Study Abroad in China Spring Semester programs offer undergraduates the opportunity to combine overseas travel to Eastern Asia with undergraduate credit in a country so vast and dynamic that it actually borders 14 nations. China is one of the world’s earliest civilizations and has developed into a potential superpower[i]; if you are looking for a country that has both historical and contemporary appeal, studying abroad in China for a Spring Semester is worth considering.

Why Consider a Study Abroad in China Spring Semester Program?

If you are looking for a global education, choosing a Study Abroad in China Spring Semester program makes sense; China has the second largest economy in the world and, evidence shows early dynastic rule dated at around 2100 BCE.[ii] Whether you are do want to study Chinese in an authentic setting or focus on another topic, it is bound to be a rewarding undergraduate experience for many years to come.

FUN FACT: To say “hello” in Chinese, you say ‘Ni hao’ which is an informal Mandarin greeting.(web)[iii]

Spring Rolls

Academics aside, you are probably wondering what it is like to eat Chinese food in China. With its diversity, there are “eight major cuisines” (Sichuan, Cantonese, Jiangsu, Shandong, Fujian, Hunan, Anhui, and Zhejiang)[iv]. Rice is usually on the menu. Note to self: brush up on your chopstick etiquette before you go.

It’s All Chinese to Me

If studying Chinese in China is your dream come true, there are programs to suit you. Otherwise, you could take courses in your major, minor or fulfill general education credits and at the same time, boost your Mandarin.

Getting Around

China is fascinating in terms of just getting around. With the longest highway system in the world, the largest market for cars, and the busiest railways, the Shanghai Maglev Train is one way to get around quickly; the top operational speed is 268 mph.[v]

Seeing Stuff and Scenery

Many Study Abroad in China Spring Semester programs offer extra-curricular activities and excursions, and this can be a huge plus, especially in a country so large. Imagine visiting the Great Wall of China, the Forbidden City or Tiananmen Square in the center of Beijing, or the Terracotta Army in Xi’an. Spring is also a great time to take in the spectacular landscapes in China – hike along the Li River in Guilin. It may be misty but memorable.

Business-minded

China is quite a dynamic country, with much to offer the engineering, finance, business, computer science and international studies student, which is pretty cool given that some parts of China are agricultural and seem untouched by modernism. Just take a walk on Nanjing Road in Shanghai – it’s one of the world’s business t shopping streets or visit the Shanghai Stock Exchange.[vi] You may also find a program that offers internship possibility.  

STEM

China has been upping its education game with an emphasis on science, math and engineering, and let’s not forget they use industrial robots and Chinese-born scientists have won the Nobel Prize more than once![vii] And – just in case you were thinking flower stems, spring is a great time to see the peach blossoms in Guilin, the plum blossoms in Nanjing or 19 square miles of a natural azalea forest in Guizhou. Conservation biologists, this one is for you!

Chinese Medicine

If you are interested in health, China is a great place to learn about Traditional Chinese Medicine, or even get involved in a volunteer abroad program. This is where the ancient Chinese culture and belief systems are evident, and may make a great comparison to Western ones.

Find A Study Abroad Program in China for Spring Semester

No one is saying it won’t be culture shock, but self-discovery, new confidence and independence may be some of the potential side benefits to a Study Abroad in China Spring semester program. Since you know when you want to go, you can select a specific city (Shanghai, Beijing, Kunming etc.) or browse through the specialty subjects to see what is available. Each of the sponsored listings has unique features. You can use the ‘learn more’ setting to get more details, and read peer reviews to help you make an informed choice.


sources: [i] en.wikipedia.org/wiki/China |[ii] en.wikipedia.org/wiki/China |[iii] wikihow.com/Say-Hello-in-Chinese[iv] en.wikipedia.org/wiki/China#Cuisine |[v] en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shanghai_Maglev_Train|en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tiananmen_Square | chinahighlights.com/weather/china-best-times.htm |[vi] en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nanjing_Road |[vii] en.wikipedia.org/wiki/China#Cuisine |en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Forbidden_City |