CIEE's Intensive Chinese Language and Culture study abroad program in Nanjing, China, is designed for students with two to six semesters of college-level Mandarin Chinese and an interest in Chinese studies who wish to immerse themselves in a more traditional and accessible locale against the backdrop of a large developing Chinese city. The UI offers resident credit for this program as well as other CIEE programs in China.

Academics

The goal of the Intensive Chinese Language and Culture program is to increase students’ language proficiency and cross-cultural competency through close interaction with community life in Nanjing. This is achieved through an integrated curriculum of intensive Chinese language training in small classes, a unique area studies course taught in English and Chinese, and a research project with guidance from individual advisors.

Cultural Activities

Approximately xix trips are integrated into the academic curriculum focusing on topics covered in the language and area studies courses. The city trips include visits to museums, the Nanjing Massacre Memorial Hall, a home for the elderly, a cooking school, and a population management training institute, as well as various neighborhoods, temples, and historical sites around Nanjing. Each semester, Nanjing University sponsors a two-day trip to a nearby city, or to a rural area in Northern Jiangsu Province. Extracurricular classes in Chinese—calligraphy, Taiji, and Chinese painting—are held on weekday afternoons. Once a semester, students will take a week long excursion to another part of China. Past excursions have taken students to Sichuan, Yunnan, Ganxu, or Xianjiang provinces.

Dates

Late August to mid December

For More Info

Please make an appointment with program advisor Sterling Bacher. Call 319-335-0353 to schedule a meeting.

Nanjing University

Founded in 1902, Nanjing University is one of the most prestigious universities in China, and is best known for its liberal arts and social science disciplines. It has established academic cooperation with more than 200 universities and research institutes in some 70 countries. The campus is centrally located in downtown Nanjing on a beautiful campus, and has over 43,000 undergraduate and graduate students. The local neighborhood features shops and restaurants from both Asia and the West. The city’s two main commercial centers are within walking distance.

Nanjing

Nanjing is regarded as one of China’s most important commercial centers, as well as one of the most livable cities in the country. Just an hour from Shanghai by high-speed train, Nanjing prides itself on maintaining the atmosphere of a traditional Chinese city with its classical temples and 600-year-old city wall while welcoming industrial development in designated zones. Literally named “Southern Capital,” Nanjing was the seat of power for Imperial China in the Six Dynasties and is remembered as one of the Four Great Ancient Capitals of China.

China

China, officially known as the People's Republic of China, is the second largest country in the world by land area. Its 1.3 billion citizens live mostly near the eastern seaboard. China has grown and evolved for over 5000 years and due to its growing economic power, is set to be one of the world’s superpowers during the 21st century.

Living Arrangements

Housing is included in the program fee, and students may live in a Nanjing University dormitory or in a homestay. Students in Nanjing University’s international student dormitory, Zeng Xianzi, live in a double room with one Chinese roommate studying in the Chinese Department or Institute for International Students. The Chinese roommates are also CIEE peer tutors. Each room contains a bathroom and small closets. The 12-story Zeng Xianzi building also houses classrooms and administrative and faculty offices. Additional facilities include a library, basketball court, laundry facilities, small kitchen, and outdoor fitness field. Private accommodations outside of CIEE housing may not be arranged. Meals are not included in the dormitory option and are the responsibility of the student.

Depending on availability, the travel distance to Zeng Xianzi and the language classrooms from the homestays varies. Most homestays are located within 30 minutes from campus by bus or bike. Homestay families provide breakfast and dinner on weekdays and most weekends. Students should expect to buy their lunch every day, but may be asked to eat lunch with their host families on weekends. A homestay orientation is offered to students prior to moving in with host families.

Housing between the fall and spring semesters is included in the academic year fee. Instead of staying in their original accommodations, students may be moved into single-bed rooms or share a double-bed room with another student. Students remaining in China between semesters may choose to travel during this period to enhance their language fluency and cultural understanding.

Travel Arrangements

Airfare is not included in the program fee but students will work with CIEE to determine the best time for arrival. Students will also receive support from CIEE when applying for a Chinese visa. More information on travel arrangements will be provided by CIEE after the application cycle has concluded.

Eligibility

2.75 GPA; 2 semesters of college-level Chinese; 1 Chinese area studies course recommended

Costs

Costs for the fall 2013 session have yet to be calculated. Please continue to check back for more information.

How to Apply

If you are ready to apply, please make an appointment with program advisor Sterling Bacher. Call 319-335-0353 to schedule a meeting.

Deadline

3/1

Study Abroad will provide information regarding confirmation and preparation after the application cycle. Please contact program advisor Sterling Bacher if you have questions.

Acceptance Materials

Continue to check this section for updates.

Pre-departure Materials

Continue to check this section for updates.

Orientation Information

UI Study Abroad will offer a large group pre-departure orientation for all outgoing study abroad students. Activities may include meeting with study abroad returnees. CIEE will also run both a pre-departure orientation as well as an on-site orientation. In the pre-departure orientation, UI students will meet CIEE's resident director as well as other program participants. The on-site orientation will help students acclimate to life in their host city and in Chinese culture.

There are no photos available for this program yet. Do you have any photos to share with us? If you do, please contact us at:

1111 University Capitol Centre
The University of Iowa
Iowa City, Iowa 52242-1802
USA

Phone: (319) 335-0353
Fax: (319) 335-0343
E-mail: study-abroad@uiowa.edu