BEIJING: Alliance for Global Education
Beijing, China
Dates
- Fall Semester - mid-August to mid-December
- Spring Semester - Early February - Late May
- Summer 1 Semester - Mid-June to mid-August
Application Deadline
- Fall Semester - March 1
- Spring Semester - October 1
- Summer 1 Semester - March 1
Description
Study Abroad Coordinator: Daisy Biddle (d.biddle@neu.edu)
China Now: Development, Politics and Social Change
This program offers students 12 class hours per week of Chinese language during the fall and spring semesters as well as the opportunity to examine modern China through courses in English in several disciplines including economics, film studies, women’s studies, and cultural studies. Students are encouraged to consider spending their second term in China in a different Alliance program to deepen their knowledge of China’s regional diversity.
Courses
China Now: Development, Politics and Social Change All students are required to take a Chinese language course as well as Area Studies courses taught in English. Students' placement in the Chinese language course will be contingent upon the results of a placement exam after arrival in China. During the fall and spring terms, students receive 16 NU credits.
If you are interested in enrolling in a course not in our database, please send this course for evaluation.
Policies and Process for Evaluations
Host University
Founded in 1962, the Beijing Language and Culture University (BLCU) is considered to be one of the nation’s premier institutions for the teaching of Chinese language and culture to foreigners. The majority of Chinese Language textbooks are written at BLCU by BLCU professors. BLCU confers degrees at Bachelor, Master and PhD levels and is comprised of 11 faculties and research institutes. The university hosts 14,000 foreign and Chinese students. It is located in the Haidian district, which is home to the majority of Beijing’s universities.
Eligibility Requirements
Full-time Northeastern University student, sophomore or above. No prior study of the Chinese language is required to participate in the program. Language instruction is offered at the beginning through advanced levels.
Application Procedure
- Complete OISP online application
- Complete Alliance online application (including BLCU application)
- Photocopy of Passport ID Page
- Two (2) letters of recommendation (Academic & Language)
- Statement of purpose
- Four (4) passport-sized photos
- Official transcript
Cost
Fall 2013 or Spring 2014: $20,490
Includes: Northeastern University (NU) tuition for 16 NU credits ($20,390), and 24/7 worldwide emergency assistance ($100). Students are responsible for all other expenses, including housing and other non-academic costs for which they will be billed directly by the program provider or host institution. Students are also responsible for arranging and purchasing their own flights.
China, Beijing: AGE Study Abroad Program Budget (Semester)
Summer 2013: $9,930
Includes: Northeastern University (NU) tuition for 8 NU credits ($9,830), and 24/7 worldwide emergency assistance ($100). Students are responsible for all other expenses, including housing and other non-academic costs for which they will be billed directly by the program provider or host institution. Students are also responsible for arranging and purchasing their own flights.
China, Beijing: AGE Study Abroad Program Budget (Summer)
Accommodations
In Beijing at BLCU, students are housed in the International Student Dorm #17 in double rooms with other Alliance students. Rooms include: two single beds, two desks, two chairs, small book shelves, cabinets, desk lamps, TV, and air-conditioning, and a private bathroom. Bed linens, including blankets and pillows, are provided by the dorm, and will be cleaned once a week. Towels are not provided. There are washing machines on each floor. Students can go to the front desk to buy tokens to for the machines. There is also a kitchen with a stove and microwave on each floor. The Alliance has some basic cooking equipment for students to borrow. The Chinese cooking class is also taught in the kitchen. A limited number of students will also have the option of staying with a host family in Beijing. Please contact Julia Levy at jlevy@allianceglobaled.org for detailed information. Meals are not included in the Alliance program fee. You may eat at any of the university cafeterias or at the small restaurants near campus. You may also cook in the kitchens in your dorm or apartment. Expect to spend about $5-10 per day on meals, or more if you eat in nicer restaurants or eat western-style food. Some students may spend $10 per day if they eat all meals off campus. Meal prices can range from cheap ($1 for a bowl of noodles on the street) to very expensive ($50 and higher in a nicer restaurant hotel, particularly ones serving Western food). Fresh fruit is available at local markets near campus. Vegetarians will find that good food is available in China. Most restaurants serve lots of vegetables, tofu dishes, and staples such as rice, noodles, or dumplings. Note that some restaurants may use animal fat in preparing dishes.
Destination
The bustling capital city of Beijing is the nation's political, educational, and cultural center. It has more universities and research institutes than any other city in China, making it also the intellectual hub of the country. Beijing's 3000 years of history is reflected in its art, architecture, music, and traditions. Among its innumerable attractions are the Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven, Tiananmen Square, and the nearby Great Wall. While the city is replete with historical treasures, modern Beijing boasts lively concert halls, night clubs, ritzy and down-home restaurants, museums, and theater. The entire city is still buzzing from the excitement of hosting the 2008 Beijing Olympics. Massive construction projects have transformed the city over the last several years. The Beijing Subway system is undergoing expansion that will more than double its original capacity. The Olympics were celebrated from August 8 to August 24, 2008 with the opening ceremony commencing at 08:08:08 pm at the Beijing National Stadium. While most events took place in Beijing, several events were also located in Qingdao, Hong Kong, Tianjin, Shanghai, and Qinhuangdao. Spring 2008 Alliance students had the chance to tour some of the Olympic venues and learn about the city's preparations for the games. Summer 2008 Alliance students in Beijing participated in a specially-designed Olympic program.