International Chinese Education
With the rising global influence of Chinese language, the demand for qualified Chinese language teachers has grown significantly. The Master's in International Chinese Education is an ideal choice for those who aspire to become cultural ambassadors between China and the world.
Program Introduction
The Master’s program in International Chinese Education aims to uphold moral education as a fundamental principle and to cultivate high-level, application-oriented international professionals. Guided by Marxist theory and aligned with the profession of international Chinese language teaching, the program develops educators who possess strong professional ethics and can competently undertake diverse teaching tasks.
Graduates are expected to have proficient Chinese language teaching skills, be able to utilize modern educational technologies effectively, possess deep knowledge and communication skills in Chinese culture, have cross-cultural communication competence, and use at least one foreign language fluently in teaching and communication.
Additionally, they should have project management and coordination abilities in international language and cultural promotion and demonstrate broad international perspectives and academic competence.
Training Objectives
The Master’s in International Chinese Education is a professional degree designed to align with the career of international Chinese teachers. It aims to cultivate individuals who understand China, love Chinese culture, possess proficient teaching skills in Chinese language and culture, and are capable of cross-cultural communication. Specific objectives include:
- Strong professional competence and teaching ethics
- Mastery of Chinese language, Chinese culture, teaching management, and intercultural communication
- Proficient Chinese teaching skills
- Solid understanding of Chinese culture and ability to bridge Chinese and foreign cultures
- Strong cross-cultural communication skills
- Project management and coordination skills related to language and culture
Who is this major suitable for?
This program is especially suitable for:
- Those passionate about languages, cultures, and teaching Chinese
- Individuals who enjoy sharing, have strong communication skills, and a teaching mindset
- Open-minded learners with an international outlook
- Those pursuing a career in education, media, or international cultural exchange
- Learners with Chinese language experience who want to deepen their expertise and teaching competence
Study Mode and Duration
This program is offered in full-time mode with a standard duration of 2 years. The maximum duration allowed is 5 years. Early graduation applications are generally not accepted. The program is not divided into specific research tracks.
Curriculum
Below is the course table for the Master’s in International Chinese Education:
No. |
Course Title |
Credits |
1 |
First Foreign Language |
4 |
2 |
Marxism and Social Science Methodology |
1 |
3 |
Theory and Practice of Socialism with Chinese Characteristics |
2 |
4 |
Second Language Acquisition |
2 |
5 |
Teaching Chinese as a Second Language |
2 |
6 |
Case Studies of International Chinese Classroom Teaching |
2 |
7 |
Intercultural Communication and Chinese Culture Communication |
2 |
8 |
Academic Ethics and Thesis Writing |
1 |
9 |
Educational Psychology |
2 |
10 |
Teaching Methods for Chinese Language Elements |
1 |
11 |
Teaching Methods for Chinese Language Skills |
1 |
12 |
Application of Modern Educational Technology |
2 |
13 |
Chinese Cultural Skills and Demonstration |
2 |
14 |
Chinese Classical Culture |
2 |
15 |
Chinese Culture and Culture Teaching |
2 |
16 |
Qualitative Research Methods |
1 |
17 |
Quantitative Research Methods |
1 |
18 |
Integrated Training for Teaching Chinese in Primary and Secondary Schools |
2 |
19 |
Teaching Tests and Evaluation |
2 |
20 |
Special Topics on International Promotion of Chinese |
2 |
21 |
Second Foreign Language |
2 |
22 |
Traditional Chinese Folk Art |
1 |
23 |
Chinese Martial Arts |
1 |
24 |
Chinese Etiquette |
1 |
25 |
Lectures on Language, Culture and Education |
1 |
26 |
Internship in International Chinese Education |
1 |
27 |
Professional Practice |
4 |
28 |
Modern Chinese |
|
29 |
Classical Chinese |
|
30 |
Introduction to International Chinese Education |
Professional Practice
1. Teaching Internship (4 credits)
- Overseas teaching as volunteers in Confucius Institutes or local schools
- Domestic teaching internships in schools or educational institutions
- Combination of centralized and segmented internships (at least 6 months in total)
2. Social Practice (2 credits)
- Participation in academic events, teacher training, and social engagement organized by schools or institutions
- Evaluated by the graduate office based on actual involvement
Research Directions
- Theories in Teaching Chinese as a Second Language
- Pedagogical Methods for Teaching Chinese as a Second Language
- Second Language Acquisition
- Chinese-Foreign Language Comparison and Intercultural Communication
- Language Testing and Assessment
Degree Award
Students who complete the required credits, practical components, and successfully defend their thesis will be awarded the Master’s Degree in International Chinese Education.
Career Prospects
1. Education Sector
- University Lecturer/Researcher: Teaching Chinese or conducting research
- International/Bilingual School Teacher: Teaching Chinese in IB/AP/A-Level programs (with international qualifications)
- Language Institution Instructor: Working in organizations like New Oriental or local language centers
2. Cultural Communication & Publishing
- Confucius Institute or Hanban Projects: Teaching, textbook development, cultural exchange
- Educational Publishers or EdTech Companies: Developing teaching materials or online courses
- Media & Cross-Cultural Outreach: Working with outlets like CCTV International or China Daily
3. Government & International Organizations
- Foreign Affairs/Overseas Chinese Affairs Offices: Promoting culture and education (civil service exam may be required)
- International Organizations like UNESCO: Participating in language education and multicultural policy development
4. Overseas Employment Opportunities
- Confucius Institute/Classroom Teacher: Overseas teaching (typically 1–2-year contracts)
- Chinese Teacher in International Schools: Teaching AP/IB Chinese (international credentials required)
- Lecturer in University Language Centers abroad: May require PhD
- Community/Language Training Schools: Teaching in Chinese diaspora or mainstream institutions
- Online Chinese Tutor: Platforms like iTalki, AmazingTalker
- Corporate Trainer: Teaching Business Chinese in international companies
Related Majors
- Linguistics and Applied Linguistics
- Education (e.g., Comparative Education, Educational Technology)
- Intercultural Communication
- International Communication of Chinese Language and Culture
Leading Universities in This Field in China
- Peking University
- Renmin University of China
- Beijing Institute of Technology
- Beijing University of Posts and Telecommunications
- Beijing University of Chinese Medicine
- Beijing Normal University
- Capital Normal University
- Beijing Foreign Studies University
- Beijing International Studies University
- Fudan University
International Chinese Education Program Evaluation
This is a highly practical and interdisciplinary field that integrates linguistics, pedagogy, and intercultural communication. Many top Chinese universities have invested heavily in developing this program with strong academic staff and comprehensive training systems.
Students will gain not only a solid foundation in language and teaching methodology but also practical skills such as intercultural communication, classroom management, learner psychology, and educational technology.
Graduates of this program enjoy a wide range of career opportunities, including teaching at Confucius Institutes and international schools, developing digital content, compiling teaching materials, or working in international organizations, cultural institutions, and media. It is a dynamic and globally-oriented major.
The above provides an overview of the Master’s program in International Chinese Education. Visit the “Major Search” section to explore more details about study programs in China!
Connect with the Riba Team today for tailored advice and full support in applying for scholarships and study programs that suit you.
Riba Contact Information:
- Fanpage: China Scholarship Network
- Hotline: +84 - 888 666 350
- Hotline: +84 - 888 666 152