Beijing, China

Program in Brief
This fall semester program offers students the opportunity to live in Beijing while taking an introductory Mandarin language course, combined with relevant contextual courses and a valuable internship. Beijing, the capital of the People’s Republic of China, is the country’s second largest city with a population of over 19 million people. China currently has the fastest growing economy in the world and Beijing is often considered the seat of their global power. The courses examine the development and role of a global Beijing over recent years, with a focus on their history, culture, business and politics. A challenging part-time internship in a variety of disciplines is available to students, at all levels of language ability, in businesses, non-profits and non-government agencies.

Orientation
There is a mandatory set of pre-departure orientations at LVC for all students planning to participate in the program. Students also attend an extensive on-site orientation in Beijing.

Location
Students live & take courses at Capital Normal University (pop. 28,000 students) within the Haidian District of the city. Beijing has all of the advantages of an international city, with 100+ museums, ancient historic sites, nearly 70 universities, authentic restaurants and an exciting nightlife. The city has an excellent public transportation system of trains and buses that students will use with a complimentary pass.

Housing and Meals
LVC students will live at the international student residence at Capital Normal University. Students share a dorm room (2 – 4 students) in a co-ed residence hall that houses a bookstore, café, business center, fitness center, pool, convenience store, restaurants and dining hall. The rooms are fully furnished, with TV and wireless internet, and a private bathroom.

Students are responsible for preparing their own meals. Kitchens are located in each residence hall to prepare food, or students can pay per meal to eat in the dining hall located in the residence hall.

Academics
Students will enroll in a 3-credit Mandarin language course at the beginning, intermediate, or advanced level. Additionally students enroll in 3 – 4 courses taught in English for a total of 15 credits earned during the semester. One of these courses can be a 3 credit part-time internship:

• Elementary, Intermediate or Advanced Mandarin Chinese (fulfills elective credit)
• Analyzing & Exploring the Global City: Beijing (fulfills L2 or DSP; 300 level PSC elective)
• China in a Global Context (fulfills L2; 300 level PSC elective)
• Chinese Art (fulfills L5)
• Chinese Economic Development: 1978 Onwards (fulfills L2; 300 level ECN elective)
• Chinese Philosophical Traditions (fulfills L6; PHL 140; REL 253)
• Peoples and Cultures of China (fulfills L2 or DSP)
• Internship (major/minor or elective credit)


The Internship
By far the most exciting academic aspect of this program is opportunity for students in any major field of study to participate in a part-time internship. Placements in English or Mandarin language are available. The Academic Director of the study abroad program, a writer for local Chinese newspapers with a background in economics and political science, personally places and supervises students in a variety of placement sites. The most common fields for internships include communications, business administration, marketing and public relations. Students will work for 15 – 20 hours a week. Internship placement sites include American-owned companies, transnational companies and Chinese companies that appreciate English speakers.

Cost
• LVC tuition* and fees
• LVC room charges
*Institutional aid is limited to a maximum of 33% for the Beijing program

**Travel, board, student visa and personal expenses are NOT included in these fees. Fees are subject to change. Round-trip airfare from Newark to Beijing costs approximately $1200 US.

Dates
Fall semester
• Application timetable: Applications should be received by March 15.
• $25 deposit is due with application.*
• Accepted students owe $475 program deposit.*
• Packet-of-forms is due April 15.
• Fall semester in China (approx. 15 credits): Mid-August to mid-December.’
*The $500 program deposit will be credited to student accounts in the Business Office for the start of the off-campus semester. The $500 deposit will be forfeited on student withdrawal from the program.

Language of Instruction
English and Chinese

Eligibility Requirements
Students from any major who are in good standing (2.8 GPA) may apply.

Group Excursions
Students will participate in short group excursions to Tiananmen Square, the Great Wall, and other local sites. A bonus 4-day extended faculty-led excursion to Shanghai is organized and paid for by the program.