The Beijing Center (TBC) is working towards establishing new academic programmes and qualification frameworks that maintain high standards for their students and are the best fit for face-to-face, hybrid, and online learning.
This fall, it reopened its doors to first year college students from all over China for the inaugural American Pathway Program, which is designed for Chinese students who are interested in obtaining a bachelor’s degree in the United States. American Pathway students earn undergraduate credit at TBC that is transferrable to their US universities, while also taking part in various seminars and activities on college success and American culture aimed at helping to prepare them for their future semesters living and studying in the US.
During the orientation held from 11 to 13 September at TBC, Dr Simon Koo, TBC Executive Director, reminded the students of the importance of deciding what they want to do in life, rather than solely hoping to become someone or emulate someone’s already established career cycle. Given the current global education environment, Dr Koo did not fail to recognise the challenges in pursuing international studies, and why it is more important than ever to work towards academic and professional goals with purpose. To watch a glimpse of the new semester, watch a short video clip on YouTube here.
Additionally, this fall, TBC will be launching online Mandarin language courses open to students and faculty impacted by travel and study abroad constraints. Having over 20 years of experience in teaching the Chinese language, TBC is working closely with their faculty to create a hybrid Mandarin language course featuring online live classes and pre-recorded videos on various scenarios useful for different everyday communication. Details of the online language courses will be available in late September.
TBC also introduced a Virtual Internship Program this summer to provide students the opportunity to enhance their professional experience during quarantine, alongside their semester classes. Students work with a TBC Internship Coordinator that places them with a Beijing-based company, contingent on their interests, skills, and professional goals. They work on assigned projects during the virtual internship while attending online classes and workshops on career development, resume building, Chinese culture, economy, and the business environment. The capstone of the programme is the Virtual Internship Showcase, where students highlight their experience through a virtual presentation.
While online teaching and learning is practical and can provide an equally beneficial experience, recognising the challenges and constraints – as well as the benefits – has allowed TBC to embrace this transformative period. It has tailored its learning experience, integrated new (and potentially better) approaches, and constructed additional learning assessment methods and strategies to support their students and community.
Founded in 1998, The Beijing Center for Chinese Studies is a centre of higher education in Mainland China committed to fostering mutual understanding between China and other cultures through cultural exchange, education, and research. What makes TBC unique is their placement in a long and storied tradition of Jesuit education, one that teaches that true cultural engagement starts first with friendship.