Our Mission
The mission of the School of Chinese as a Second Language is to advance global understanding through excellence in Chinese language education, foster cross-cultural dialogue, and build a "golden bridge" connecting China with the world. As Peking University's flagship platform for international exchange, we leverage world-class faculty and cutting-edge research to shape the future of global Chinese education.
To do this, we focus on:
· Delivering Comprehensive Chinese Instruction: Teaching learners at all levels from preparatory to advanced through structured in-person programs. Pioneering advancements in IT infrastructure and online pedagogy to shape the future of global Chinese learning.
· Educating Future Global Leaders: Through rigorous Master's, doctoral, and undergraduate programs anchored in Peking University's disciplines of Linguistics and International Chinese Education.
· Forging Transformative Partnerships: Building sustained collaborations with global institutions as China's premier hub for academic exchange.
· Generating Cutting-Edge Research: Driving innovation in second language acquisition through our interdisciplinary faculty and research centers.
About the School of Chinese as a Second Language
A Legacy of Excellence
Peking University pioneered Chinese language education for international students over 70 years ago, establishing China’s first dedicated program in 1952. Our evolution reflects milestones in global education:
Year |
Milestone |
1952 |
Established China’s first dedicated program: "北京大学外国留学生中国语文专修班" (Chinese Language Specialization Program for Foreign Students) after national university restructuring. |
1984, October |
Reorganized into "对外汉语教学中心" (Center for Teaching Chinese as a Foreign Language) for non-degree students |
1995, April |
Created "北京大学海外教育学院" (Peking University School of Overseas Education) through merger of the Chinese Center and International Students Office. |
1999 |
Institutional reforms: Chinese Center placed under International Cooperation Office. |
2002, June, 29th |
Officially launched "北京大学对外汉语教育学院" (School of Chinese as a Second Language) on the Chinese Center’s foundation, opening a new chapter in international Chinese education. |
Today’s Academic Community
· Faculty & Staff (108 total): 51 full-time faculty (36 old system: 8 professors, 24 associate professors, 4 lecturers; 11 new research system: 4 tenured associate professors, 1 associate professor, 6 assistant professors; 4 new teaching system: 2 professors, 1 associate professor, 1 lecturer); 3 postdoctoral researchers; 5 contract language lecturers; 5 international Chinese education specialists. 10 administrative/support staff (5 contract-based).
· Four Major Areas of Research: Chinese Language and Applications (汉语与应用), Language Acquisition and Assessment (习得与测试), Curriculum and Teacher Development (课程与教师发展), Culture and Intercultural Communication (文化与跨文化交际).
· Academic Events: International Forum on Linguistics and Chinese Education / World Chinese Seminar (世界汉语研讨会), Peking University International Chinese Forum (北京大学国际汉语讲坛), Summer Advanced Seminar on Teaching Chinese as a Foreign Language (对外汉语教学暑期高级研讨班), Graduate Academic Forum on Teaching Chinese as a Foreign Language (对外汉语教学研究生学术论坛).
· Academic Publications: HANYU JIAOXUE XUEKAN / JOURNAL OF CHINESE LANGUAGE STUDIES (《汉语教学学刊》)
Academic Programs
Degree Programs
· Graduate Studies:
o 30+ Master’s students annually (Chinese International Education)
o 10+ Doctoral students
o Total graduate enrollment: 150+ students
· Undergraduate Program: Interdisciplinary Chinese International Education (joint with School of Education)
o Key features: Combines humanities/social sciences expertise; Integrates theory with teaching practice; Trains in educational empirical research methods; Foundation for advanced degrees in Applied Linguistics, Second Language Acquisition, Higher Education, Education Technology, etc.
o Prepares students for International Chinese Teacher Qualification Certification (国际中文教师资格证)
· Specialized Courses
o Core Electives: 《Contemporary China (中国概况) 》, 《Academic Chinese Writing (学术汉语写作)》, 《Overview of China (当代中国)》, 《Basic Chinese (基础汉语)》.
o Since 2021, 3 courses selected for university-wide digital learning: 《Professional Chinese》《Contemporary China》《Overview of China》.
Global Impact
The School maintains academic partnerships with world-class institutions—including Cambridge and Oxford (20+ year collaborations), University of California, Northwestern University, University College London, University of Sydney, and Massey University. Meanwhile, the school also delivers specialized Chinese language and cultural courses for foreign affairs professionals and international organizations.
(Data updated: March 2023)