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the beijing center for chinese studies

TBC History

TBC What makes us unique is our placement in a long and storied tradition of Jesuit education, one that teaches us that true cultural engagement starts first with friendship. 

HOW WE GOT HERE

JESUIT CENTER & INTELLECTUAL HUB

Before Ron Anton founded TBC back in 1998, Italian priest Matteo Ricci made his way to Beijing, where his study of the language and culture, paved the way for the realization of the Jesuit mission in academics. In doing so, Ricci and his companions showed great courage, humility, and respect in search of their findings – qualities which are exemplified by our community today. Along with his companions, Ricci struck a close friendship with Xu Guangqi, with whom a cultural exchange took place. Xu Guangqi taught Ricci the Chinese way of life, and in turn, Ricci shared his knowledge of the West, and the rest was history.  

 Today, we exert our efforts to follow in their footsteps by providing a supportive environment for our students, teachers, and business professionals to start their own adventures in China.  

Being Jesuit education

Jesuit education draws its inspiration from the values of the Gospel and also from the liberal education of the Greco-Roman tradition, helping young men and women to become free citizens. Jesuit education takes the whole person into account and fosters not only intellectual development, but also moral and spiritual growth. Intellect and faith are seen as complementary, not contradictory. 

TBC was established in 1998 as an apostolate of the Chinese Province of the Society of Jesus with the support of the US AJCU institutions (Jesuit universities).

“China ​Is The Classroom”

Oh, and there's always been a Jesuit priest on staff since our founding.

It’s more than just tribute. TBC lives the magis by being highly involved with our global Jesuit community. We are connected with Jesuit organizations around the world, from our friends in the US to publishing articles in European Jesuit journals, as well as involvement in our local Association of Jesuit Colleges and Universities – Asia Pacific region and spearheading the discernment process of the China Mission. We encourage cura personalis by hosting student retreats rooted in Ignatian traditions such as the Examen and giving opportunities for service learning.​

TBC History

1998-The Founding of TBC

TBC was founded in Beijing.
The school is located in Beijing Sport University.

Fr Ron Anton, Fr Tom Steinbugler, Fr Beda Liu,  Fr Ismael Zuloaga

2002

Establish long-term cooperation with university of international business and economics and move to UIBE campus.

2023

TBC’s 25th Anniversary

To mark 25 years of the only IAJU institution in the Chinese Mainland, The Beijing Center for Chinese Studies gathered friends and alumni on the evening of November 28 to cherish the sweet memories of the past and look forward to the bright future.

TBC’s 25th Anniversary Kickoff Party brought old and new friends together from over ten countries, some of whom traveled across oceans and continents to join us. Features of the night included international cuisines that reflected TBC’s commitment to diversity and gifts of reusable cutlery as a statement on Caring for Our Common Home, a Jesuit-influenced movement towards sustainability. And, of course, a cake to represent the sweet memories that 25 years of cultural dialogue has brought about.  

We thank all of our guests, alumni, visitors, family, and friends who we hold in our hearts for their contributions to our continued existence as a bridge between China and the world. Together with you, we look forward to 25 more years of excellence and beyond.  

Today

Now, TBC has developed into a mature international higher education institution and research center. Since its inception, it has been focusing on Chinese and foreign higher education and cultural exchanges, and has established credit conversion cooperation with many American universities. It is one of the earliest institutions of higher learning in China to provide undergraduate credit courses for overseas students. At the same time, TBC organizes academic and business exchange programs for students and scholars from all over the world every year to assist many scholars to complete related research. Since 2017, TBC’s international internship program has provided overseas young people with internship opportunities in China, further implementing the concept of “taking China as the classroom”.