For reasons cultural and bureaucratic, foreign and Chinese children in Beijing generally attend separate schools. Although most public schools in the city enroll foreign students, boast high academic standards and are more affordable than private international schools, many foreign parents are reluctant to send their offspring to these institutions. Conversely, while many rich Chinese parents would happily pay tens of thousands of dollars to place their kids in international schools, most such schools are legally prohibited from admitting Chinese nationals. So it’s mainly foreign kids who attend schools that cost as much as US $22,000 per year.
International School of Beijing-ShunYi (ISB) 北京顺义国际学校
The international School of Beijing is an English-language day school serving over 1,800 students from more than 50 nations, pre-Kindergarden (3/4 years) through grade 12. ISB boasts state-of-the-art facilities and offers special programs in Model United Nations, China studies, performing arts, fine arts and athletics. High school students may choose to study the International Baccalaureate (IB) diploma.
Accredited by: NEASC, NCCT
Tuition: USD 8,250 to 21,300
Average class size: 4-20 Students
Address: 10 Anhua Jie, Shunyi District, Beijing 101300 北京市顺义区安华街10号
Tel: 8046-2345 ext. 1041
Fax: 8046-2003
Website: www.isb.bj.edu.cn
Email: admissions@isb.bj.edu.cn
Western Academy of Beijing (WAB) 京西学校
Students follow the International Baccalaureate Curriculum Programs (IBPYP, IBMYP and IB Diploma), designed to create independent learners. WAB also provides an extensive range of extra-curricular activities throughout the week and community sports each weekend.
IB World School
Accredited by: CIS, NEASC, NCCT
Tuition: (Annual, including Capital Levy):
Nursery (1/2 day)
Pre-Kindergarten
Kindergarten
Grades 1-5
Grades 6-8
Grades 9-10
Grades 11 Opening Aug 05
USD 9,335
USD 14,555
USD 16,595
USD 17,195
USD 18,215
USD 19,900
USD 20,900
Maximum class size: Nursery and PK (14); K(20); Grade 1 – Grade 10 (21); Grade 11 (17)
Address: 10 Lai Guang Ying Dong Lu, Beijing, 100103 北京朝阳区来广营东路10号
Tel: 8456-4155 ext. 1051/51/53/54/55
Fax: 6433-3974
Website: www.wab.edu
Email: wabinfo@westernacademy.com
Beijing BISS International School北京BISS国际学校
BISS is an independent, co-educational day school, which offers an English language international curriculum for Kindergarten to Grade 12 Students from the expatriate community. Founded in 1994, BISS has approximately 400 students from 45 different nationalities. BISS is the 1st school in Beijing authorized to teach the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (IB PYP) for Kindergarten to Grade 6 & 10 and the IB Diploma for Grade 11 & 12. A wide range of after-school activities include cultural experiences, music, arts and crafts, drama, sports and the school student newspaper. The school also organizes an Activity Week programme, sports day, science fairs and the United Nations Day celebrations.
IB Programme
Primary Years Programme (PYP)
Middle Years Programme (MYP)
Diploma Programme (DP)
Grades
K-6
7-10
11-12
Tuition (Annual):
Kindergarten
Grades 1-5
Grades 6-8
Grades 9-12
USD 9,900
USD 16,500
USD 17,600
USD 19,900
Average class size: Approx. 20
Address: 17, Area 4, Anzhen Xi Li (North Third Ring Road), Chaoyang District, Beijing 100029 北京市朝阳区安贞西里四区17楼
Tel: Admissions, 6443-3151
Fax: 6443-3156
Website: www.biss.com.cn
Email: admissions@biss.com.cn
The British School of Beijing 北京英国学校
First School in Beijing to offer the English National Curriculum to children aged 2-11 years. The new Secondary School opened in August 2005, providing continued British education for 11-14 year olds. BSB is full staffed by British trained and experienced teachers and is committed to small class sizes.
