One of the world's great, ancient capitals, Beijing has undergone a modern transformation due to China's rapid economic growth and the city's intensive infrastructure makeover for the 2008 Summer Olympics. With China's newfound economic might and growing influence over its Asian neighbors, Beijing plays an increasingly significant role in international affairs.

Beijing Language and Culture University (BLCU) founded in 1962, has the longest history, the largest scope, and the most qualified teaching faculties of its kind in the area of teaching the Chinese language and culture to foreigners. Over the past 40 years since its establishment, the university has trained hundreds of thousands of foreign students who are proficient in Chinese and familiar with the Chinese culture, from over 160 countries and regions in the world. The University comprises of 11 teaching units and 13 research institutions, with the number of teaching and administrative staff totaled 1425, including 829 in teaching and researching, 303 of which have advanced titles. At present, BLCU has 9 doctoral programs, 24 postgraduate programs, and 16 undergraduate programs.

Home to 13 million people, Beijing has plenty of attractions to offer visitors--from both its ancient history and its modern makeover. Everywhere you turn in this stunning city, you'll gain insight on how China, once seen as a "sleeping dragon," has come alive for the 21st century.

"Throughout the many exciting opportunities and adventures, this program challenges you to abandon your comfort zone, allowing you to appreciate spontaneity over familiarity."

Beijing's international influence

In the past thirty years China has gone from closed, to open, to being a strategic player in global economics and politics. China is significant for the European Union, the United States, African states, and certainly in the surrounding Asia neighborhood. Beijing ranks with the world capitals, including Washington, London, Berlin and Paris. There are more than 150 embassies in Beijing. The China government and party operate out of the city, and the two speak with authority to provinces and cities. If you are interested in foreign affairs and global politics, Beijing is the place.

Faculty Spotlight Tang Xiao is an expert in political science and analysis, and offers Global M.A. students insights into China's government as well as the communist party. An associate professor and director of the postgraduate student department at China Foreign Affairs University (CFAU), he is a recipient of the CFAU teaching prize. Xiao is the author of Contemporary Western Political Systems and Fundamental Systems of Political Science. He also is a former Fulbright Professional Associate who studied at the University of Virginia.

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