other programs that were based in Beijing because I knew that would be the best place to improve my Mandarin. Other programs had some of what IES offered, but IES Language Intensive was the only one that had everything I was looking for: I could have an internship, study Mandarin intensively with a Chinese tutor, live with a Chinese roommate, and take a History course for my major credit. Also, it was the best option for me financially.
GO: What made this experience unique and special?
Lucy: Probably the staff and faculty at IES was what made this experience really stand out for me. My Chinese teacher and her assistant teacher were extremely dedicated and patient with us. My tutor was so sweet and became one of my good friends while I was in Beijing. My history professor, who is now the head of IES Beijing, was incredibly knowledgeable and funny. The folks at IES are extremely well-connected in the city and were able to provide us with a lot of great talks and tours as a result. Also, the food is super, incredibly amazing.
GO: How has this experience impacted your future?
Lucy: Most employers are pretty impressed when they see that I had an internship in Beijing that involved interviewing in Mandarin, or that I simply have knowledge of the language. I wouldn't say that knowing Mandarin in any capacity can just get you a position anywhere, though, so it is that much more important to make sure you can refine your language skills in the place where the language is spoken so you can have a leg up when it comes time to look for a job. I know I still have a lot of work to do, but I am proud of myself when my Chinese friends tell me how natural I sound. Both personally and academically speaking, I learned how to throw myself into a language and dedicate lots of time studying it (which you will do - trust me!) My classes & internship did not allow me as much time to wander around the city during the week, and I sometimes I envied my friends in Europe who were able to do this more often than not. But I know I am so much better for having done the IES Language Intensive program.
Meet Vincent Cusma, IES - China alum
GO: Why did you decide to study abroad with IES Abroad in Beijing?
Vincent: I heavily considered many abroad programs in China, but settled on Beijing for the following reasons. IES Beijing has one of the highest ratings of any study abroad program, their ambassadors were very receptive and gave me honest answers (both good and bad). The program offers a two-week trip with professors, and the program offers homestay opportunities. Furthermore, I liked the idea of a language pledge to increase my Mandarin.
GO: What made this experience unique and special?
Vincent: IES Beijing was one of the best times of my life. I was surrounded by incredible professors and students who were actively seeking to get immersed in Mandarin and Chinese culture. It was a situation where I learned just as much in the classroom as I did outside. I had an incredible host family that I still talk to over a year later--and will continue to talk to. The program director does an incredible job providing unique experiences such as camping overnight on the great wall and taking trips to Tibet. I feel like IES Beijing provides you with insider access to the city. Furthermore, the people that are instructing the students are all experts in their fields. Not a day goes by where I don't think about China and my experience with IES in Beijing.
GO: How has this experience impacted your future?
Vincent: I was very committed to learning Mandarin before going abroad. Beijing was actually a test-run to see if I could live in China full-time. After having such a positive experience, I have accepted a full-time job in Shanghai. I suppose IES literally changed my future. I am packing up my life in America for another adventure.
Further Info
About IES Abroad
Their Roots: IES Abroad was co-founded by Paul Koutny, an Austrian student who had moved to the US on a Fulbright scholarship in 1950. While there, he envisioned a future built on a peace that grew from the lessons learned while studying abroad. He rallied 21 other friends and the crew hopped on the SS Volendam headed for a year of studies in Vienna. Feeling inspired by their own experience in Austria, IES Abroad alums Clarence and Alberta Giese immediately began helping send future groups of students abroad. Before they knew it, 60 years had passed, and IES Abroad remains a longstanding and exemplary study abroad option for students today.
Their Quest: "IES Abroad strives to provide premier study abroad programs for U.S. students that deliver the highest quality education while simultaneously promoting development of intercultural competence."
All of Their Programs
Program Information
Related Programs
-
93% Overall Rating - 19 Reviews
-
99% Overall Rating - 18 Reviews
-
95% Overall Rating - 17 Reviews
-
93% Overall Rating - 14 Reviews
-
88% Overall Rating - 12 Reviews
One of my favorite experiences are the 2 week long trips, in the fall out along the Silk Road to Western China and in the spring to Yunnan. It is certainly out of classroom learning experience which can't be replaced. I also loved the 24/7 language pledge to only speak Chinese and living in a homestay that didn't speak English. My language improved tremendously, a testament to the great language teachers and staff at the center. The university is a safe area, surrounded by delicious restaurants with foods from all over China. Beijing itself is just massive and there's always something new to explore. One of my favorite activities was an overnight trip to the Great Wall, staying at a village next to the Wall for the night. Highly recommend this program if you are looking for language improvement, cultural learning, and/or a fabulous experience!!!
Critical Feedback:
The internship class is a great opportunity to work in Beijing but I think it needs some tweaking in organization, course work, syllabus, and communication with the internships.