Tuition (Annual, No Capital Levy Charged):
Pre-Nursery / Nursery Mornings
Nursery Full Day
Reception
Grades 1-6
Grades 7-9
USD 7,650
USD 11,475
USD 12,750
USD 13,770
USD 15,700
Average class size: Small
Address: 5 No. 6 West Street, Sanlitun Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing 北京市朝阳区三里屯路西六街5号
Tel 8532-3088
Fax: 8532-3089
Adress:No.9 An Hua street, Shunyi District 顺义区安华路9号
Tel:8047 3588
Website: www.britishschool.org.cn
Email: info@britishschool.org.cn
Dulwich College Beijing
Dulwich College Beijing (DCB) is non-denominational, co-educational school which will provide an international education in China for expatriate children aged 12 months to 18 years. DCB represents Dulwich College London, a 400 year old school that is one of the most prestigious independent schools in the UK. DCB has three Montessori kindergartens in partnership with MSB in Beijing and has a sister school in Shanghai.
Curriculum:
Pre-School to year 2 – Montessori Programme.
Year 3 to 11 – National Curriculum of England and Wales.
Year 12 and 13 – International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma.
Tuition (Annual):
RMB89,100-168,000
Beijing Riviera Campus
Address: Beijing Riviera, No.1, Xiang Jiang Bei Lu, Jing Shun Lu, Chao Yang District, Beijing 100103北京朝阳区京顺路香江北路1号香江花园
Tel: 8450-7676
Fax: 8450-7990
Legend Garden Campus
Address:Legend Garden Villas,89 Jichang Lu, Shunyi District
Tel:6454-9000
Fax:
Sanlitun Campus
Address:No. 7 Sanlitun Beixiao Jie,Chaoyang District
Tel:6532 6713
Fax:
River Garden Campus
Address:River Garden Villas Kindergarten, Houshayu, Baixinzhuang,Shuyi District
Tel:8046 5132
Fax:
Website: www.dcbeijing.cn
Email: admissions@dcbeijing.cn
Australian International School Beijing (AISB) 北京澳大利亚国际学校
AISB is the first and the only school in Beijing Offering a genuine Australian Outcome-Based Curriculum. The program places emphasis on what skills are learnt through an inquiry based model of education. The curriculum encourages a developmental and integrated approach to learning. AISB is committed to offering the best Primary School program. The campus facilities include a gymnasium, 4 basket ball courts, 2 tennis courts, a 400-meter professional running track, a football/soccer oval and a Performing Arts Center.
Tuition (Annual):
USD 11,000 – 12,500
Address: NO.7 Lou Zi Zhuang Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing 100018北京市朝阳区楼梓庄路7号
Tel: 8439-0808
Fax: 8439-2680
Website: www.aisb.com.cn
Email: jasmine@aisb.com.cn
Beijing City International School (BCIS)
Beijing City International School is an independent, co-educational day school offering an international curriculum for Kindergarten to Grade 12 students. It is opening its elementary section offering Kindergarten to Grade 6 classes, and higher grade levels will subsequently be added in the following years. BCIS is a prospective member of the European Council of International School (ECIS) and the Council of International Schools (CIS). The school is located in the heart of the city and is close to the diplomatic compounds, as well as accessible to various expatriate residential developments along the airport expressway.
Tuition (Annual):
kindergarten
Grade 1-6
USD 12,000
USD 18,000
Address: No. 77 Bai Zi Wan Nan Er Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing 100022 北京市朝阳区百子湾南二路77号
Tel: 8771-7171
Fax: 8771-7778
Website: www.bcis.cn
Email: admissions@bcis.cn
International Academy of Beijing (IAB) 北京IAB国际学校
IAB provides an American core curriculum including Bible/character training, with the following extras in the regular program: Mandarin Chinese, ESL, SRA reading laboratory, computers, art, ballet, Taekwondo, vocals and instrumental music, etc. There are also tutorial services available after school. The 22 acre campus includes a stable with more than 10 thoroughbred horses, which can be ridden by IAB students in an after school English riding program. Enrichment Week provides opportunities for IAB students in upper grades to travel to other parts of China to investigate the historic, cultural, and geological aspects of various regions. Throughout the academic school year, other field trips are made within the Beijing area. In addition, the students also engage in benevolent outreaches and special projects.
Member of ACSI (Association of Christian School International)
Tuition (Annual + Capital Levy):
Kindergarten
Grades 1-5
Grades 6-8
USD 10,400
USD 13,000
USD 14,800
Average class size: 15
Address: Office Tower 3, Lido Place, Jichang Rd, Jiangtai Rd, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100004 北京将台路丽都饭店办公楼3号楼
Tel: 6430-1600
Fax: 6430-1208
Website: www.iabchina.net
Email: iab@iabchina.net
Yew Chung International School of Beijing (YCIS) 北京耀中国际学校
YCIS Beijing provides international, bilingual education to the expatriate community. From early childhood (two years old) to graduation, YCIS Beijing offers a research based international curriculum based on the National Curriculum for England from K2 to Y11. In Year 12 and 13 students take the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme. YCIS Beijing strongly emphasizes the importance of learning Chinese language and culture at all levels and graduates are fluent in at least two languages (English and Mandarin).
