Get in touch at uncle@unclepolo.com
Beijing Foreign Studies University
Study Abroad Partner Program
For students from our partner universities
A study abroad semester at the International Business School of Beijing Foreign Studies University (IBSBFSU) is your gateway to advancing your business knowledge and developing cross-cultural communication skills. Tailored to individuals from all academic backgrounds, this program offers a unique combination of academic excellence and practical insights through immersive learning and networking opportunities in the heart of China. Gain valuable study credits and expand your global perspective while mastering cross-cultural communication skills essential for success in today's interconnected world.
The right program for you
At one to two semesters, our Study Abroad Partner Program is a cost-effective way to continue your business studies abroad at one of China's most renowned universities. Choose from a wide range of relevant courses for study credit and build a China network that may just jump start your career.
You are also invited to partake in the optional Immersion Week, a week long study tour visiting companies in China.
Where is the program?
The program takes place on campus at the prestigious International Business School Beijing Foreign Studies University in Beijing, China. The campus is located in the university district close to downtown Beijing.
Who is the program for?
How much are the fees?
The Study Abroad Partner Program is a certificate program in cooperation with one of China's top universities. You can earn up t0 21 credit hours. Tuition fees are ca. 3,900 USD per semester.
The program is for everyone who wants to gain a deeper understanding of business, especially those with a background in business studies but also from disciplines such as engineering, law, IT etc.
What are the semester times?
The semesters start in late August and late February and end after about four and a half months. You can choose to do one or two semesters. Please apply at the latest four months in advance.
How can I find accommodation?
Our team will be in touch with you before you arrive in Beijing to understand your accommodation wishes. BFSU offers modern single rooms with private bathrooms on campus for about 400 USD per month.
Is the program in English?
The program is completely taught in English except for an optional Mandarin Chinese language course. Beijing is a very livable city without knowing Mandarin; however, the more Mandarin you know, the better you will be able to network.
Get in touch for a free consultation
Beijing Foreign
Studies University BFSU
Beijing Foreign Studies University (BFSU) is one of the Ivy League universities in China. Traditionally known as the cradle of Chinese diplomats, it features among its alumni many Chinese ambassadors and even a Nobel Prize winner. You would be enrolled at the AACSB accredited International Business School (IBSBFSU) which combines business excellence with a truly international outlook.
Tuition fees Study Abroad Partner Program:
ca. 3,900 USD/semester
Location of BFSU
The BFSU campus is conveniently located in the western part of central Beijing, about 15 minutes away from the city center at Xidan by subway. Both Beijing international airports are about an hour away by taxi. All of Beijing's sights, such as the Forbidden City, the Temple of Heaven, the Great Wall etc. can be easily reached from BFSU.
Sample Course List
Subject to change, equivalent to about 3 credit hours per course
Marketing
Definition and significance of modern marketing concepts for businesses and economies, effects of business environment on marketing and market systems, analysis of consumer behavior, market segmentation, target market, market position, marketing mix, and the applications of information technology in a modern marketing mix.
Logistics
Importance of international logistics management for international trade, logistics planning, material management, delivery, procurement, packaging, distribution, supply chain management and important organizations involved in international logistics.
Entrepreneurship
Structure of entrepreneurship in international business, specifically in planning and controlling related organizations, strategies, problems and barriers encountered operating a business internationally. Practice in writing business plans and study through cases related to international organizations or companies.
Project Management
Project Management focuses on equipping students with advanced skills in planning, executing, and overseeing projects within various industries, emphasizing strategic decision-making, risk assessment, and effective communication within project teams.
Accounting and Finance
Roles and responsibilities of foreign exchange market, international monetary systems, limitations on foreign investments, international source of funds, foreign exchange risk management, working capital management.
Strategic Business Management
Strategic Business Management provides a holistic understanding of contemporary strategic business management in terms of how, between an organisation's resources and capabilities, customers, competition and the dynamics of the global market, firms can achieve a sustainable strategic advantage and above average returns.
Consumer Behavior
This course provides insights on how and why people behave as consumers. Topics include factors influence buying decision, model of consumer behavior, analysis of consumer behavior from the points of view of psychology, sociology, anthropology, and economics.
International Human Resource Management
Strategic Business Management provides a holistic understanding of contemporary strategic business management in terms of how, between an organisation's resources and capabilities, customers, competition and the dynamics of the global market, firms can achieve a sustainable strategic advantage and above average returns.
Data Analytics for Business
This course will expose you to the data analytics practices executed in the business world and explore the analytical process, how data is created, stored, accessed, and how the organization works with data.
Global and Networked Innovation Management
Increasing levels of innovation is the key factor that gives rise to constant changes in the market conditions for different goods and services. Business organisations therefore need to constantly evolve in order to compete effectively, underling the need for strong business performance.
Life in Beijing
Beijing is a city of contrasts. Its ancient parts are simply breathtaking with some corners making you feel like you just travelled back through time. The modern parts on the other hand could be out of a science fiction movie about the not too distant future. Try and sample it all during your stay in the capital of the Middle Kingdom.
Sights
Too many to count. You will find all the information you need on the Great Wall, Forbidden City, Lama Temple, Temple of Heaven etc. online. After you have visited all of those, we would suggest to head for the areas that are a little less explored, such as the Hutong neighborhoods where the old school Beijingers live. If you speak Chinese, strike up a conversation, if not, just imitate what they are doing. Some may be playing Chinese chess or Go, eating lamb kebabs or just drinking the cheap Yanjing beer by the case.
