China: Beijing SOC course (May) | Summer Abroad

Female looking out to the Great wall, Beijing

"I feel really luck to be part of this program. The instructors were very enthusiastic and helpful. The field trips were well organized and I believe that we all learned a lot through the programs!" - 2019 Beijing Program Participant

Group photo at the Long Term Care Centre in Tianjin

Group at the Long Term Care Centre in Tianjin

Five students at the Dabei Temple in Tianjin

Students visit the Dabei Temple in Tianjin China (The Temple of Great Compassion) in 2019

Group of students attend a tour of the Elderly Care Centre in Tianjin

Students at the Elderly Care Centre, Tianjin

China: Beijing

Saturday, May 3 to Friday, May 30, 2025 (4 weeks)

This will be the seventh year that the University of Toronto has offered a summer course in Beijing, China. Students will earn a full-year sociology credit in four weeks while immersing themselves in the vibrant culture of the dynamic capital city of China. This course will benefit students interested in gaining a deeper understanding of the characteristics of Chinese politics, economy, culture and society.

The program will be hosted by the Capital University of Economics and Business (CUEB) in Beijing, China. There will be opportunities for in-class discussion with local students on relevant course topics. Participants will stay in residence at CUEB, providing easy access to classrooms and campus facilities.

Beijing

Beijing, China’s capital city, has a history stretching back three millennia, yet it’s known as much for its modern architecture as its ancient landmarks, such as the grand Forbidden City complex, the imperial palace during the Ming and Qing dynasties. Nearby, the massive Tiananmen Square pedestrian plaza is the site of Mao Zedong’s mausoleum and the National Museum of China, displaying an extensive collection of cultural relics.
Capital University of Economics and Business (CUEB) traces its roots back to 1956, when the Ministry of National Education founded the Beijing Economics Institute. Students will stay at the original Hongmiao campus, located in the Chaoyang district, which is the home to the School of International Education. This campus is a five-minute walk to Beijing's Central Business District.

Program Activities

In addition to formal lectures and classroom discussions, the course will feature guest lecturers and field trips.

Welcome dinner and farewell lunch
Guest lectures with Chinese scholars, village heads, migrant labourers, elders, and policymakers
Discussions on important topics with students from Chinese universities such as Captial University of Economics and Business
A visit to the Great Wall
A visit to Beijing Hyundai or other companies
A visit to Taikang Community or other senior home in Beijing

Beijing Summer Abroad: News and Highlights

Learn more about the Beijing and Tianjin Summer Abroad Program through videos, past events and articles.

Questions? Email: beijing.abroad@utoronto.ca or book a virtual appointment.