Traditional hutong dwellings dwarfed by soaring residential towers; ancient acupuncture practiced alongside sprawling shopping complexes: this is 21st century Beijing, and it couldn't be a better time to study abroad there. China's new elite makes its home in the city alongside legions of political functionaries, and buzz is building as Beijing becomes more widely known as a global city. At the nexus of the ancient and modern, the political and cultural, Beijing is an ideal venue for an educational experience unlike any other.

Beijing is home to China's most prestigious higher learning institutions, and with more than 50 of them to choose from, students are sure to find a program that suits their interests. China considers educational development and internationalization as crucial to the role it hopes to play on the world stage in the coming century, so it's not surprising that China's higher education is growing at a pace with its ferocious economy.

Economics and political science majors may be interested in investigating how China manages such spectacular development despite its authoritarian system. The China University of Political Science and Law is one good place to look for answers. Meanwhile, students who plan to study the notoriously challenging Chinese language will find their niche at the Beijing Language and Culture University. Located near the trendy Wudaokou district, the university attracts more than 9,000 international students from more than 110 countries each year.

Beijing is an excellent city in which to study religion and philosophy due to the strains of Confucian, Buddhist, and Taoist thought that China has inherited over the centuries. Students can investigate these fields and many others at Peking University, the country's most prestigious institution. Students of engineering, science, and technology will also find programs, for example at the University of Science and Technology, Beijing.

Beijing Normal University, originally a teaching institute, now includes diverse offerings including programs in natural sciences. Students studying ecology in Beijing will have the opportunity to examine the 2,056 native plant species in the region, while zoology students may study native animals such as the giant panda and the golden monkey. The Beijing Zoo is known the world over for its zoological research and breeding programs.

Any student passionate about international business should consider the University of International Business and Economics. China's astonishing rate of economic growth is best seen in its cities, and living in Beijing makes this abundantly clear. With more than 15 million residents, Beijing is the second most populous city in the world's most populous country. More than 160 countries have an embassy in the city, and a significant number of expatriates live there.

For those who wish to explore China's history and architecture, sites of interest in Beijing include the Great Wall, the Forbidden City and Tian'anmen Square. The Forbidden City served as a palace during the Ming and Qing dynasties and is the world's largest palace complex. Tian'anmen Square is the largest city square in the world with a capacity of one million, and offers spectacles ranging from Chairman Mao's embalmed remains to kite vendors eagerly hawking their wares.

Architecture students will discover siheyuan, the traditional housing style of the region, as well as marvels such as the Temple of Heaven. The highly regarded Tsinghua University has strong programs in architecture and the arts. Music is a major activity and the Beijing Opera, which dates back to 1790, is the best example, with its stylized acrobatics and hauntingly dissonant melodies.

Many young people in Beijing strive to emulate the latest Western trends, while their older relatives do morning tai chi exercises to socialist-inspired soundtracks. The local cuisine is cheap and delicious, completely unlike any 'Chinese' food available stateside. Bicycles are effective for short-distance travel, but buses, subways and especially taxis are available to help residents and visitors get around the city.

Beijing is truly 21st century, surrounded by a network of ring road freeways and home to an ever-increasing number of state-of-the-art Olympic stadiums. Whether knocking back a Tsingtao on a rooftop bar, perfecting karaoke skills, or dancing the night away at a disco, students are sure to enjoy the nightlife options as well. Regional sports include tennis and martial arts. With so much to offer, Beijing is a fantastic destination for a unique and memorable study abroad experience.

RESOURCES
Low Cost Study Abroad: http://www.centerforstudyabroad.com
IIE Passport: http://www.iiepassport.org
Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China: http://www.moe.edu.cn/english/index.htm
Beijing Official International Website: http://www.ebeijing.gov.cn/
Tourism: http://www.beijingtrip.com
Beijing International Students Center: http://www.iscbeijing.com
Renmin University of China: http://english.ruc.edu.cn/en/100378/
Beijing Institute of Technology: http://english.bit.edu.cn/
Beijing Foreign Studies University: http://www.bfsu.edu.cn/old/english/

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