Weather in Beijing
There is a saying among Beijingers: Beijing has two seasons. This means that roughly from mid October till end of March, you run around with a scarf and gloves, while from April to mid October you ditch most of your clothes and go out in sweat shirts and T shirts. The violent swings in temperature are also why there are lots of people catching a cold during the transition months.
Food
Chinese are obsessed with food and Beijingers are no different. All cuisines of China are represented in Beijing and it is up to you to sample them all. Be it rice noodles from Yunnan, sweet and sour pork from Guangdong or the famous Beijing Duck, you will become somewhat of a gourmet during your stay. The really great thing is that creative Western entrepreneurs have opened many restaurants especially in the embassy area close to Sanlitun where you can get genuine food from France, Japan, Korea, Germany, the USA etc. An American friend of mine once said that he can get better BBQ in Beijing than back home.
Transport
Your choice of transport is the same as in any other metropolis: taxi (Didi is the Chinese Uber), bus, subway, bike or walking. Taxis and Didis are comparably expensive but still likely much cheaper than what you are used to from back home. Buses are dirt cheap and the subway is efficient (no traffic jams) but has gotten a bit pricey in the recent past. However, if you are a real Beijinger, you take pride in riding your bike everywhere. And it really is the only real way to get around Beijing.
Fun and excitement
Nightlife in Beijing is quite crazy and you will figure out quickly where to go to party. As a university student, look out for club promoters (who may be your fellow students), who can put you on a guest list which gets you benefits from free admission to free drinks. The famous party areas in Beijing are Sanlitun (one of the first words most foreigners in Beijing learn) and the Wudaokou area for more student oriented entertainment, i.e. more affordable.
Medical care
Beijing is the best city for medical care in all of China for those who can get it. As a foreigner you can get it as long as you buy travel insurance back home armed with which you can go to the international medical clinics. Usually, you will pay first (cash or credit card) and then get reimbursed by your insurance company.
Money
The Chinese currency is the Chinese Yuan aka Renminbi (CNY/RMB). Nowadays, cash is not as common anymore, because people tend to use online payment methods, such as WeChat Pay or Alipay.
Still, get a credit card before you arrive for ATM withdrawals and understand what your daily and weekly limits are and adjust them, if necessary. Also bring some cash to tide you over during your first few days in country. You can exchange your money legally at most banks. Exchange services in touristy areas are usually scams, for example they will give you counterfeit CNY/RMB.
SIM cards
You can get your SIM card at most big official outlets of the big Chinese telecom companies, i.e. China Mobile, China Telecom, China Unicom. You can usually find them in the big shopping areas such as Xidan. You have to bring your passport to get verified. The cost is usually less than 10 USD per month (sometimes much less when they have promotions) for unlimited calls and mobile data. So, yeah, it's probably much cheaper than you are used to from back home.
Travel in China
Despite being located in the north of China, you can easily hop on one of the futuristic high speed trains and make your way to Shanghai or Guangdong/Hong Kong in just a couple of hours. If you calculate the time it takes to get to the airport, check in, wait for boarding etc., taking a train may well be faster overall door to door. Plus, you can feel good doing something for the environment.
If you want to go beyond China's borders, Seoul is about 1-2 hours away and Tokyo about 2-3 hours. Just make sure you have a visa with multiple entries.
Frequently
Asked
Questions
If you cannot find the answer to your question here, please send us an email: uncle@unclepolo.com
Who can apply to the Study Abroad Partner Program?
All students nominated by our partner universities can apply to this program. Please make sure to apply at the latest four months before the start of the semester.
How many credits will I earn?
The amount of credits depends on the courses you choose. In your tuition fees there are 7 courses included which can be the equivalent of up to 21 credit hours. At the end of the program you will be given an academic transcript which you can submit to your home university for credit transfer.
How much will it cost?
Tuition fees for the Study Abroad Partner Program are ca. 3,900 USD/semester. On campus single rooms are about 400 USD/month, general living expenses are also about 400 USD/month. In addition, you need to budget for travel, health insurance, visa costs etc.
Do you offer accommodation?
In Beijing, we recommend you to stay in the university dormitories which, at about 400 USD/month for a single room with private bathroom, are very affordable and conveniently located.
When should I apply?
Applications open ca. 6 months before the semester starts, i.e. March for fall semester and September for spring semester. The earlier you apply, the better, as you will need time to pick the right courses, apply for visas, book your plane ticket etc. Please apply four months in advance at the very latest.
When does the semester begin?
Fall semester usually starts at the end of August while spring semester usually starts at the end of February.
Do you offer airport pick-up?
On registration days the university offers an airport shuttle. We will give you all the necessary information before your arrival. If you arrive outside of the registration period, please tell us so by email: uncle@unclepolo.com
Is there a dress code at the university?
There is no dress code at BFSU.
Do I need a visa for my semester abroad?
You will need to apply for a Chinese student visa (X1 or X2) at your nearest Chinese consulate with invitation documents we will provide. In the meantime, make sure that you have a passport that is valid for at least 6 more months after you finish your study abroad semester(s).
Can you help me find an internship?
Currently, Chinese visa regulations make it difficult to organize internships for foreign short term students, but regulations always change so ask us again after you arrive in Beijing. You will also have plenty of opportunities to network and visit businesses as part of the optional Immersion Week.