Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Of all cities in China, Beijing is the major hub of education. It's home to many of the coun-
try's leading schools and universities, and offers expats a banquet of programs in Chinese
language as well as English-taught undergraduate and postgraduate programs. Whether you
want an intensive university-based Chinese-language course or a doctorate in a specialized
area, this is the city to do it.
When it comes to childhood education, the Chinese education system still favors rote-
learning over independent or creative thought. Class sizes are huge and schooldays long.
The various international schools, however, offer programs and methods more in line with
those in the West. They also have impressive campuses and active social communities. On
the downside, their fees can be prohibitive if you're not coming over on a family-friendly
expat package care of your company.
English is gathering momentum in Beijing, and most young Chinese people have at least
a basic ability to use it. Even after years of school-based English lessons, they continue to
fork out tens of thousands of
yuán
on private English tuition. Beast-sized corporations vie
