Location
Multiple Locations +2
  • China
    • Beijing
    • Shanghai
    • Harbin
  • Taiwan
    • Taipei
Term
Academic Year, Fall, J-Term, Spring, Summer
Subject Areas
Anthropology Asian American Studies Asian Studies Business Communications Cultural Studies Design East Asian Studies Economics Field Studies Finance Global Studies History Humanities International Business International Relations Journalism Language Studies Liberal Arts Linguistics Literature Marketing Political Science Psychology Public Health Public Policy Public Relations Social Sciences Sociology +19
Need-based funding, Merit-based funding, General grants/scholarships, Payment plans, LGBTQIA+ funding, BIPOC funding
Health & Safety

Program Details

Program Type
Provider
Degree Level
Bachelors
Housing
Apartment Dormitory
Language
Chinese

Pricing

Price Details
The CET program fee covers tuition, housing with a Chinese roommate, activities and excursions (including an overnight excursion), weekday lunches, medical insurance, visa fees and course materials/textbooks.

The program fee does not include transportation to/from the program and meals (other than those mentioned above).

Still wondering how to budget for your time abroad? CET offers scholarships, and CET staff is happy to provide advice on keeping discretionary purchases to a minimum (i.e., they can tell you where to get cheap eats).
What's Included
Accommodation Activities Classes Visa
Dec 12, 2024
Jan 16, 2025
34 travelers are looking at this program

About Program

CET Greater China Programs offer intensive language and internship options in four locations. Looking for a full-time language pledge to immerse yourself in Chinese language and culture? CET Beijing or CET Harbin (summer-only) might be for you! Want to intern internationally while taking electives and improving your Chinese skills? Check out CET Shanghai or CET Taiwan! No matter which program you choose, you will have excellent faculty, staff support, and opportunities to learn and grow outside the classroom.

Video and Photos

Diversity & Inclusion

CET believes in making study abroad accessible to students of all races, religions, origins, abilities, gender identities, and sexual orientations. We’ve gathered experiences from BIPOC students to share as resources such as the Identity Abroad pages, Perspective Pieces, and Identity Abroad Support Networks. We are also dedicated to becoming a more anti-racist organization by transforming our workplace, programs, and industry with our Justice, Equity, Diversity, & Inclusion (JEDI) Action Plan.
CET supports and welcomes students of all identities on our programs. We provide program-specific information under the cultural climate section of our Identity Abroad webpages for LGBTQ individuals in each of our program locations.
CET makes every effort to offer accommodations comparable to that of the students’ home institution. Disclosing early helps us to make proper preparations. The accommodations offered at each program can be found on each program location's Identity Abroad page. These pages can provide a good idea about what classes are like in terms of workload and class time. Initiating one-on-one conversations with Student Service Coordinators can also help inform students' decisions and determine if a program will be a good fit.
CET makes every effort to offer accommodations comparable to that of the students’ home institution. The levels of accessibility, from wheelchair accessibility to extra time on exams, are under each program location’s Identity Abroad page. Initiating one-on-one conversations with Student Service Coordinators can help inform students' decisions and determine if a program will be a good fit.

Impact

CET is an environmentally conscientious organization at our headquarters in DC and programs all around the world. In each of our centers, we adopt local measures to reduce our carbon footprint and contribute to sustainable practices. As part of our ongoing efforts towards sustainability, we’ve partnered with Cool Effect, a nonprofit focused on reducing carbon emissions through scientifically-proven, hand-selected carbon projects worldwide. For each trip taken by one of our staff members, travelers, or students, we donate to support three carbon projects chosen by staff volunteers every year.
When we set up a program overseas, we become a part of that local community. And as a community member, we are responsible for contributing to local initiatives in meaningful ways. Our website lists some local philanthropic organizations that help us fulfill this responsibility—they host our students, and we support their missions.

Program Highlights

  • Chinese language classes
  • One-on-one sessions for targeted learning
  • Full-time language pledge or Internship for optional credit
  • Local roommates
  • Out-of-classroom assignments & learning

Popular Programs

Students on Great Wall

CET Beijing is an intensive language program for students of all levels (beginner to advanced). Grow your conversation skills with a full-time language pledge and housing with a local roommate, giving you a boost in language proficiency and skills to independently study while navigating life in China.

CET Shanghai

Shanghai is a large, diverse city and our program structure is representative of that! CET Shanghai offers a wide range of elective options and internship opportunities. With a local roommate and language courses, you'll improve your Chinese, whether you're a beginner or advanced.

