Founded in 1941, the Beijing Foreign Studies University (BFSU)
is one of the most reputable universities in China. It has garnered
the name "Garden University" due to its attractive and pleasant
learning environment. The campus occupies an area of 304,553 square
meters in the western suburbs of Beijing. The university was China's
first institution of higher education specializing in foreign language
studies. Beijing Foreign Studies University has a large number
of foreign languages students with a high level of proficiency.
The university has been affiliated with the Ministry of Foreign
Affairs from its establishment and is a key university under the
Ministry of Education. 
Beijing Foreign Studies University has long been China's leader
in offering excellent training in foreign language learning and
teaching. In the early 1950s, the university began enrolling international
students. Each year around 1,000 long and short term students
from 30 countries study at BFSU. The university's programs offer
a unique language environment for mastering foreign languages.
BFSU is increasingly focused on developing the university's international
reputation for excellence in language learning and research. The
university conducts many international academic exchanges and has
established cooperation and exchange relations with more than 160
universities and institutions from 40 countries and regions. 
At present, BFSU has 9 academic departments, 7 schools and 3 research
institutes. It offers 31 languages, the largest number of language
learning programs studies in China. The Mandarin Chinese Program
is one of the specialties attracting many international students.
It offers short and long term programs at every level, with courses
appropriate for beginner, intermediate and advanced learners.
Short term programs are 1 to 4 weeks and 8 weeks, while long term
programs are 18 weeks for semester programs and 36 weeks for one
year programs. 
The university has 540 teachers and staff members, among whom
290 are professors and associate professors and 165 are lecturers.
There are more than 70 teachers, including professors and associate
professors who teach Mandarin Chinese language to overseas students. 
The university library was founded in 1941 and originally called
the Library of Yan'an Foreign Languages School. The library has
since been divided into a South and North section with a total
area of 10,000 square meters and 700 seats. The collection contains
about 800,000 books, 1,000 periodicals and 4,000 audio visual materials
in 31 foreign languages. The majority of the collection is comprised
of linguistics, literature and cultural studies, history, diplomacy,
and economics. The library has 8 departments and 48 librarians
working here, among whom 8 are research fellows. 
Beijing Foreign Studies University
The university also offers optional elective courses, including Survey of China, Chinese Culture, History of Chinese Literature, Chinese Politics, Commercial Law, Chinese Investment Law, Chinese Tariff Law, Chinese Phonetics, etc. Other extracurricular activities, including Calligraphy, Chinese Painting, Er Hu (a two-stringed bowed Chinese traditional music instrument), Taiji, etc., are also sometimes offered.
The faculty members have contributed to the field of professional training in foreign languages and are leading figures in the academic community. Every year, about 70 foreign experts and teachers are invited to teach at the university. All of them are high level teachers and researchers in their academic fields.
Library
Visitors can obtain what they need quickly through the library network and also have access to computers and photocopy facilities. To provide better information services, the library has established cooperation with other libraries across China. It serves not only students from BFSU, but also students, teachers and researchers from all over China. The English Studies Resources Center is one of the five British Council libraries in China. Every year, the library receives 200,000 visitors from inside and outside the university. Recreation Facilities Gymnasium, tennis courts, table tennis rooms, badminton courts, football courts, basketball courts, volleyball courts and a running track are located on campus. Alternatively, students can join nearby health club or visit many historical places in Beijing or climb the Great Wall in Badaling. This section of the Great Wall is very famous and one of the biggest in China. It is only an hour drive from Beijing. Laundry Money & Banking There is Bank of Construction with two ATM machines on campus. All major currencies are accepted and this bank allows foreigners to open foreign exchange accounts. Students can carry out all banking activities here, such as deposit and withdrawing money, exchange of foreign currency and domestic and international money transfer. Medical Care A Chinese medical clinic is available on campus and open 24 hours a day. Most of the doctors and staff speak Chinese. As an alternative options, students may visit an international hospital called ISOS is located in Chaoyang District which provides 24 hours services. ISOS has comprehensive medical services including dentistry, counseling, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, nutrition and TCM. Members have access to around-the-clock telephone consultations and evacuation from anywhere in China. An on-site pharmacy stocks Western medication and TCM ingredients. Clinic appointments can be made by calling: (8610) 6462-9112 Food & Groceries A dining hall with Chinese food is available on campus. Perhaps the university's biggest gastronomic asset is the café-bakery Sculpting in Time, located near the east campus. Weigongcun plays host to a few bars and clubs where students can unwind. Chuanleyuan Jiujia, one of Beijing's best Sichuan restaurants, is a ten minutes walk south of campus. BFSU has a small shop which sells everything from food, drinks, snacks and daily necessities. The shop can be found on the first floor of dormitory building 6. Postal Services Off campus, but close to the university area, a post office is located a 10 minutes walk away. Students can send and receive mail and parcels from all over the world.
There are dormitories and flats provided for international students. The dormitories offer single and double rooms. All rooms in international student dormitories are equipped with a desk, air conditioner, heating system, bed, TV, and telephone. A kitchen and refrigerator are available on every floor. Each flat has the same facilities as dormitory rooms, plus has its own kitchen.
From the airport to the university: 1 hour by car From the train station to the university: 30 minutes by car |
