Location:

Chengdu, China

Program Type:

Study Abroad

Degree Level:

High School

Term:

Summer

Program Overview

Program Description:

A Combined Classroom & Experiential Learning Course on Understanding China: Case Studies of Local Culture and Society. The program is 5-weeks long and runs July 1st - August 2nd, 2013. Program is applicable for rising high school seniors, or high school students who are currently seniors and preparing to graduate. Students can choose to complete the program for 6 college credits or for only a certificate. No Chinese language knowledge required!

This program focuses on social and cultural development in mega-cities like Chengdu and culturally diverse regions like Sichuan province. The course will be comprised of two parts: One is a series of lectures focusing on Modern China and research methodology, including conducting team assignments, surveys, interviews, participant observations, research report writing and presentations. The second part will focus on experiential learning, focusing on rural vs. city schools, and urban culture. Students will visit many exciting sites as part of the program including the Wenchuan Earthquake Site, Dujiangyan Irrigation System, the lavish teahouses of Chengdu, and the National Panda Research Center.

Students can complete the program for 6 college level credits to transfer once in college. Students who would like to complete the less intensive version of the program can choose to only receive a certificate of completion. Both the credits and certificate are provided by Fairleigh Dickinson University. This program has been particularly designed to prepare high school students for rigorous social science research skills they are likely to encounter in college level work. It is also a great opportunity for high school students to highlight a valuable international experience on their college applications to stick out from the crowd!

Setting Description:

Classes will be conducted at the g-MEO Chengdu American Center for Study Abroad, located on the beautiful Huaxi campus of Sichuan University and all field work will be conducted in the city of Chengdu and it surrounding areas. In addition to visiting sites related to the course projects, students will also participate in weekend excursions to some of the most scenic national parks and/or archaeological sites in the province of Sichuan.

Cost:

5-weeks = $5500 (includes all fees and housing in a double occupancy dorm room on Sichuan University's Huaxi Campus). 8-weeks = $7000 - regular program plus 3 weeks of language intensive (available both in Chinese and English and includes all fees and housing in a double occupancy dorm room on Sichuan University's Huaxi Campus) All program fees include tuition, housing, pre-departure and on-site orientation, 24 hour emergency hotlines in both the United States and China, mandatory medical and