Local roommate and CET Taiwan student

With a big selection of English-taught electives, a choice between 4 or 12 credits of Chinese at Taiwan’s top university, and even an option to intern at a local organization—CET Taiwan offers maximum flexibility for your term abroad. You also have optional language pledge housing and local Taiwanese roommates to help you make the most of your time in Taipei!

Students at landmark in Harbin

Are you an advanced Chinese learner with at least 4 semesters of college-level Chinese? If you’re looking for an immersive experience, CET Harbin may be perfect for you! Grow your language skills by getting individually-focused (research-driven) curriculum, sticking to 24-hour language pledge, and living with a Chinese roommate—all in one summer.

Program Reviews

4.71 Rating
based on 162 reviews
  • 5 rating 72.84%
  • 4 rating 25.93%
  • 3 rating 0.62%
  • 2 rating 0.62%
  • 1 rating 0%
  • Academics 4.5
  • Support 4.7
  • Fun 4.45
  • Housing 4.35
  • Safety 4.85
Showing 1 - 8 of 162 reviews
Default avatar
Jamuna
4/5
Yes, I recommend this program

My Experience Abroad

Studying abroad in Taiwan was an incredible experience that allowed me to immerse myself in a new culture while applying years of Chinese language learning. While adjusting to a different environment was initially challenging, joining activities like a local gym helped me build a routine, and taking boxing lessons allowed me to learn a new skill in Chinese, overall improving my language skills and maintaining my well-being. Although English was accessible in many places, pushing myself to use Chinese, especially in everyday interactions, while requiring more discipline, was rewarding and contributed to my growth.

The CET program staff were very welcoming and proved helpful when you needed extra resources, assistance, etc. For example, the first week with language placements was probably the most stressful for me, and they were very supportive throughout that entire process. Academically, while intense–the 3-hour classes five days a week and an elective (or internship), balancing studies with exploration/free time was still manageable. I also found myself learning a lot of vocabulary/grammar that was applicable! I would also highly recommend participating in at least some of the cultural activities this program offers.

Please also take advantage of Taiwan’s convenient transportation (MRT, HSR, buses, U-Bike) to explore Taipei and beyond, including its beautiful natural landscapes. As a vegetarian, I was delighted by the abundance of delicious and affordable food options.

Being a person of color who had a darker skin complexion than most people there, I sometimes felt out of place because I did not see a lot of people who looked like me. Overall, however, the people there were welcoming and curious about my background and journey with the language.

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
Give yourself the time to adjust and process living in a new and unfamiliar environment, but also try not to let it take away from the opportunities and experiences you could obtain. I think one thing I could have done better was plan a few more outings/day trips to balance with my academic schedule. Thankfully I was able to stay in Taiwan a bit longer after the program had ended, and so I was able to do that without the academic pressure, but not all of you may do that. The time in this program goes by very quickly, so just try to make the best of it!
Pros
  • housing and public transport organised by CET
  • opportunity for language and cultural immersion
  • affordable and delicious food (vegetarian friendly!)
Cons
  • taking finals/packing to leaving the next day (end of the program transition)
  • class changes were difficult
  • weather + dry hanging clothes (not every apartment provided a dryer)
9 people found this review helpful.
Response from CET Academic Programs

Hi Jamuna,

It’s great to read that you were able to build a routine, try new activities like boxing, and explore Taiwan's amazing landscapes! Your insights about balancing academics, culture, and transportation are incredibly helpful for future students—thanks for taking the time to share!

Default avatar
Ganga
4/5
Yes, I recommend this program

CET Taiwan Study Abroad Review

Taiwan is an amazing place to study abroad in. In terms of academics, while I did not get into the Chinese level that I had originally wanted to (it is hard to switch because of the limit of 8 people), I still had a rewarding and academically challenging learning experience. There is no room for slacking off with these classes which is exactly the learning environment I needed. Outside of classes at NTU, there are so many opportunities to learn the language and experience the culture. There is a lot of English in Taiwan! Which is great for the cultural shock but also means I had to be more intentional about stepping outside my comfort zone. For instance, not always asking for the English menu, reading the Chinese directions/signs, ordering in Chinese, etc. The locals here are super friendly as well and provide so many opportunities for practicing Chinese. It is a common occurrence to have conversations with workers at stores or just random curious locals. I also loved that this program paired you up with a language partner as well because it helped my listening and "on the spot" speaking/conversational skills. I loved my language partner! (My first language partner did ghost me...but the staff found a new one which shows how valuable those pair-ups are!). My local roommates were also such a great way to immerse myself in the language and culture.

