Study in China for a Semester or Year!
Institution
The Beijing International Studies University was founded in 1964. BISU has grown into an institution of over 10,000 students. The University has established a multi-dimensional, multi-layer education system providing graduate, undergraduate, continuing education, and Chinese learning and studies programs for international students. It is an important base in China for the teaching and research of foreign languages, translation, tourism, and economics and foreign trade.
Location
Dating back 3000 years Beijing is China’s political, cultural, and educational hub. With seven UNESCO sites, 70 universities and colleges, numerous historical sites, as well as modern architecture, Beijing provides a look into China of the past and the future. BISU is located in the Chaoyang District, home to Beijing’s CBD, foreign embassies, and the Silk Street Market.
Academic Calendar
- Fall Semester: Early September to Mid January
- Spring Semester: Early March to Mid July
Housing
Students attending BISU will be placed in university residence halls for international students.
As BISU is a full exchange program students will pay the Full Exchange Program Fee to Appalachian State. BISU will cover the housing costs and provide a meal stipend to students during the program.
For more information about housing and the amenities provided in the halls of residence, please visit BISU’s accommodation web page.
Financial
Program Costs
Paid to Appalachian State
1The OIED Program Development Fee will be placed on students’ accounts upon acceptance by the Education Abroad Office. The fee payment confirms your spot and is non-refundable.
Estimated Additional Costs
| |
Semester |
Academic Year |
| Airfare |
$1200 - $1800 |
$1200 - $1800 |
| Additional Meals |
$200 - $400 |
$400 - $800 |
| 1Personal Expenses |
$1000 - $1500 |
$2000 - $3000 |
| Books and Materials |
$60 - $150 |
$120 - $300 |
| Local Transportation |
$200 - $400 |
$400 - $800 |
| Required Chinese Insurance |
$60 |
$120 |
| Visa (for US Citizens) |
$215 |
$215 |
| Residency Permit |
$0 |
$200 |
| Passport |
$150 |
$150 |
| 2Appalachian Student Health Insurance |
$1110 |
$2220 |
| 3Personal Travel and Spending |
$500 - $1000 |
$1000 - $2000 |
1Personal expenses includes but is not limited to: toiletries, cell phone, emergency funds, laundry, clothing, utilities, basic travel and entertainment, etc.
2Students are encouraged to maintain a US based health insurance plan while abroad (to exempt out of AppState insurance students must follow the App exemption process - proving that they have insurance coverage for the entirety of the semester.
3Personal Travel and Spending amounts will vary by student and will be affected by how often a student goes out, travels, and the items they purchase.
Please note that non-billable costs are estimates only and will be affected by personal spending habits, currency fluctuations, etc. Prices listed in USD unless otherwise noted.
Students are encouraged to start planning for their study abroad program costs well in advance. Please use the Student Financial Planning Worksheet to help estimate your anticipated expenses and your anticipated financial resources. When planning for estimated additional costs students are encouraged to research currency conversion rates. To see a total of the estimated costs for this program please visit the program budget sheets: Fall, Spring, Academic Year.
Financial Aid
The majority of financial aid and scholarships can apply to semester and year-long study abroad programs. For more information please visit the Office of Student Financial Aid web page.
Scholarships
OIED Scholarships
Each semester OIED offers a variety of different scholarship opportunities for students. Scholarship awards range from $250 to $2000.
Benjamin A Gilman Scholarship
The Gilman Scholarship Program application is open to U.S. citizen undergraduate students who are receiving Federal Pell Grant funding at a two-year or four-year college or university to participate in study and intern abroad programs worldwide.
Fund for Education Abroad
Applicants from groups underrepresented in study abroad and those destined for non-traditional locations are given preference, in an effort to make the demographics of U.S. undergraduates studying abroad reflect the rich diversity of the U.S. population.
For information about additional scholarships please visit our External Scholarships web page.
Academics
BISU is an intensive Chinese language program. Students participating on this program will primarily take language classes.
- Elementary Chinese Track - students placing into the elementary level will take the following courses: Comprehensive Chinese, Oral, Reading, and Listening.
- Intermediate Chinese Track - students placing into the intermediate level will take the following courses: Comprehensive Chinese, Oral, Chinese by Audio & Video, Periodicals, Reading, Essay Writing, and Listening.
BISU normally offers 3-4 elective courses taught in English each semester. A list of courses taught in past semesters can be found on the
BISU English-taught courses web page.
All students are expected to maintain at least the equivalent of a full time course load according to Appalachian State and the host university while abroad (whichever is greater). Students participating on the BISU program will be required to enroll in 12-18 credits per semester. For more information about study abroad enrollment policies, credit approval, and credit and grade conversions please visit the Academics section of our website.
How to Apply
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis and some programs may fill up before the listed deadline. Each year applications for Fall, Spring, and Summer will open up on August 1st. Once open the deadline will be listed below and an Apply Now button will be available at the top and bottom of this page. Most applications will have a 2 part application process so students are encouraged to complete their OIED application well before the listed deadline.
For more information about deadlines and how to apply please visit our
Guide Me web page.