Spring Session: May 4 - June 12, 2010
Summer Session: June 18 - July 28, 2010
(Students may enroll for the Spring session, the Summer session,
or both.)

The China Program

Program of Study

This unique program represents a rare opportunity to study Chinese culture in China. With almost 1.3 billion inhabitants and the world's second-largest economy, China demands attention. This dynamic country boasts an ancient civilization spanning millennia, yet leads the world in cutting-edge developments.  China's most populous city, Shanghai, radiates ineffable elegance, cosmopolitan sophistication, and obsession with the new.

The program will operate during the spring and summer terms in Shanghai, China.  You may enroll for the spring term (six weeks), the summer term (six weeks), or both terms (12 weeks).  Each term, you will register for two or three courses in language, area studies, and/or general education.  Courses will be taught by GVSU faculty as well as faculty from East China Normal University in Shanghai.

A core component of this program focuses on hands-on learning through field trips. Spring term field trips include a trip to Beijing and Shanxi, one of the birthplaces of the Chinese civilization with the reputation of a "museum of ancient arts".  Summer term field trips will take you to the picturesque views of an ancient capital, Hangzhou, Yellow Mountain, and the countryside of Anhui province.  Special about the program in this particular year is the 2010 World Expo in Shanghai.  With 200 expected participating countries and international organizations, the "Olympic Games of the economy, science and technology" will provide a spectacular showcase of the world to us.

Prerequisites

None

Eligibility

-Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5.
-Successful application and two letters of recommendation.

Courses

Students select two or three courses per session and earn GVSU credits toward general education requirements or a minor in East Asian Studies. There are no language or course prerequisites. The program is open to all majors, and content courses are offered in English.

Spring session:
CHI 180 Survival Chinese
EAS 201 East Asia in the Contemporary World
PHI 210/EAS 380 Eastern Philosophy
SS 351: Gender and Family in Third World Development
ART 380/EAS 380 Chinese Art

Summer session:
CHI 180 Survival Chinese
EAS 301 Masterpieces of East Asian Literature
PHI 380 Comparative Philosophy

Living Arrangements

Program participants will live in the student residence halls at ECNU.

How to Apply

Students may apply online by visiting www.gvsu.edu/studyabroad. The application deadline is February 1st, 2010. Space is limited and early application is strongly recommended. A $100 deposit is due at the time of application.

Estimated Program Fees

Spring: $4,357
Summer: $4,434
Both: $7,066
Internship: $7,299

Includes:
-Round-trip airfare from Grand Rapids
-Accommodations
-Some meals
-All field trips and entrance fees
-ECNU instruction (for students enrolling in Chinese)
-Visa fees

Does not include:
-GVSU tuition
-Personal expenses
-Books and supplies
-Passport fees
-International student I.D. (optional)
-Meals in Shanghai
-Vaccinations

Financial Aid

ALL students considering study abroad should have their financial aid reevaluated regardless of whether they are currently receiving federal aid. Additional need-based study abroad grants are available to eligible students. Students who enroll in both the Spring and Summer session may be elligible to apply for funding through the Freeman Foundation. Early application for financial aid is strongly recommended.

Contact Information

Prof. Peimin Ni
Philosophy Department
Mak B 3 210
Tel. (616) 331-3529
Email: nip@gvsu.edu

Prof. Geling Shang
Philosophy Department
Mak B 3 208
Tel. (616) 331-3609
Email: shangg@gvsu.edu