Studying abroad in Taiwan is also so ideal because of how easy it is to get around with the MRT, local trains, buses, or even HSR (but these are for places farther away). Not only is commuting easy but traveling and exploring is made much easier. Additionally, eating in Taiwan (and most things) is super affordable and accessible (7-11s/family marts, night markets). One thing that surprised me as a vegetarian was how many vegetarian restaurants. There usually are not a TON of veggie options at regular restaurants but eating was never a problem for me here.

In terms of the program itself, the CET staff were super helpful and supportive. There was some miscommunication between the CET staff and me and my roommates regarding some housing/apartment stuff but overall, I was super happy with the staff and support available during this experience. They played a big role in the time I had here.

I could keep raving about Taiwan, but the last thing I wanted to say was that I wish this program was longer because time goes by so fast. Particularly when you factor in the academics to it as well with 3 3-hour class every day. To me, there isn't a lot of time to "settle in" once you get to Taipei or enjoy your last moments in Taipei before leaving. Many of my friends and I especially felt that we would've liked more time at the end of the program because the move-out was the day after the last class. I actually did end up staying longer in Taipei after the program was over for about three more weeks. I think that if I hadn't stayed longer, I would not have felt as satisfied with my time here as I do now (really comes down to the length of the program).

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
My advice to future travelers of this program is to be on top of planning your time in Taipei/Taiwan --whether that is planning where you want to explore/travel or just setting a daily/weekly routine here. Having classes every day can make it challenging to travel or explore extensively, but it also leaves you with pockets of free time where you might find yourself unsure of how to spend it. For me, getting a gym membership was a way for me to build a routine in my time in Taiwan. I also took boxing classes at my gym which was a fun way to also practice my Chinese while learning a new skill.
And because the time is so short with this program, be intentional about how you're engaging with the language as well. As I said, there is a lot of English, and many locals, particularly younger people can speak English, so you do have to be proactive about where you are choosing to engage in Taiwanese language and culture. One thing I wished is that me and my CET roommates spoke more Chinese with each other and not just when our local roommates would be there.
Pros
  • transportation makes it easy to commute and travel
  • lots of opportunity for language and cultural immersion (and reimbursement)
  • affordable and yummy food
Cons
  • weather - humidity, rain, typhoons
  • changing classes
13 people found this review helpful.
Response from CET Academic Programs

Hi Ganga,

Thanks for sharing such a thorough and thoughtful review! We’re so glad to hear that you found the academic environment challenging and rewarding, and that you were able to immerse yourself in the language and culture through activities like your language partner and local interactions!

Default avatar
Ganga
4/5
Yes, I recommend this program

CET Taiwan Study Abroad Review

Taiwan is an amazing place to study abroad in. In terms of academics, while I did not get into the Chinese level that I had originally wanted to (it is hard to switch because of the limit of 8 people), I still had a rewarding and academically challenging learning experience. There is no room for slacking off with these classes which is exactly the learning environment I needed. Outside of classes at NTU, there are so many opportunities to learn the language and experience the culture. There is a lot of English in Taiwan! Which is great for the cultural shock but also means I had to be more intentional about stepping outside my comfort zone. For instance, not always asking for the English menu, reading the Chinese directions/signs, ordering in Chinese, etc. The locals here are super friendly as well and provide so many opportunities for practicing Chinese. It is a common occurrence to have conversations with workers at stores or just random curious locals. I also loved that this program paired you up with a language partner as well because it helped my listening and "on the spot" speaking/conversational skills. I loved my language partner! (My first language partner did ghost me...but the staff found a new one which shows how valuable those pair-ups are!). My local roommates were also such a great way to immerse myself in the language and culture.

Studying abroad in Taiwan is also so ideal because of how easy it is to get around with the MRT, local trains, buses, or even HSR (but these are for places farther away). Not only is commuting easy but traveling and exploring is made much easier. Additionally, eating in Taiwan (and most things) is super affordable and accessible (7-11s/family marts, night markets). One thing that surprised me as a vegetarian was how many vegetarian restaurants. There usually are not a TON of veggie options at regular restaurants but eating was never a problem for me here.

