SYA China, located on the campus of Beijing Normal University High School #2, opened its doors in 1994 and was the first high school or college program in the People’s Republic of China with government permission to place students in host families for the entire academic year. The two-and-a-half credit, intensive Mandarin Chinese course is offered at six levels to accommodate the needs of beginning through advanced language students. In addition, students take English, mathematics, Chinese history and Chinese culture, all taught in English by American faculty. Outside the classroom, students participate in a variety of activities and spend approximately 50 days traveling throughout China with the school.

There is no language pre-requisite for this program. Beginners in Mandarin may apply.