China: Summer Study Abroad in China At Beijing Language and Culture University

Experience the world through the eyes of another culture. Develop flexibility, adaptability, self-confidence, and other personal skills. Strengthen your foreign language skills by interacting with locals in everyday life. Develop intercultural skills for the global marketplace. Make lasting international friendships and contacts.

About the Program

The College of Arts and Sciences is sponsoring a Summer Study Abroad program hosted by Beijing Language and Culture University (BLCU) of China. Students will have the opportunity to begin or continue their studies of Mandarin Chinese and earn 6 transfer credits in one month at one of China’s leading language universities, travel, and participate in cultural events in and around Beijing.

Introduction to BLCU

Beijing Language and Culture University was established in 1962. In June 1964, it was designated as Beijing Language Institute. In June 1996, it was renamed as Beijing Language and Culture University, and simplified as Beijing Language University in 2002. BLCU, known as Little United Nations, is a multidisciplinary university focusing in language teaching and research. It is the only university of its kind in China that promotes Chinese all over the world and offers Chinese language and culture courses to foreign students. Since its founding in 1962, BLCU has been an important academic base for language and culture research and the cradle for international talents in China.

Since its founding, the university has trained some 120,000 foreign students from 176 countries and regions to be proficient in the Chinese language and familiar with Chinese culture. In the area of the teaching of Chinese as a foreign language and the promotion of Chinese culture, Beijing Language and Culture University has the longest history, the largest size and the best-qualified academic faculty. Among its more than 700 teachers, about 300 are professors/research fellows or associate professors/associate research fellows. BLCU has also engaged quite a few guest professors who are well-known both at home and abroad. In addition, about 80 foreign experts and specialists have held teaching post in BLCU. All of these make the university a major base for TCFL and related research in the country. Since the nineties, the academic programs of BLCU have been widened further. Disciplines are composed of five categories: literature, economics, law, engineering and management. Besides a Post-doctoral Research Center, there are 15 Ph. D programs, 28 masters’ degree programs and 23 bachelors’ degree programs now. So far, a new disciplinary system has been set up, which is rational in structure and substantial in content.

Classes Available at BLCU

  • All levels of Chinese Language
  • Optional culture courses and activities

Program Features

  • Four hours of classes every day from Monday through Friday for four weeks at BLCU
  • Weekend cultural events and sightseeing around Beijing.
  • Four days in Shanghai
  • Trip to Suzhou
  • Day trip to Qufu

    Program Costs

       Total Program Cost is $3900 and includes:

      • Academic fees at BLCU
      • Round-trip international and inland airfare
      • Visa fees
      • Housing at BLCU
      • Expenses for time in Shanghai

      Application Process

      Application forms are available at

      A&S Office of International, Diversity, and Outreach Programs

      331 Gardiner Hall

      or through the following link:

      https://louisville.edu/artsandsciences/idop/international-programs/summer-programs