Some students join sport teams, such as tennis and basketball, playing with Chinese teammates. Students may choose to study for a semester or for the full year. IES students combine intensive language study with academic work in Chinese area studies. Language classes of no more than six students meet three hours daily five days a week and are supplemented by private tutorials every afternoon for ten semester credits. All levels use the Princeton University series of teaching materials.
Students take two three-credit IES seminars each semester for a total of sixteen semester credits.
Area studies seminars are taught in English by the IES Beijing director and scholars from leading Chinese academic institutions. Where possible, opportunities for research and field work are built into the seminars. Students maximize their cultural integration into Chinese society and their progress in Chinese language through field studies, close interaction with Chinese students on campus, and extensive travel to distant areas of China. If there is sufficient interest, Chinese calligraphy, painting, and martial arts are taught on a non-credit basis. Upon successful completion of the IES Beijing program, all IES students will receive an IES transcript.