In terms of the program itself, the CET staff were super helpful and supportive. There was some miscommunication between the CET staff and me and my roommates regarding some housing/apartment stuff but overall, I was super happy with the staff and support available during this experience. They played a big role in the time I had here.

I could keep raving about Taiwan, but the last thing I wanted to say was that I wish this program was longer because time goes by so fast. Particularly when you factor in the academics to it as well with 3 3-hour class every day. To me, there isn't a lot of time to "settle in" once you get to Taipei or enjoy your last moments in Taipei before leaving. Many of my friends and I especially felt that we would've liked more time at the end of the program because the move-out was the day after the last class. I actually did end up staying longer in Taipei after the program was over for about three more weeks. I think that if I hadn't stayed longer, I would not have felt as satisfied with my time here as I do now (really comes down to the length of the program).

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
My advice to future travelers of this program is to be on top of planning your time in Taipei/Taiwan --whether that is planning where you want to explore/travel or just setting a daily/weekly routine here. Having classes every day can make it challenging to travel or explore extensively, but it also leaves you with pockets of free time where you might find yourself unsure of how to spend it. For me, getting a gym membership was a way for me to build a routine in my time in Taiwan. I also took boxing classes at my gym which was a fun way to also practice my Chinese while learning a new skill.
And because the time is so short with this program, be intentional about how you're engaging with the language as well. As I said, there is a lot of English, and many locals, particularly younger people can speak English, so you do have to be proactive about where you are choosing to engage in Taiwanese language and culture. One thing I wished is that me and my CET roommates spoke more Chinese with each other and not just when our local roommates would be there.
Pros
  • transportation makes it easy to commute and travel
  • lots of opportunity for language and cultural immersion (and reimbursement)
  • affordable and yummy food
Cons
  • weather - humidity, rain, typhoons
  • changing classes
10 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Mason
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

CET Taiwan

My experience with the CET Taiwan program was fantastic. The courses were engaging and tailored to my interests, while the internship opportunity provided invaluable real-world experience. The program staff were exceptional—always available and supportive throughout my time abroad. I also enjoyed the weekend activities, which offered a great balance of cultural exploration and bonding amongst other students. Overall, it was a rewarding and well-rounded experience that exceeded my expectations. Highly recommend!

11 people found this review helpful.
Response from CET Academic Programs

Hi Mason,

It's wonderful that you found the courses, internship, and activities so rewarding. We’re glad to have been a part of your experience and appreciate your recommendation!

Default avatar
Ruby
4/5
Yes, I recommend this program

CET Taiwan Programme Review

There is so much to say about my summer abroad in Taiwan, I’m not sure how I can possibly encapsulate it in this short review. Despite there being many ups and downs, I can safely say that I gained everything I could have wanted from my study abroad experience and more. Not only did my language skills improve immensely, but I also noticed a significant shift in my overall confidence and ability to adjust to unfamiliar circumstances. The culture shock and language barrier were definitely huge challenges for me when I first arrived in Taiwan, however it was so rewarding to see myself progress everyday and overcome these hurdles. After learning Chinese for many years, this immersive experience was exactly what I needed in order to level up my language skills, and motivate me towards continuing to pursue language study in the future.

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
Take the opportunity to explore the rest of Taiwan (outside of Taipei)!
Pros
  • CET organised accommodation, public transport passes, household maintenance, travel + cultural reimbursements
  • Housemates were amazing!
  • Location of our accommodation was superb, very central and easy to access different areas of the city
Cons
  • Orientation process was longer than it needed to be
  • It became difficult to meet up with language partners due to schedule conflicts
31 people found this review helpful.
Response from CET Academic Programs

Hi Ruby,

I loved reading this—especially the part about how "after learning Chinese for many years, this immersive experience was exactly what I needed in order to level up my language skills, and motivate me towards continuing to pursue language study in the future." Thanks for sharing your experience!!!

Default avatar
Katrina
4/5
Yes, I recommend this program

The Little Things

Although my time at CET Beijing had its highs and lows, I found appreciation for the friends I made and the experiences we shared. Initially, making friends at CET felt very difficult. Most students came from Yale, and many already knew each other from beforehand. I felt slightly intimidated by this, but I tried my best to get to know everyone and enjoy my time while I was there. By the end of the program, I found friends in my teachers, my RAs, and even my peers who I had initially been intimidated by. Whether it was playing a game of Mahjong or inviting someone along to eat Malatang with me, I felt a sense of community with those around me.