Tuition (Annual):
Pre-school (age 2-3)
K3-Grades 13
USD 10,750
USD 15,300
(Second child 15% discount; third child 25% discount)
Average class size: 15-22
Address: East Gate of Honglingjin Park, 5 Houbalizhuang, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100025 北京市朝阳区后八里庄5号红领巾公园东门
Tel: Admissions, 8583-3731 ext. 25
Fax: 8583-2734
Website:www.ycef.com
Email: inquiry@ycef.com
French School of Beijing (LycEe FranCaise de Pekin) 北京法国学校
The Lycee Francais is an international establishment following the French national curriculum allowing for easy transfer between French Schools all over the world. The school caters to ages 2-18. A wide range of modern educational facilities is available including libraries, internet access and physics and biology laboratories. Extra-curricular activities include art, soccer, chess, embroidery, music, basketball, volleyball and Wushu.
Affiliated with: the National Association of French Foreign Establishment
Tuition (Annual):
Euro 1,028 - 2,713 (Current Price)
Address: 13 Dongsijie, Sanlitun, Chaoyang District, Beijing北京朝阳区三里屯东四街13号
Tel: 6532-3498
Fax: 6532-5245
Kindergarten
Address: 4 Sanlitun Lu, Chaoyang District, Beijing北京朝阳区三里屯路4号
Tel: 6532-7881
Website: www.lfp.com.cn
German School of Beijing (Deutsche Botschaftsschule Peking) 北京德国使馆学校
The school offers classes from kindergarten to grade 13 and the German "Abitur" examination which gives access to university. Classes follow German curricula and are taught by German teachers. Foreign languages taught include English, Chinese and French.
Tuition (Annual):
Euro 5,100 - 7,800
Address: 49A Liangmaqiao Lu, Chaoyang District, Beijing 100016 北京朝阳区亮马桥路49A
Tel: 6532-2535
Fax: 6532-7031
Website: www.dspeking.net.cn
Japanese School 日本学校
Consisted of primary school and high school, the school usually admits only Japanese citizens although exceptions are sometimes made for children who pass the entrance exam. Classes are taught in Japanese.
Address: 6 Jiang Tai xi Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing 北京市朝阳区将台路6号
Tel: 6436-3074 / 6436-3250(Inquiry)
Swedish School Beijing 北京瑞典小学
Instruction is in Swedish and covers from 3 years old up to Grade 6. The curriculum is based on the Swedish baccalaureate system. Supporting the teaching of Scandinavian culture and language in general and Swedish culture and language in particular, the school was established for Swedish families but it also serves the Norwegian, Danish and Finnish ex-patriot communities as well, in order to support their children's continued connection with their native language and customs.
Tuition (Annual):
RMB 65,000
Address: Gahood Villa, Xi Bai Xin Zhuang, Hou Sha Yu Zhen, Shun Yi District, Beijing 101318
Tel: 6456-0826/27/25
Fax: 6456-0824
Website: www.swedishschool.org.cn
Email: swedishschool@netchina.com.cn (during school year)
Email:swedishschoolbeijing@yahoo.se (all the time)
The Pakistan College of Beijing北京巴基斯坦使馆学校
The Pakistan College of Beijing was founded in 1969 and has continued to grow within the walls of the Pakistan Embassy. Students from K to Grade 12 are taught in English, except Urdu and Islamic education, which are reserved for Pakistani pupils. Pakistan College Beijing includes students from 45 countries. The coursework follows the prescribed curriculum of the Federal Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education in Islamabad.
Address: 1 Dongzhimenwai Dajie, Sanlitun, Chaoyang District, Beijing 北京市朝阳区东直门外大街1号
Tel: 6532-1905
Fax: 6532-2715
Indian Embassy School 印度使馆学校
Founded in 1968, this primary school is comprised of two kindergartens and elementary grades 1-4. The student population is 100 children from 24 countries. Classes are taught in English. There is a waiting list for some classes. English and math tests are given before placement in grades 1-4. The school closely follows the Indian Central School Board curriculum. The social studies syllabus is modified to maintain the international character of the school.
