Study and Experience Overseas

To increase access to global learning, enhance cross-cultural skills, and build lifelong, meaningful networks, the Columbia Global Center in Beijing provides students with unique academic experiences and facilitates their study and living overseas.

Please explore the Beijing Global Center's program options. Make sure you are eligible to participate before you apply.

Our programs

Current

The Global Scholars Program is a joint initiative between the Center for Undergraduate Global Engagement and Columbia Global Centers. This innovative study abroad program is led by one or more faculty members with relevant regional and disciplinary expertise, offering undergraduates a unique hands-on international research experience in topics of transnational importance, using social science, humanities, and scientific frameworks.

Read more about upcoming programs.

CIEE China: Accelerated Chinese Language in Shanghai is offered during the fall, spring and academic year to students looking to develop communicative skills in Mandarin Chinese; understand contemporary economic and political issues affecting China and the affects of China as a rising power in the world today. Students live with a Chinese roommate in the dorms or with a host family.

Based at East China Normal University, course selections are dependent upon the students initial Chinese level, as the program offers beginner, intermediate or advanced language learning. Most students will take two intensive language courses in addition to elective courses in subjects such as:

  • Asian Studies
  • Chinese Studies/Chinese Culture
  • Film Studies
  • International Relations
  • Religious Studies
  • Sociology

Independent research options are also available. The next application deadline is Oct 1, 2022.

Learn more about this program HERE.

The Kraft Global Fellows Program is a joint initiative of the Kraft Family Fund for Intercultural and Interfaith Awareness and the Office of the University Chaplain

The program brings together a cohort of students to travel for one week to one of the Columbia Global Centers. There, students will meet with political, religious, historical, and community leaders. Included are visits to various archaeological and historical sites. The goal of the program is to encourage students of different backgrounds and faith to learn from and with each other about their identities even as they learn about the religions and cultures outside of their familiarity. 

We will be announcing soon the next trip for the Kraft Global Fellows Program.

Past

The New Frontier in Earth Science Program provided high school students with an intensive, "hands-on" course focusing on the critical issues in climate change, how scientists conduct climate studies, how the public interprets scientific results, and how the international community responds to climate and environmental threats.

Led by Professor Xiaojun Yuan, Lamont Research Professor in the Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory, this college introductory course aimed to develop students' knowledge to understand better the connections between human activities and climate change, the impact of economic developments on the environment, as well as society's efforts on restoring the planet earth and the local living environment.

student talking with professor in classroom

The Her Village AcademyBarnard College, and Columbia Global Centers | Beijing jointly present the Women's Innovative Leadership Program designed specifically for talented women leaders who want to increase their influence, develop needed competencies and greater confidence, and maximize their innovation potential in an open, supportive environment.

Developed and led by the world-renowned faculty of Barnard College and experienced industry experts, this program will enhance your network of fellow senior women leaders and broaden your global horizons by offering interactive classroom sessions, online workshops, small group discussions, company tours, and more engaging opportunities.

The Digital Strategies for Business program is tailored for senior management and managers who aim to create innovative strategies and business models to enable their organizations to thrive in the ever-changing digital age.

Led by David Rogers, faculty at Columbia Business School Executive Education, this program includes case studies that highlight both digital trailblazers and traditional enterprises adapting to the digital era.

Upon completion of the program, participants will receive a certificate of participation from Emeritus & Columbia Business School Executive Education and one day toward a Certificate in Business Excellence.

Faculty Opportunities

The Beijing Center is proud to support programs led by our faculty. To help you plan, develop, and teach a successful program abroad, our team offers administrative and logistical support throughout the process, including but not limited to:

  • Consultation on program and curriculum design
  • Budget development and financial management
  • Local transportation and accommodation
  • Local orientation, including public transportation, culture, dining, safety, SIM cards, must-use apps, and more
  • Visits to governmental institutions, state-owned enterprises, top Chinese firms, and tourism sites
  • Guest lectures with local scholars, industry leaders, and policymakers, or exchanges with peer students from the country's higher education institutions

If you would like to discuss an idea for a program, contact us at [email protected] to set up a meeting.