CIEE China in a Global Context Program in Shanghai, China
China
Term: Academic Year, Fall, Spring
Dates: Fall 15 weeks: late August-mid-December; Spring 15 weeks: after Lunar New Year-early-June; Academic Year 38 weeks: late August-early-June
Description:
Students on the China in a Global Context program learn to develop functional communicative skills in Mandarin Chinese through small classes, tutors, and language clinics; understand contemporary issues and current geopolitical forces affecting China and China as a rising power in the world today; and apply skills learned in the classroom to understand the local culture through guided fieldwork and volunteer opportunities. Academic Program Established in 1998, the CIEE Study Center at East China Normal University is centrally located and close to Shanghai's large commercial areas. The China in a Global Context program is designed to provide participants with a deeper understanding of China as it emerges to take a more influential role in world affairs. Students are introduced to the language, colonial history, foreign policy, political development, and social issues that have either impeded or given rise to modern China. Language classes and related language clinics and tutoring sessions are taught in Mandarin Chinese, and area studies courses are taught in English by native and fluent non-native speakers. Academic Culture All core courses and area studies electives are taught in English and typically meet once per week for three hours. They may include required site visits in Shanghai, typically arranged on Fridays. Students typically attend required language classes for two hours per day, four afternoons per week, typically Monday though Thursday. These language courses are offered at eight levels. Students with fewer than four semesters of previous Chinese language study may choose to take accelerated language classes for four hours per day four mornings and afternoons per week. Students are placed into the appropriate level based on a language proficiency test. Class sizes are very small and require active student participation. Most language classes have between four and eight students, although accelerated language courses and special courses for heritage learners may be smaller. Area studies courses typically do not exceed a maximum class size of 30 students. Each day head language instructors introduce new content to each level, and then smaller groups are formed for assistant language instructors to focus on accuracy and consistency of pronunciation through daily drills and other exercises. Students are encouraged to participate actively and to speak only in Chinese whenever possible inside the language classroom building.
Highlights:
- Global studies program with English-language courses in international affairs, Chinese politics, economics, history, and society
- Comprehensive Mandarin language program for beginner to advanced students, including accelerated language option
- Language and Culture Practicum to bridges language and experiential learning
- Immersion with the local community by living with a Chinese roommate on campus or a Chinese family off campus
Culture Cultural Activities and Field Trips Group cultural activities include an acrobatics show, a river cruise along the Bund, a bike ride through the French Concession, a Chinese and CIEE student talent show, international student sporting events, and group meals with Chinese roommates and families. A weekend trip to cities in neighboring provinces, such as the ancient capital and lakeside city of Hangzhou, exposes students to locations outside of Shanghai. A number of non-credit, optional classes are offered including Chinese martial arts, cooking, calligraphy, chess, music, and Shanghai dialect. Weeklong Field Trip The weeklong field trip to Beijing, political epicenter of China, may include lectures and site visits to the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, UNESCO China, Urban Planning Center, and Cultural Heritage Protection Center, as well as discussions with prominent Chinese government strategists and U.S. diplomats, and visits to famous historical sites. These include hiking on the Great Wall, strolling through the last of the hutongs or old alleyways, and visiting architectural relics such as Forbidden City and the old Summer Palace. This field trip is intended to go beyond tourism and its goals are both educational and cultural. Cultural Reimbursement Program As a means of encouraging students to enrich their study abroad experience in Shanghai, CIEE reimburses students for their participation in local cultural activities, such as Chinese movie screenings, theater performances, traditional music concerts, and visits to local museums and historic sites. Immersion Non-Credit Internships and Volunteering CIEE maintains relationships with a number of organizations and may be able to offer a limited number of non-credit internships and volunteer opportunities for qualified students. Past students taught English at a school for children of migrant laborers, assisted children with cerebral palsy at a rehabilitation center, or interned as copy editors for a local English-language periodical. Although positions are not guaranteed by CIEE, the Shanghai staff assists all students interested in pursuing these opportunities. Some positions may demand more time than is feasible with a full course load. Internships are limited in number. Peer Language Tutors Program participants are paired with students from East China Normal University for one-on-one Chinese language tutorials for two hours per week. Most tutors are undergraduate or graduate students who major in teaching Chinese as a Foreign Language. Chinese Language Clinic The Chinese Language Director manages an optional language clinic taught by head language instructors designed to assist students who need additional help. Target Language Meals CIEE head language teachers plan monthly Chines language-only group meals and other activities for their students, assistant language teachers, peer tutors, and resident staff. Students are required to speak only Chinese.
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Subject Areas :
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- Asian Studies
- Chinese Language
- Economics
- History
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- International Relations
- Literature
- Political Science/Politics
- Religious Studies
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- Sociology
- Women's Studies
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Cost in US$: Please check the CIEE website for current program pricing.
Cost Include Description:
The CIEE fees for 2008-09 include an optional on-site airport meet and greet, tuition, full-time program leadership and support, housing, most meals in the host family option, orientation, cultural activities (such as martial arts and cooking classes), site visits (such as museums and temples), local excursions (such as a river cruise and acrobatic show), transportation and accommodation during the weeklong field trip and the weekend excursion to neighboring provinces, peer language tutors, Chinese language clinic, target language activities, guest lectures, pre-departure advising, course materials (including course readers and language textbooks), visa fees, and a CIEE iNext travel card which provides insur-ance and other travel benefits.
Experience Required: yes
Overall GPA 2.75
One college-level Chinese area studies course recommended
Note: East China Normal University will not accept students who are citizens of the Peoples Republic of China (PRC), Taiwan ROC, Hong Kong SAR, or Macau. This includes those who are U.S. permanent residents. Students of Chinese ancestry who hold U.S. passports are welcome.
This Program is open to
World Wide
Participants.
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Typical Living Arrangements :
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Participants Travel to China
Independently
Typically Participants Work
Independently
Or
in Groups
Scholarships are Available. - We have several scholarships that students can apply for. Contact CIEE for details.
Application Process Involves:
- Letters of Reference
- Other
- Transcript
- Written Application
CIEE's Mission Statement: Since 1947, the Council on International Educational Exchange, known as CIEE, has been in pursuit of its mission, "to help people gain understanding, acquire knowledge, and develop skills for living in a globally interdependent and culturally diverse world." Our services to young people studying, working, teaching, and traveling abroad are more important than ever. As we look ahead, we reaffirm our commitment to the principles and values that guide this mission statement.
Year Founded: 1947
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