Welcome to the Chinese Language Program
The Chinese Language Program at Princeton University was established in 1955. In more than half a century since then, through the use of a distinct pedagogy, taught by a dynamic and professional teaching staff, along with a comprehensive series of self-developed Chinese language textbooks, the Princeton Chinese Language Program is now a world-renowned program. Chinese is currently one of the most popular foreign languages offered at the university.
The Chinese Language Program currently offers four levels of instruction in Modern Chinese, from beginner to advanced level, taught on a two-track system, one for zero-beginners and one for heritage learners. Advanced level courses in Classical Chinese, contemporary literature and film, readings in modern Chinese intellectual history, Classic Chinese short stories, and more are also offered.
Supplemental to the Chinese language learning experience at Princeton University is the Princeton in Beijing total-immersion summer study abroad program, which offers second to fifth-year Chinese language courses. The “total immersion” approach includes such special features as: a language pledge to speak no language other than Mandarin Chinese throughout the duration of the program, daily individual tutorial sessions, interaction with faculty and local instructors and students in campus life, and special lectures on aspects of China studies. Added to this experience is the ultimate Chinese language environment – China’s capital city of Beijing. Completion of the summer program is equivalent to the completion of two semesters’ worth of Chinese language courses at Princeton University. Generous need and merit-based financial aid are offered to interested parties who qualify.
Those who are interested in learning Chinese starting from zero, or those who have had some exposure to Chinese dialect, are encouraged to dive into the Chinese learning experience right away, starting from Freshman year. By doing so, for example, a zero-beginner Freshman can take first-year Chinese (CHI 101 & CHI 102) during the academic school year at Princeton University, immediately followed by second-year Chinese (CHI 105 & CHI 107) during the Princeton in Beijing summer program, and satisfy the university foreign language requirement before the start of their Sophomore year. By then, a student will have basic fluency in the Chinese language and will have unlocked a path forward to a robust series of Chinese language courses, in addition to being well prepared for their Junior Paper and Senior Thesis.
Students who choose to take Chinese language courses are welcomed to a tight-knit community of dedicated language instructors and equally dedicated students. Instructors are available for office visits, and open to answering any and all class-related questions, or just a friendly chat. Weekly Chinese Tables are also a good opportunity to socialize with instructors and students using Chinese. Students will always feel welcome in the Chinese Language Program.