Stanford’s Overseas Studies Program officially announced plans last week to debut a new program at Peking University in Beijing, one of China’s most prestigious universities.

“We believe that there’s enormous faculty and student interest for a program in China,” said Irene Kennedy, the associate director of the Overseas Studies Program.

Two years ago, graduating seniors were asked in a survey which country they would want a new center to open in. China was one of the top three countries listed, along with Mexico and Spain.

Although at least one year of Mandarin will be required for admission to the program, courses will be taught primarily in English by local faculty members of Peking University in areas such as philosophy, political science, legal studies and literature. Classes fulfilling General Education requirements will also be offered, along with required Chinese language courses. There will also be one Stanford faculty-in-residence for each quarter.

“I volunteered to be the faculty-in-residence because I like very much teaching about China, and to be able to do that in China, with all its resources available first-hand, is such a wonderful opportunity,” said Chinese Prof. Albert Dien, who will be teaching in Beijing during fall quarter. “I have been to China over 40 times in the last 20 years, and I still find it a engrossing place. The changes the society is undergoing are momentous, and it is fascinating to see its history in the making.”

According to the OSP office, Stanford students will live in two-person suites in an international dorm on the Peking campus. Each suite will have two small single rooms, a common bathroom, a color television and phone, Internet access and air conditioning. Students will eat in campus dining halls and will have access to the Peking University library and sports facilities.

“I’d definitely love to go to China,” said sophomore Kevin Gao. “I was considering going through another university’s program if Stanford hadn’t implemented it. I want a unique experience, an opportunity to perfect my Chinese and a chance to really engage myself in a country with completely different customs, traditions and historical experiences.”

Stanford was looking into developing a study abroad program in China five years ago, but the efforts were cut short because of “larger political reasons,” according to Kennedy. The connections were re-established last January but hit some speeds bumps when the SARS virus hit in the spring.

“The visit we had last month was very productive,” Kennedy said. “The university is incredibly eager to have our students there.”

Peking University is widely considered one of the top universities in China; education Web site Netbig.com placed the school second in a recent survey of China’s major universities. The school is benefiting from a major increase in government spending on research universities, resulting in a new library, theater and a humanities building for the school, reported Asiaweek.com.

“Going abroad gives you the opportunity to experience an international education,” said Kennedy. “This program in particular gives students the opportunity to understand the rising power of China in the global picture — economically, socially and politically.”

The Beijing program will be offered only in the fall and spring quarters next year. Chinese holidays during winter quarter make scheduling difficult, but a winter quarter program might be available in 2005-2006.

“Students taking part in this program will be able to gain first-hand experience of life and learning in an East Asian city and nation,” said History Prof. Harold Kahn, who will be teaching in Beijing during spring quarter. “As a China scholar, this seemed an excellent opportunity to share what I know.”

Many students expressed excitement about the prospect of studying in China.

“Look at China — you’ve got martial arts movies, thousands of years of imperial dynasties, great spicy food, booming modern cities like Shanghai with great social scenes, a McDonalds next to a gourmet Szechwan restaurant, and access to Japan, Korea, Southeast Asia, India and Mongolia,” Gao said. “So many things to do, so many places to see, so ridiculously much to learn.”

The deadline to apply for the fall quarter program is Jan. 25.