China
Qualified St. Lawrence University students have the opportunity to spend a semester in Shanghai through the Council on International Educational Exchange (CIEE). The CIEE study center, located at East China Normal University, hosts approximately 100 program participants from US colleges and universities who apply for one of three academic programs. Shanghai– China’s largest city– is a dynamic city, revealing the forces of economic globalization. It is at the leading edge of economic and cultural change in China and, therefore, is the perfect locale from which to observe the interplay of various forces from within China and from the international community.
- Based in Shanghai
- Fall or Spring semester
- Pre-requisites: Asian studies course, 2.8 GPA
- Must take Chinese
- Live with homestay families
Location Academics Co-curricular Housing
Calendar Orientation Program Contacts
Location
Shanghai -- China's largest city -- is a dynamic city, revealing the forces of economic globalization. It is at the leading edge of economic and cultural change in China and, therefore, is the perfect locale from which to observe the interplay of various forces from within China and from the international community. The modernization and economic development which China has been experiencing can easily be witnessed in this vibrant and cosmopolitan city although those in search of old Shanghai can still find remnants of its magnificent past.
The East China Normal University was established in 1951. The University, with over 16,000 students and about 1,000 international students, is located on the banks of the Liwa River northwest of the city. Known as the "Garden University", students have access to campus facilities including a library, playing fields, basketball courts, recreation center, small shops, and restaurants.
Academics
Students particpate in one of three programs, in either the standard track or accelerated language track. Students take the required core course, the required language course, and 2 electives. If students choose to participate in the accelerated track, one of their electives must be a Chinese language course. You can learn more about each program by clicking on the link to the program's page.
- China in a Global Context -- standard track or accelerated language track
- Mandarin Chinese language course (7 credits) at the appropriate level. Students take a placement exam during orientation in Shanghai.
- Seminar on Issues of Globalization in China (core course)
- 2 electives
- Business, Language and Culture - standard track or accelerated language track
- Mandarin Chinese language courses (7 credits) at the appropriate level. Students take a placement exam during orientation in Shanghai.
- Seminar on the Changing Nature of Business in China (core course)
- 2 electives
- Accelerated Chinese Studies
- For students with at least 2 years of Mandarin Chinese language instruction.
- Advanced Chinese (7 credits)
- Advanced Chinese Language Research Project
- 2 electives (in Chinese)
Co-curricular
The language courses are designed to help students practice and interact in Chinese with their homestay families and during site visits on the program. Field trips and lectures are integrated into the academic curriculum to provide a deeper understanding of what is learned in the classroom. Complementing the classroom work is a series of visits to Chinese companies and factories, government agencies, museums, temples, and other sites.
CIEE encourages students to get immersed in Chinese culture and to enrich their experience in Shanghai by:
• reimbursing students for their participation in local cultural activities,
• offering peer language tutors
• maintaining volunteer opportunities
• organizing an optional language clinic for students who need additional help
• planning monthly group meals with Chinese speakers
Students have a mid-semester break during which they may travel around China.
Housing
SLU students stay with Chinese host families, close to the office building which houses the CIEE program and within a 5 - 10 minutes bike ride from the East China Normal University campus where they take their language classes. Living with a Chinese family, taking part in its daily routines, festive moments, and family concerns gives students a unique and enriching insight into Chinese culture that they could not get otherwise. In the event that there are not enough host families to accommodate SLU students, CIEE will make other arrangements.
Students have their own room in the family's apartment and share the living room, kitchen, and bathroom with the host family. Students eat week-day breakfasts and evening meals with their families. They receive a partial board rebate to cover the cost of lunches and weekend meals.
Calendar
A detailed program calendar will be available once students are admitted to the program. For program start and end dates please see the CIEE website.
Orientation
Pre-departure: The CIIS office organizes in depth orientation sessions on-campus prior to the students participation in the program. This includes a program specific session(s) in which the students will learn more about the program, local culture, academic expectations, and any other important information. There is also an orientation session lead by the CIIS office on culture shock, and what to expect, as well as safety and security while abroad. You will also participate in CIEE online orientations.
On-site: A mandatory weeklong orientation session, conducted in Shanghai at the beginning of the program, introduces you to the country, culture, and academic program, as well as provides necessary logistical information about adapting to life in Shanghai. You will also take your language placement exams at this time to determine your appropriate Chinese language level. Required and optional workshops and local excursions are led by CIEE staff. You'll also meet individually with the center director and Chinese language director, as appropriate, to finalize course registration and preview assigned materials for your required courses. Ongoing support is provided by CIEE staff on an individual and group basis throughout the program, including required monthly program meetings.
Program Contacts
If you are interested in learning more about the Spain program please contact one of the following people.
CIIS Office: Helen Huang, Director of Asia Studies - Questions about eligibility, program logistics, and other off-campus opportunities.
Peer Advisor: Merrill Clerkin, China Fall 2012 - Questions about the student experience.
Faculty Coordinator: Dr. Anne Csete - Questions about program academics.