“The best way to understand Chinese culture, after gaining a solid academic foundation, is to travel to China, to eat Chinese food, to breathe Chinese air, and to tread Chinese soil. You will never be the same.”

- Curtis Smith, Professor of Chinese

Imagine waking up to the Taipei skyline with the mountains rising above the skyscrapers in the distance, receiving red envelopes filled with money and good wishes for Chinese New Year, listening to the ebb and flow of chanting as monks move throughout the beautifully ornate temples in China and Taiwan, and smelling the delicious aromas of dumplings and other local cuisines as you move through the bustling night markets.

A true understanding of a culture comes from immersion into the culture you are studying. Instead of only reading about the historic pottery from the Song dynasty, students can visit the National Palace Museum in Taiwan to see the simple, sleek style in person. Courses abroad include “Globalization and Urbanization: China's Urban Transformation and What It Means for the World” through East China Normal University in Shanghai, “Novels in Dynasty of Ming-Ching” at National Taiwan Normal University in Taipei, and Chinese language at all levels.

GVSU's faculty-led programs in Nanjing and Shanghai give students a focused view of Chinese culture through language or philosophy. Other opportunities for Chinese Studies majors include internships in service-based organizations and businesses like China Central Television, Beijing Handicapped Rehabilitation Center, and Shanghai Association for Science & Technology (selected examples from CET Internship program).

Academic Advice

• Chinese Studies students are required to study abroad in China, Hong Kong, or Taiwan for at least six weeks and earn at least six credits in an accredited academic program.
• A basic command of Mandarin Chinese Language is vital to having a fun, fruitful, and fulfilling  study abroad experience. Although students could begin their language studies abroad, this is not the best choice. Gaining a solid foundation in the language at GVSU before departing will allow students to dive right in upon arrival, and have much more rewarding experiences.
• Many study abroad programs offer a wide selection of courses, including Chinese Studies courses that can be approved by your Chinese Studies adviser to contribute to your major.
• Consider fulfilling your Issues General Education requirement abroad. Find out how!

Restrictions

• No restrictions have been specified by the Chinese Studies program. 
• Courses will be reviewed on a case by case basis through the course equivalency process.

Keep in Mind

• Once you have selected a program, be sure to meet with your adviser at least three months prior to departing for your program.
• Be sure to explore both GVSU and external options by browsing the Program Suggestions below. Students are not limited to GVSU study abroad programs.
• There are several opportunities to intern and or volunteer while abroad.
• Students are also able to fulfill General Education requirements abroad, including their General Education Issues requirement.

To determine the GVSU course equivalencies for courses taken abroad, please view the “How to Request Course Equivalencies” page. For more information email Department Contact below.

Yan Liang
Chinese Program Coordinator
(616) 331-2405
liangya@gvsu.edu
D-2-144 Mackinac Hall