Ed Abroad & Exchange - UMass at Beijing Foreign Studies

Beijing Foreign Studies University

Overview

Located in the Haidan (NW) District of Beijing which is known for its many universities, Beijing Foreign Studies University (BFSU) is next door to the Central University of Nationalities, the Beijing Institute of Technology and the China Theater. Within close walking distance are the Beijing Dance Academy, the National Library of China and Zizhuyuan Park as well as the Beijing Zoo. Beijing Foreign Studies University is the oldest and one of the leading foreign studies universities in China, starting in 1941 as the first institution of higher education in China to specialize in foreign language studies. It is a "key" university under the Ministry of Education.

Beijing offers many attractions to visitors combining a wealth of cultural/historic sites in the greater metropolitan area with the increasingly cosmopolitan and bustling characteristic of the city. Old neighborhoods are still in existence although slowly being replaced by high rise apartment and office buildings. The transportation networks are changing, and the Third Ring Road (one of the concentric circular highways) cuts right through the campus.

Course Information

BFSU has a thriving Chinese language program which enrolls about 700 students from around the world each year, only 50 of whom are from North America. The majority are from Korea and Japan, and already have a larger vocabulary of Chinese characters. Mandarin will be the common language for international students.

Academic Year Programs

Multiple levels of Mandarin instruction are offered during the 18 week fall/spring semesters, and the total number of classroom hours of instruction are approximately 360 per semester. As part of that total, students may choose from electives taught in Mandarin on subjects such as "Business Chinese," "Translation," and "Chinese Literature." These topics vary somewhat each year.
The UMass sites in China utilize the language/elective courses offered by the host university. The Mandarin language courses are conducted completely in Mandarin. Participants will be given a placement test and placed in classes with students of comparable language abilities.

Summer Program

Beginner through advanced levels of Mandarin instruction are offered during the 4 and 8 week summer programs, and the total number of classroom hours are 80 and 160 respectively. Students will receive instruction in Chinese language (reading, writing and conversation). The Mandarin language courses, offered by the host university are conducted completely in Mandarin. Participants will be given a placement test and placed in classes with students of comparable language abilities.

Credits

BFSU will send the transcript directly to the International Programs Office at UMass; these will be reviewed by the Director of the China/Taiwan programs in order to adjust to the UMass Exchange Programs grading scale. Chinese universities usually award a numerical grade which is based upon attendance as well as test scores. Students must remember that the host university has a rule about the maximum number of classes that can be skipped before a failing grade will be awarded.

Academic Year Programs

Upon successful completion of the program students ordinarily receive 15 - 18 University of Massachusetts credits per semester (this may vary depending upon participation in elective courses). Grades will appear on the UMass transcript. Grad students must consult with the Graduate Program Director about the number of credits that can be transferred in and be counted towards the graduate degree.

Summer Programs

Upon successful completion of the 4-week program, students ordinarily receive 6 semester credits. Students on the 8-week program ordinarily receive 10 semester credits. Students will receive grades in each course and these grades will appear on an official UMass transcript.

Eligibility

Applicants should be current graduate students.

Academic Year Programs

Minimum requirements for admission to the UMass China Exchange Programs are a 2.75 cumulative average, one year of intensive, college-level Mandarin Chinese or the equivalent before departure and one non-language course in the area of Asian Studies.

Summer Program

Minimum requirements for admission to the UMass China Exchange Programs are a 2.75 cumulative average and four semesters of intensive, college-level Mandarin Chinese or the equivalent before departure and one non-language course in the area of Asian Studies.

Housing

Students are housed in dormitories on campus. These are typically double rooms, with shared bathroom on the floor. Roommates will be other international students. The common language is usually Mandarin. All rooms are equipped with a desk, chair, bed, bedding, TV set and telephone.

Students should be aware that China is a developing country with different standards in the area of dormitory housekeeping. Please look beyond the immediate conditions and focus on your studies and your entire experience. Meals can be purchased at one of many cafeterias on campus. A typical meal costs about 5-7 yuan. The hours will be posted by the cafeterias.

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