Address: 1 Ritan Beilu, Chaoyang District, Beijing 100020 北京市朝阳区日坛北路1号
Tel: 6532-1827
Beijing Fang Cao Di School 北京市芳草地小学
Fangcaodi is a state-run primary school that has been accepting foreign students for over 40 years. Classes are in Chinese. The uses the same textbooks as other Chinese schools in the municipality and places a strong emphasis on math and Chinese. Fee-based after school activities include badminton, arts, crafts, Wushu and rollerblading.
Grade:
1 - 6
Tuition (Annual):
Chinese Students
Foreign Students
RMB 160
RMB 6,000
Address: No. 1 Ritan Bei Lu, Chaoyang District, Beijing 100020 北京市朝阳区日坛北路1号
Tel: 8563-5120 ext. 2004
Website: www.fcd.com.cn
New School of Collaborative Learning (NSCL) 北京协力国际学校
The New School of Collaborative Learning is a bilingual (English/Chinese) intercultural international school that combines American and Chinese teaching methodologies. Its academic curriculum was designed in collaboration with distinguished educators from Sidwell Friends School in Washington D.C. Small classes, individualized instruction, focused on encouraging lifetime habits of self-motivated learning. A wide range of extra-curricular activities is available, including student government, yearbook, sports, languages, drama, filmmaking and dance. Facilities include a media center/library, theater, computer lab, athletic field and track and basketball courts.
Tuition (Annual):
Kindergarten
Grade 1-2
Grade 3-4
Grade 5-6
Grade 7-8
Grade 9-12
ESOL immersion (7-12) additional
USD 10,500
USD 11,500
USD 12,500
USD 13,500
USD 14,500
USD 15,500
USD 1,500
Maximum class size: 15
Address: Cui Ge Zhuang, Nai Dong Gong Ye Qu Bai Lou, Chao Yang District, Beijing, 100012 北京市朝阳区崔各庄奶东工业区白楼
Contact person: Jon Zatkin (Head of School)
Tel: 6437-9366
Fax: 6437-9366
Website: www.nscl-beijing.org
Email: nscl@nscl-beijing.org
Beijing No. 55 Middle School 北京市第五十五中学
Number 55 Middle School is located in a small Hutong opposite the Beijing Asia Hotel near Worker’s Stadium. The school has a separate section for over 300 foreign students in grades 7-12 with class sizes of 10-25. The school has a playing field and gym. There are boys’ and girls’ basketball teams. This is a school for families with children who are determined to leave China fluent in Chinese.
The school offers International Baccalaureate classes in English, Chinese, math, geography, physics, and a few other subjects. Students who graduate from the full program and pass the Hanyu Shuiping Kaoshi (Chinese Language Level Test) may be admitted to Chinese universities as regular students. Self-study credit can be arranged through the University of Nebraska, although the student is on his/her own to take the course and pass the exams. A school bus is available from certain areas of town including the Asian Games Village, the Lido/Lufthansa area, and the Jianguomen area.
Address: No. 12, Xin Zhong Jie, Dongcheng District, Beijing 北京市朝阳区新中街12号
Tel: 6416-9531
The International Montessori School of Beijing (MSB)
For over thirteen year MSB has focused on a strong academic grounding, while encouraging the development of your child as a responsible, resourceful, confident person who is well equipped for life. We recognize that each child has individual learning needs; therefore our students have a unique opportunity to be the best they can be in their formative years.
Tuition (Annual):
USD 13,000
(Toddler fees please contact office for options)
Riviera Main Campus & Offices
Address: Beijing Riviera, No.1, Xiang Jiang Bei Lu, Jing Shun Lu, Chao Yang District, Beijing 100103 北京朝阳区京顺路香江北路1号香江花园
Tel: 8450-7676
Fax: 8450-7575
River Garden Campus
Address: River Garden Villas, Hou Sha Yu Bai Xin Zhuang, Shun Yi, Beijing 103100北京顺义区后沙峪乡白辛庄村裕京花园
Tel: 8046-5132
Fax: 8046-1194
Riviera Kindergarten
Beijing Riviera, No.1, Xiang Jiang Bei Lu, Chao Yang District, Beijing 100103北京朝阳区京顺路香江北路1号香江花园
Tel: 8450-7175
Fax: 8450-7102
Sanlitun Campus
Address: No.7, Sanlitun Bei Xiao Jie, Chao Yang District, Beijing 100027 北京朝阳区三里屯北小街7号
Tel: 6532-6713 / 6532-4518
Fax: 6532-6997
Website: www.msb.edu.cn
Ivy Academy
International Program
The Ivy Academy is a Multiple Intelligences (MI) Pre-School for children ages 2 to 6. Created in collaboration with Harvard Graduate School of Education researchers, lead teachers are also graduates of the Harvard Graduate School of Education and other top universities. In the classroom, this translates to customized activities for each child based on his or her personal profile as determined by teacher observations and assessments.