It was hard not to compare myself with my classmates, who seemed to only have highs and never lows. To see what my peers had around me, and wonder why I was struggling to achieve the same things. But in my last few weeks in China, I realized that I had everything around me that I needed. I had a few good friends who cared about me, teachers who were genuinely invested in my improvement, and dozens of everyday experiences that brought me joy. Reflecting on my program, I realized it was the little things that mattered at the end of the day.

What was the most unfamiliar thing you ate?
A couple of friends and I went to Haidilao for hotpot, and we tried pig brain and blood!
Pros
  • Trying new and tasty foods
  • Getting to travel to new cities other than Beijing
  • Being able to meet locals that attend the same school
Cons
  • Homesickness
  • Cliqueyness
  • Academic Stress
36 people found this review helpful.
Response from CET Academic Programs

Hi Katrina,

Your review offers a heartfelt perspective on the realities of studying abroad (that it's not always rainbows and butterflies)! It’s inspiring to see how you overcame challenges and built meaningful connections with friends, teachers, and peers. It’s also completely normal to compare ourselves with others, but it’s great to hear you that you discovered the value of the support and friendships you had. Thanks for sharing your honest reflection from your time in Beijing!

Default avatar
Eric
4/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Academics, Activities, and fun

This program allowed me to fulfill my language requirement and significantly improve my language proficiency, all in the span of 2 months. As part of our required and optional/personal activities, we were able to visit many famous historical sites, such as the Forbidden City and Great Wall. We also ate a lot of really famous and good food, such as Peking duck, most of which was paid for by the program. I would definitely recommend this program to anyone looking to improve their language proficiency and are curious about the culture, food, and history.

If you did this all over again, what's one thing you would change?
I would make sure to bring more of my home items and accessories from my university to show and give to local friends!
36 people found this review helpful.
Response from CET Academic Programs

Hi Eric,

The Peking duck sounds like such a treat! Thank you for sharing your positive experience.

Default avatar
Elena
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

最好的夏天:My best Summer in Beijing!

Approaching the end of my college career, I knew I would be disappointed in myself if I never took the opportunity to study abroad. Despite my determination to get out and see the world, I was terrified. Going out of my comfort zone on my own was not something I was accustomed to, and given that I am pursuing a Chinese minor, it only made sense to go to one of the furthest places possible: Beijing, China. This choice was easily one of the best decisions of my life. From the moment I was accepted into the program, the CET staff were very attentive to my every question and concern. They guided me through the typically challenging visa process, booking plane tickets, and making sure I packed everything I needed. Upon arrival, the feeling of support only increased. The onsite CET staff are quick to serve as your friend, mentor, and sometimes parent figure if you need them to. The adjustment to life in Beijing becomes a smooth and straightforward process as CET staff guide you through it. That is until one of the scariest parts of the program begins: the Language Pledge. While this pledge does not affect the support you receive from staff, the onset of the pledge for me personally was the rockiest part of my trip. Dedicating yourself to speaking only the language you're learning with people of various levels is as hard as it sounds. However, it is truly rewarding. The teaching staff at CET are devoted to giving you everything you need to improve your Chinese skills and find a place in which you can live your daily life in Chinese. Alongside the help in the classroom, CET Beijing offers language acquisition opportunities coupled with intangible cultural heritage experiences. With two overnight trips and multiple weekend activities, you have the chance to see so much of what China has to offer. Coming back to the United States, I not only feel confident in my Chinese language skills but also have a widened worldview and a deep appreciation for other cultures.

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
My advice for future CET Beijing Students is: Do Not Forget, You're Not Alone! Everyone is nervous. No matter what level you are, this experience is new for everyone. I truly made some life long connections through this program and that wouldn't have happened if I continued to be afraid and keep to myself. Apart from the amazing friendships you can create, the CET staff and teachers are so open and ready to build a connection with you. After leaving CET I truly feel I have a support network that stretches across the world.
Pros
  • Rapid and efficient language acquisition
  • Exploration of many areas and cultures of China
  • Unique opportunities to experience private tours and talks across China
Cons
  • Price
  • Language Struggle
31 people found this review helpful.
Response from CET Academic Programs

Hi Elena,

We're thrilled to hear about the growth of your Chinese language skills by committing to the Language Pledge (though it is intense!) Your experiences and the skills you've gained show how impactful immersing yourself in a new culture can be. Thanks for sharing your time in Beijing with us!

Questions & Answers