China: Chinese Culture and Ethnic Minorities

  China

• Kunming: 
Kunming

Term: Fall, Spring 
Dates: September-December/February-June

Description: Explore minority identities in southwest China's Yunnan province, home to nearly half of China's more than 50 government-recognized minority groups. Living in environments ranging from cities to subtropic jungles to farmland, these groups face the challenges of fast-paced change spurred by modernization and long-term economic growth.

Meeting with experts, as well as other people from a variety of backgrounds, students examine issues such as traditional culture and beliefs, the impact of tourism on minority cultures, and the expanding divide between urban and rural life in China. Field excursions to Dali, Lijiang, and Zhongdian provide students with an in-depth look at the environmental, cultural, and economic realities that define different areas. Students undertake an intensive study of Mandarin, exploring issues of language and culture that shape Chinese society today.

Highlights: Two weeks homestay in Kunming and one to two weeks during the study tour in Dali and Lijiang. Educational excursions to the ancient capitals of Dali and Lijiang, the terra cotta warriors of Xi'an, Beijing and the Great Wall.

Cost in US$: contact sponsor

Experience Required: no

Scholarships are Available.

Application Process Involves:

• Letters of Reference
• Physical Exam/Health Records
• Transcript
• Written Application

Post Services Include:

• Exit DebriefingAbroad
• Alumni Network
• Job and Internship Network

SIT Study Abroad's Mission Statement: SIT Study Abroad is the accredited higher education institution of World Learning, a private, nonprofit international organization promoting international and intercultural understanding, social justice, and economic development through education, training, and field projects around the globe. SIT prepares students to be interculturally effective leaders, professionals, and citizens through SIT Study Abroad, undergraduate, field-based academic programs operating in more than 50 countries worldwide, and thorough short-term professional training and graduate degrees in language teaching, conflict transformation, international education, social justice in intercultural relations, management, and sustainable development.

Year Founded: 1932