Tuition: USD 9,900 to 14,500
Maximum class size: 10-15
Address: East Lake Villas D-101, No. 35 Dongzhimenwai Street, Beijing 100027 北京市朝阳区东直门外大街35号东湖别墅D-101
Contact: Sean McClung, Ed. M. (Director)
Tel: 8451-1380
Website: www.ivyacademy.cn
Email: admissions@ivyacademy.cn
Bilingual Program
Classes are taught in both English and Chinese in a Multiple Intelligence environment, in a preparation for your children to be able to transition to a Chinese elementary school upon graduation from the program.
Tuition: RMB 25,200 – 50,000
Maximum class size: 15-20
Address: 36B Seasons Park, Dongzhimenwai Street, Beijing 100027 北京市朝阳区东直门外大街乙36号海晟名苑
Tel: 8453-0366
Website: www.ivybilingual.cn
Email: admissions@ivybilingual.cn
Canadian International School of Beijing
The Canadian International School of Beijing (CIS) was founded during the fall of 2005. It was with the strong support of the Chinese Government, The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Canadian Government that the official establishment of CIS was made into a State Level Project.
On September 2006, CIS officially opened its doors to welcome parents and students from all over the world. CIS currently has students representing over 30 countries and this number is growing ever so quickly as our enrollment increases. CIS operates under the strict guidance and oversight of the Ministry of Education in Canada. The founding organization of CIS has a long and successful history of operating schools in China. Currently, the organization has three other schools in China, including one International School in Shenzhen, and two schools delivering the Canadian Curriculum to Chinese Nationals in both Beijing and Shenzhen.
CIS offers a world-class facility with an internationally recognized Canadian education curriculum. The grade levels at CIS ranges from Montessori to Grade 12 with a maximum capacity of 1700 students.
Tuition (Annual):
RMB56,000-RMB132,800
Address: No. 38 Liangmaqiao Lu, Chaoyang District北京朝阳区亮马桥路38号
Tel: 6465-7788
Fax: 6465-7789
Website: www.dspeking.net.cn
Oxford Baby Bilingual Kindergarten 小牛津双语幼儿园
The internationally qualified Oxford Baby Bilingual Kindergarten is organized and invested in by Silo 9 China Baby Education Limited. The schools of the kindergarten include the An Hui, Hui Zhong, Nan Xin, SOHO City and Olympics Garden kindergartens in Beijing, Lantingshanshui & amp; Qinyunlinhai in Dalian city. All are centrally administered by the Beijing Oxford Baby Bilingual Kindergarten Education Development Center. It covers approximate 20000 square meters, which can provide accommodation for 1000 children. At the moment there are 300 employees and many foreign teachers.
Address: No. 308, Hui Zhong Li, Chaoyang District, Beijing 100101 北京朝阳区亚运村慧忠里308楼
Tel: 6492-8001
Fax: 6493-6656
Website: www.oxfordbaby.org.cn
Email: center@oxfordbaby.org.cn
Eton International School 伊顿国际学校
Eton International School offers enriched Montessori curricula for all children ages 1 through 9. A member o the American Montessori Society, Eton offers community centered American style early education in world-class learning environments. Eton’s caring and certified Montessori instructors come from throughout the English speaking world and Eton’s 5 Beijing locations offer convenience for working parents.
