Faculty-led Summer Program in China: Intensive Chinese Language

  China

• Beijing: 
Beijing

Term: Summer 
Dates: June 15 - July 31

Description: The Office of International Education at Virginia Commonwealth University is pleased to offer a seven-week intensive Chinese language program at Beijing Foreign Studies University. This program is designed to allow students the opportunity to earn one academic year worth of language instruction in a total immersion environment.

Following an initial language placement exam at VCU, students will be divided into small groups of three to four students based on their language ability. Students with no prior Chinese language training will register for 1st Year Chinese language credits; students with at least one year of Chinese language training will register for 2nd Year Chinese language credits; and students with two years of Chinese language training will register for 3rd Year Chinese language credits. All courses will be taught by faculty from BFSU and VCU.

All students are required to register for a minimum of 8 VCU credits. Students in 1st Year Chinese will register for at least 8 credits of CHIN 101 & 102, or CHIN 110; students in 2nd Year Chinese will register for at least 8 credits of CHIN 201 & 202, or CHIN 210; and students in 3rd Year Chinese will register for at least 8 credits of CHIN 391.

Classes will meet four hours a day, five days a week. From 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m. students will have three hours of drill/interactive instruction in small classes of one language instructor and three to four students. From 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. students will have the option to take a Chinese writing class, or continue the intensive drill/interactive instruction. Teaching Assistants at each level will hold office hours in the evenings (Sunday through Thursday) to assist students with their course work.

Wednesday Lunch/Language Table: On Wednesdays there will be a "mandatory" lunch/language table where instructors and students will eat together and speak only Chinese.

Language Practicum: During the program there will be at least one language practicum activity per week. Instructors will accompany students to carry out language-centered tasks outside the classroom. The weekly practicum is designed to enhance the students' mastery of what they have learned in the classroom.

Degree Level: Bachelors Degree (Undergraduate)

Cost in US$: 2,995.00

Students are responsible for the following expenses:
*VCU Tuition
*International Airfare
*U.S. Passport
*Chinese Visa
*Textbooks
*Meals
*Laundry
*Personal Expenses

Please budget for these additional expenses. The estimated cost for personal expenses in China is 700 USD (100 USD p/week)

Experience Required: yes

Students must have a 2.75 GPA to apply. All applicants will be interviewed by the Program Director.

This Program is open to American, Asian, Australian, Canadian, European, Kiwi, South African and Worldwide Participants.

Application Process Involves:

• In-Person Interview when Feasible
• Online Application plus Application Assessment
• Phone Interview

Post-Program Services Include:

• Exit Debriefing Abroad
• Re-Entry Debriefing at Home