The Iowa in Tianjin summer program was developed by the University of Iowa Department of Asian Languages and Literature and the College of International Education (CIE) of Tianjin University of Technology (TUT). This close cooperation has created a program ideally suited to meeting the language needs of University of Iowa students.

Academic Program

The Iowa in Tianjin summer program was designed for students with 1-3 years of college Chinese language. The eight week program includes a 4 semester hour intensive Chinese language course, a 3 semester hour Chinese area studies course and a 1 semester hour practical course in Chinese Folk Art.

The teaching methods will allow students at the elementary and intermediate proficiency levels to acquire language skills required for effective communication in a short period of time. For advanced students, this program's goal is to help develop language proficiency at a professional level.

Cultural Activities

Programmed activities include excursions in Tianjin and the surrounding area. Toward the end of the program, participants will spend five days visiting World Heritage sites in Shandong Province. These sites include the Temple of Confucius and Taishan Mountain. Conversation partners from among interested TUT students are available. Homestays of varying lengths may be offered as space allows.

Program Dates

The program will run from June 1st through July 31st, 2013. Last year, the group flight's departure from the U.S. was May 31. Information for group travel will be provided soon after acceptance to the program.

For More Information

Please come to the Study Abroad Resource Room for more general information on the steps to studying abroad. If you are ready to apply, please make an appointment with program coordinator Sterling Bacher. Call 319-335-0353 to schedule a meeting. More information about the program can be found on the Department of Asian Language and Literature's web site. Click here for more info.

Tianjin University of Technology

The College of International Education at the Tianjin University of Technology provides a congenial setting for a visiting student program in an environment where foreigners are still a novelty. Access to the more international scene, and to cultural and historical attractions in Beijing, are an easy one hour train ride away.

Tianjin

The port city of Tianjin is located about ninety miles southeast of Beijing and has a population of 10.5 million. It enjoys a long history of major significance as a center of trade and commerce. Though it's often referred to as the "Doorway to Beijing" or "Shanghai of the North," this metropolis' importance is growing as China increases international trade with countries around the globe.

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

Students are placed at the International Student Dorm for the duration of the program. The dorms are set-up hotel-style with two beds to a room. They also come equipped with telephones, internet access, a private bathroom, and access to washing machines. Other conveniences are available in the vicinity of the dormitory. Please click herefor a PDF with information and images of the residence hall.

Occasionally, homestays are an option. Fees for homestays will be paid to TUT in cash upon arrival in Tianjin. Please speak with study abroad advisor Sterling Bacher if interested in a living with a host family.

In years past, some students have elected to pay for a single room rather than staying in a double room. During the 2013 cycle, this will not be an option due to a change in residence hall location.

Travel Arrangements

The University of Iowa will set up a group flight and staff members from TUT will meet students at the Beijing airport. Information on this group flight will be available to program participants. The University of Iowa will also assist students with acquiring Chinese visas.

Eligibility

This program is open to students with a minimum GPA of 2.8 and the successful completion of 1 to 3 years of university-level Chinese language.

Costs

The Iowa in Tianjin program fee for Iowa residents will be $4,084. The program fee for non-Iowa students will be $5,148. Students from other institutions may need to pay an additional administrative fee.

The program fee includes tuition, administrative fees, housing, meals, all cultural excursions and activities, two-day orientation in Beijing, five-day class excursion to Shandong Province, and group transportation between the Beijing airport and Tianjin. Items not covered by the program fee include airfare, health insurance, costs for obtaining passport and visa, and personal expenses. Since this program is sponsored by the University of Iowa, federal financial aid in the form of student loans is available to students demonstrating financial need.

How to Apply

Applications are available here.Applicants will have to submit a UI study abroad application form, $50 application fee, academic referee letter in a sealed envelope, and a host university application.

Students who don't have a passport or have a passport that expires before February 2014 should begin procedures for obtaining a current document as soon as possible.

Application Deadline

5 pm on Friday, February 22

Iowa in Tianjin participants must submit the two forms in the Acceptance Materials section by Friday, March 29, 2013. Please refer to the forms in the Additional Materials section, particularly the Payment and Withdrawal Schedules document, when filling out the confirmation.

Acceptance Materials

•Confirmation of Participation

•Medical Self-assessment

Additional Materials

•Payment and Withdrawal Schedules

•Iowa Regents Health Insurance Information

•Financial Aid Information

Visa Instructions

UI Study Abroad recommends applying for a Chinese visa through a trusted source. We use an agency in Chicago called USA Gateway Travel. If you'd like to apply for your Chinese visa through them, please collect the following items:

•Original passport book

•Completed Chinese visa application form (refer to this documentwhen completing the visa form)

•One passport-sized (2"x2") photo: full face, front view, unmounted, against a plain light background, on photo paper

•A copy of your flight itinerary

•An invitation from the Tianjin University of Technology: each participant can pick-up a notarized copy of the original invitation housed with Study Abroad

•A check or money order made payable to USA Gateway Travel: $170 for US citizens; $60 for most other citizens

•A pre-paid return envelope that will be used to mail the passport/visa back to the applicant

Once you've collected these pieces, you can mail them to the following address:

USA Gateway Travel
Attn: Oliver Lee
100 N. LaSalle Street, Suite 410
Chicago IL 60602
312-782-6398 ext 102

Mr. Lee will handle the visa application process and contact you if there are any issues. If you will be in the Chicago area and would like to complete the application process yourself, that is a possibility. Collect your passport, visa application form, photo, your flight itinerary, the TUT invitation, and a check/money order for $140 (non-US citizens: $30). You can go directly to the Chinese consulate to apply. Do make sure your documents are in order because they will not assist you in the completion of the form.

If you'd like to rush your visa, please call Oliver Lee at 312-782-6398 ext. 102 to discuss those details. Rush visas will save you a few days but are more expensive. Please direct other questions to the appropriate study abroad advisor.

Pre-Departure Materials

More information on pre-departure materials will be provided after the application deadline.