Tuition (Annual): USD 4,000 - USD 12,850
(10% discount for all new students enrolled before May 1, 2005)
Office Of Admissions (Palm Spring Campus)Address: Palm Springs International Apartments, No. 8 Chaoyang Park South Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing 100026 北京市朝阳区朝阳公园南路8号棕榈泉国际公寓
Tel: (8610) 6539-8967 Fax: (8610) 6539-8937
Email: info@etonkids.com
Lido Campus
Address: Lido Place, Jichang Road, Jiangtai Road Chaoyang District, Beijing 北京市朝阳区将台路丽都广场
Tel: 6436 7368
Email:lidoadmin@etonkids.com
Pinnacle Plaza Campus
Address: Tianzhu Real Estate Development Zone, Shunyi District, Beijing 北京市顺义天竺开发区日祥广场
Tel: 8046 5338
Email: pinnacleadmin@etonkids.com
Global Trade Mansion Campus
Address: Block D, Floor 3 Global Trade Mansion, Guanghua Lu (next to Hanwei Plaza) 北京市朝阳区光华路世贸国际公寓D座3层
Tel: 6506 4805
Email:gtmadmin@etonkids.com
Oriental Plaza Campus
Address: Centennial Heights Apartment, Podium Level, Oriental Plaza, Dong Chang An Jie, Dongcheng District, Beijing 北京东城区东长安街1号东方广场
Tel: 8515-0691
Email:opmadmin@etonkids.com
Website: www.etonkids.com
Beanstalk International Kindergarten 青苗国际学校
Established in 1993, the Beanstalk International School currently offers an international curriculum and extensive activities for students from pre-school through grade six. The mission is to instill students with high academic, behavioral and social standards while empowering them to become fully bilingual, multi-cultural global citizens equipped with the knowledge and integrity to function successfully in the 21st century.
Campus 1: Beanstalk International Bilingual School
Address: No. 38 Nan Shi Li Ju, Chaoyang District, Beijing 100016 北京市朝阳区南十里居38号
Tel: 8456-6019
Registration fee:
USD 200
Capital Levy:
3-6 years
6-12 years
USD 1,000
USD 2,000
Tuition (Annual):
3-6 years
6-12 years
USD 5,800
USD 8,800
Campus 2: Beanstalk International Kindergarten
Address: No. 40 Liangmaqiao Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing 100016 北京市朝阳区亮马桥路40号B座1层
Tel: 6466-9255
Registration fee:
USD 200
Capital Levy: 2-6 years
USD 1,000
Tuition (Annual): 2-6 years
USD 7,600
Website: www.bibs.com.cn
Email: admission@bibs.com.cn
The Children’s House International Montessori Kindergarten北京巧智博仁国际幼儿园
The Children’s house has two facilities, at the China World Trade Center (Guomao subway station), and the Kempinski/Lufthansa Center. An International Montessori Kindergarten with English instruction for children age 1-6. After School Ballet, English, Music, Chinese and Kungfu Classes available.
Tuition (Annual):
Nursery
Pre-Primary
Primary
Reception Class
USD 7,500-9,600
USD 5,500-11,700
USD 6,450-12,500
USD 13,000
Beijing Lufthansa Center Kindergarten
Address: Unit114, Lufthansa Center Tower, No. 50, Liangmaqiao Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing 100016 北京市朝阳区亮马桥路50号燕莎中心114室
Tel: 6465-1305 / 64653388 ext.4477
China World Trade Center kindergarten
Address: Level 1, North Lodge, No. 1 Jiang Guo Men Wai Avenue, Chaoyang District, Beijing 100004 中国北京建国门外大街1号国贸中心北楼1层
Tel: 6505-3869 / 65052288 ext.81299
Website: www.montessoribeijing.com
Email: info@montessoribeijing.com
Learning Chinese
In 2005, some 40,000 international students – a number that is increasing by 5,000 per year according to the Straits Times – were in Beijing to study what is quickly becoming the world’s new must-speak language.
Most students of Putonghua join programmes offered at Beijing’s 70-plus universities, but an increasing number enroll in private schools or hire a tutor.
What opinion is right for you? The majority of those selecting private study have jobs or occupations that prevent them from becoming full time students. A vocal minority, however, choose private programmes because, they argue, while universities provide a good base for language study, they suffer from outdated textbooks, tired teachers and large classes. At the very least, if you’re looking for more than a primer for the HSK exam or a record of attendance, you should consider looking outside the hallowed gates of Beijing’s Universities.
━━━━━━━━━━ Universities ━━━━━━━━━━
Beijing Language and Culture University (BLCU) 北京语言文化大学 (北京语言学院)
Beijing Language and Culture University (BLCU) is the only one of its kind in China with its main task set at teaching the Chinese language and culture to foreign students. As an international University, BLCU has carried on for more than 40 years its consistent aim of “popularizing Chinese language and promoting Chinese culture.” Generations of faculties have been working hard and thus have turned BLCU into an international center for teaching Chinese as a foreign language and a training base for personnel engaged in or concerned with foreign affairs.
