Academics
Off-Campus Study > Beijing Semester Program of Asian Studies
The Beijing Program of Asian Studies is sponsored by Lake Forest College and hosted by Peking University in Beijing, China. It aims to expose students to Chinese language, culture, history, religion, economy, politics and society through a combination of classroom instruction and optional internship. Participants should be at the Junior or Senior level, have a solid academic background in their major field(s) of study, and may demonstrate some Chinese language ability. Students are normally expected to have a 2.67 GPA. The program is most suitable for those who are seriously interested in studying Asian Studies, Chinese language, International Relations, and International Business.
The program is conducted during the 15-week fall semester, from late August through mid-December, and 15-week spring semester, from January through early May. Students register for a minimum of 15 semester hours each, as follows:
- a one-credit 4 semester hours internship (optional)
Recent students have interned at American Chamber of Commerce, Economist, Gallup Organization, Edelman, Lockheed Martin, T & D Law Associates, US-China Business Council, not-for-profit agencies, news agencies, and many others. - a one-credit language course, Chinese I, II, or III (6 semester hours)
- elective courses (3 semester hours each) from the sample below:
- Chinese Political Reforms
- Modern Chinese History
- Modern Chinese Literature
- Chinese Women's Studies
- America and China
- Rural Economics
- Philosophy and Science in Pre-modern China
- Doing Business in China
- Chinese Arts and Culture
- China in Global Economy
China was an intensely exciting experience. Besides the roar of the streets in Beijing, there is the constant thrill of trying new things, learning new information, and making memories that will last a life time. – Ashley Wiegner '06
The Beijing Program was the perfect combination of great internship and interesting trips, and the most wonderful life-altering experience. If I had to describe the program in one sentence "it is just spectacular." - Isaac Kwak '06
The Beijing Program offers a wide range of courses, has a strong emphasis on learning Chinese, and is hosted by the best university in China. – Aayush Sakya '06
The Beijing Program of Asian Studies was one of the best experiences of my life. I learned about Chinese history, culture, and language. The challenge of assimilating myself into Chinese society allowed me enormous personal growth. – Alicia Frenette '07
For more information e-mail china@lakeforest.edu, or call 847-735-5020.
