The SU Beijing academic program features a Signature Seminar with on-site lectures in Beijing and other cities, courses taught in English and Mandarin, and language instruction at all levels.
Through a special arrangement with Tsinghua University in Beijing, Syracuse University program students are able to enroll in pre-selected classes taught in English, including graduate courses in the School of Public Policy. Tsinghua students are also invited to attend Syracuse University courses taught in English. This arrangement allows for discussion and interaction on contemporary issues from both the Chinese and U.S. perspective.
During the semester, program students study Mandarin language at appropriate levels, taught by faculty from Tsinghua's Chinese Language and Culture Institute.
Special note: Effective Spring 2013 semester, Tsinghua University will no longer accept Chinese nationals applying through U.S. study abroad programs. Exceptions are only for Chinese nationals with permanent residency in the U.S. Chinese nationals seeking study abroad opportunities are encouraged to apply to one of our other Center programs or World Partner programs. (Please note that World Partner programs are open to SU students only.)
The Other China: Minority Cultures, Development, and Environment (offered Fall semester)
Examines the impact of globalization and development on China’s culturally diverse peoples, natural environment, and animal habitats. Taught on-site in southwest China’s Yunnan and Sichuan provinces.
The Greater China: Past, Present, and Future (offered Spring semester)
Introduction to diversity of cultures and economics within China and the forces that shape people’s lives in the PRC. Taught on-site in Xi’an, Shanghai, and Beijing.
Tsinghua offers intensive language study (3 hours per day, five days a week) at all levels. Each course has several optional modules which together total 10 credits. All students are required to enroll in at least one language course. Students who do not register for the optional modules may audit the other module(s) to support their language learning.
Students enroll in 2-3 additional courses (6 to 9 credits) in political science, international relations, communications, anthropology and history at the Syracuse University center. Students with the appropriate academic background (for students enrolling in finance, accounting, or economics, strong mathematics skills are required) and minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA may enroll in up to two courses offered in English at Tsinghua University. Courses at the 500 level are open to graduate students. Students considering this option must also enroll in at least one Syracuse University course and should be aware that Tsinghua courses are subject to availability.
Students with advanced oral and written proficiency in Chinese may apply for enrollment in a maximum of two regularly offered Tsinghua courses. Students should visit http://www.tsinghua.edu.cn/ for Tsinghua course listings and advise SU Abroad of their interest by the application deadline. To be eligible for Tsinghua courses taught in Chinese, applicants must have a minimum cumulative 3.0 GPA. Students considering this option must also enroll in at least one Syracuse University course and should be aware that Tsinghua courses are subject to availability. In addition to the academic recommendation, applicants must submit a Language Recommendation Form (with writing sample attached) from a Chinese language professor.
For Native Chinese Speakers: Students who are native Chinese speakers and completed high school level in China may be exempt from language study. This exemption will be granted at the discretion of the SU Beijing program director. Students who are exempt from language study may take additional courses at Tsinghua University if they meet the minimum 3.0 GPA requirement (see: Courses Taught in Chinese, above.) Program students fully fluent (written and oral) in Mandarin may apply for enrollment in Tsinghua classes in their discipline of study. Please contact Mary Fedorko for more information about direct enrollment at mmfedork@syr.edu.