Address: NO.15 Xueyuan Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100083北京市海淀区学院路15号
Tel: 8230-3951
Website: www.blcu.edu.cn
Beijing Foreign Studies University 北京外国语大学
Beiwai teaches over 30 different languages, as well as Chinese. In addition to several short-term programmes, the university offers a four-year BA and two-year MA in Chinese. The Campus is pleasant.
Address: 2 Xisanhuan Beilu, Haidian District, Beijing 北京市海淀区西三环北路2号
Tel: 6891-6549 / 6894-5373
Website: www.bfsu.edu.cn
Peking University 北京大学
One of the greatest universities in China, with one of the nicest campuses in the city, Beida has nearly 4,00 foreign students – the second largest group in the country.
Address: 1 Yiheyuan Lu, Haidian District , Beijing 北京市海淀区颐和园路1号
Tel: 6275-1230/1
Website: www.pku.edu.cn
Tsinghua University 清华大学
Regarded as the MIT of China, Tsinghua is one the most prestigious universities in China. Famous alums include President Hu Jintao, ex-Prime Minister Zhu Rongji and Nobel Prize-winning physicist Chen Ningyang. It offers several Chinese language programmes that include numerous electives.
Address: Chenfu Lu, Haidian District, Beijing 北京市海淀区成府路
Tel: 6278-9437 / 8286-3785
Website: www.tsinghua.edu.cn
━━━━━━━ Private Language Centers ━━━━━
The Bridge School博文瑞智文化学校
The Bridge School specializes in teaching busy adult foreigners Chinese for over 12 years. And it has a reputation of being the best Chinese language school in Beijing, voted by the readers of “City weekend”.
Site 1: Guang Ming Hotel 光明饭店:
Address: Room 1308, 3rd Floor, Liang Ma Qiao Lu, Chaoyang District, Beijing 100016 北京市朝阳区亮马河桥路光明饭店3层1308室
Tel: 8451-7605 / 6467-8822 ext.1308
Fax: 6468-0287
Site 2: e-Tower 数码大厦:
Address: Room 903, 9rd Floor, Guang Hua Lu C 12, Chaoyang District, Beijing 100020 朝阳区光华路12号数码大厦9层903室
Tel: 6506-4409
Fax: 6504-6389
Website: www.bridgeschoolchina.com
Email: info@bridgeschoolchina.com
Language and Cultural Center for Diplomatic Missions外交人员语言文化中心
Not just for diplomats. One-on-One classes range from RMB 70-80 per 50 minute session; classes of 5-10 cost RMB 2,700 for 10 weeks (60 50-minute sessions). Extra fees on weekends and before/after office hours.
Address: 7 Sanlitun Bei Xiaojie, Chaoyang District, Beijing 朝阳区三里屯北小街7号
Tel: 8451-7605 / 6467-8822 ext.1308
Website: www.chinesestudy-lcc.com
Foreign Enterprise Service Group Co. (FESCO) 外企服务集团
One-on-One classes cost RMB 90-108 per hour, plus the teacher transportation fee.
Address: 14 Chaoyangmen Nandajie, Chaoyang District, Beijing 北京市朝阳门南大街14号
Tel: 8561-8287
Website: www.fesco-training.com.cn
Berlitz 贝立兹语言培训有限公司
One-on-One classes cost RMB 150 per 45-minute session, and students sign on for 30 classes. Classes of four or more students cost RMB 50 per 45-minute session, and students sign on for 60 classes.
Address: 801 Sunjoy Building Mansion, 6 Ritan Lu, Chaoyang District, Beijing 北京市朝阳区日坛路6号新族大厦801室
Tel: 6593-0478
Website: www.berlitz.com
TLI-CIIC Beijing Mandarin Center 北京汉语中心
Appointed Chinese language training center for world renowned international organizations and companies, the school offers One-on-One classes and mini classes for up to 5 students.
Address: 24A Shijia Hutong, Dongcheng District, Beijing 北京市东城区史家胡同24A
Tel: 6512-8366
Fax: 6512-8367
Website: www.tli-ciic.china.com
Email: bjtli@ciicc.com