(for International Students)

International Institute of Chinese Studies

Established in 1996, the International Institute of Chinese Studies of Beijing Foreign Studies University, commonly known as the IICS, was previously known as the Overseas Sinology Research Center before being renamed the International Institute of Chinese Culture in 2015.

The institute’s mission revolves around strengthening cultural exchanges between China and other nations and promoting mutual learning between civilizations. Its tasks include introducing the world to China and vice versa, focusing on global Chinese cultural studies and the historical examination of Sino-Western cultural exchanges. Aligned with national development strategies, the institute advances the international dissemination of Chinese culture, concentrating on research areas like Sinology, Sino-foreign cultural exchanges, global Sinology, comparative literature, and the global transmission of Chinese culture.

In the new era, the International Institute of Chinese Studies is dedicated to becoming a high ground for international Sinology and global Sinology research, a national-level think tank that is multilingual, cross-cultural, and interdisciplinary. It aims to serve as a platform for the international dissemination of Chinese culture that integrates humanistic exchanges and cultural communication practices.

Master Program on Chinese Studies

The Master Program on Chinese Studies for international students offered by the International Institute of Chinese Studies at Beijing Foreign Studies University belongs to the first-level discipline of regional country studies, representing a new comprehensive interdisciplinary direction for master's degree education. This program is closely aligned with the institute’s three development goals—being a hub for Chinese studies, a high-end interdisciplinary think tank, and a multilingual cross-cultural platform for the international dissemination of Chinese culture.

The curriculum integrates the institute’s research strengths in literature, culture, and communication, grounded in contemporary Chinese societal practices. With an open and inclusive approach, it aims to cultivate students’ understanding of diverse cultural exchanges and mutual learning, encouraging them to explore issues in contemporary Chinese society and culture.

The program focuses on nurturing students who are proficient in Chinese, well-versed in the essence of Chinese civilization, possess solid cross-cultural communication skills, have a deep understanding of Chinese history and culture in the context of contemporary China, are adept in interdisciplinary research methods, and are high-level international talents with a global perspective, regional awareness, and a Chinese viewpoint. Through in-depth study of comparative literature, cross-cultural exchanges, and international communication, students will gain the ability to accurately and objectively interpret China to the world and tell China's stories, serving as bridges for promoting cultural exchanges and mutual learning.

Grounded in Chinese Civilization and Contemporary Understanding: Students will delve into the ideological roots and core foundations of Chinese civilization, gaining a profound understanding of China's development trajectory, current achievements, and future directions.

Cultivating Comprehensive Research and Practical Skills: Students will acquire solid systematic knowledge and theoretical foundations in regional country studies and Chinese studies. They will develop interdisciplinary research capabilities, independently conduct valuable academic and practical research in Chinese studies, possess outstanding cross-cultural communication and practical skills, deeply understand cultural differences between China and other countries, and effectively communicate, collaborate, and negotiate in multicultural environments.

Integrating Global Perspectives with a Chinese View: Students will skillfully combine global perspectives with local Chinese viewpoints, applying them to regional country studies, Chinese studies, cross-cultural communication practices, and the international dissemination of Chinese culture, demonstrating the necessary academic levels and communication skills.

Prepared for International Communication and Related Professional Positions: The program aims to train professionals who can bridge China and the world, incorporating global perspectives into the analysis of Chinese issues and accurately interpreting China to the world. Graduates will be equipped to engage in international affairs in fields such as diplomacy, trade, and cultural exchange, and will be qualified for positions in teaching, research, foreign affairs, management in universities, research institutes, government departments, enterprises, and international organizations.

Program Features

The Master Program on China Studies provides a diverse range of scholarship options, each qualified student has the opportunity to obtain either the Chinese Government Scholarship, Beijing Government Scholarship, International Confucian Association Scholarship.

We support:

1. Abundant Curriculum System: Our curriculum system covers three major academic area, namely comparative literature, Sino-foreign cultural exchanges, and the international dissemination of Chinese culture.

2. International Faculty: We have an exceptional faculty team that gathers the strongest academic resources from the four research labs within the institute.

3. High-level Academic Platform: We have created a first-class environment for international academic exchanges. Additionally, we regularly collaborate with various cultural exchange institutions to host international forums, actively encouraging international students to participate and thereby enriching academic interactions.

4. Historic Cultural Bases: We have established practice bases in national-level historical and cultural cities such as Qufu (the hometown of Confucius) and Anyang (the cradle of Chinese characters). Relying on local cultural resources, we conduct cultural study and practical teaching activities for students.

5. A Diverse and Multicultural Learning Environment: Our students come from various cultural backgrounds around the world. Through in-depth interactions in daily academic and social settings, students will develop cross-cultural communication skills.

6. Modern Campus Living Services: Beijing Foreign Studies University is equipped with competition-level swimming facilities, professional fitness centers, and several stylish cafes. We also hold a variety of activities such as campus music festivals, International Culture Weeks, and sports events, creating a nurturing environment that combines quality, vitality, and compassion.

Main Courses

Core required courses:

核心必修课：

1.Contemporary China and the Global World

当代中国与全球

2.Frontiers in Area Studies and Global Governance

区域国别与全球治理研究前沿

3.Introduction to Chinese Studies

中国学概论

4.Selected Readings of Traditional Chinese Classics

中国传统经典选读

5.Introduction to Graduate Studies in Comparative Literature

比较文学研究方法论

6.Special Topics on Global Communication of Chinese Culture

中华文化全球传播专题

Elective courses:

部分选修课：

1.History of Sino-Foreign Exchange and Communication

中外文化交流史

2.Core Concepts in Chinese Culture

中华文化核心概念

3.Chinese and Foreign Cultures Comparative Study

中外文化比较研究

4.Intensive Reading of Contemporary Chinese Literature

中国现当代文学作品研读

5.Global Cultural & Creative Industries Study

全球文化创意产业专题研究

6.Research on International Communication of Audiovisual Media Arts

视听国际传播研究

7.Research on Publishing Culture

出版文化研究

Major Settings

Materials Required for Application

Application and Contacts

Application website: https://study.bfsu.edu.cn

International Institute of Chinese Studies, Beijing Foreign Studies University

Address: Office704, Building 4, Guonei Building, West Campus, Beijing Foreign Studies University, No.19, Xisanhuan Beilu , Haidian District, Beijing

Postal code: 100089

Tel: 88816235

E-mail: zk@bfsu.edu.cn

Website: https://iiccc.bfsu.edu.cn/