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Description

Students will immerse themselves in Chinese life while studying the language and history of this 21st-century superpower. By combining the expertise of CET Academic Programs (a premiere education abroad provider for 27 years) and the expertise of Smithsonian Journeys, we have created a program that excels in quality, academic rigor, and cultural immersion. Our program goals are to inform American high school students about history, culture, language, and government in China through coursework, lectures, and activities. Students will also participate in service projects as you learn about the social issues facing China, and will be required to "get off the tour bus," create friendships with local people, and learn by doing. The program includes three weeks of intensive coursework, speakers, excursions and service-learning.

Highlights

In order to take advantage of the unique location of the program, the coursework will focus primarily on China, its history, culture, politics, and contemporary issues. Professors will work to integrate the material covered with visits to relevant sites in Beijing, guest lectures, and extracurricular activities. Students will learn multiple perspectives on topics in order to begin understanding the heterogeneity of Chinese thought and experience. Weekend and day trips to other historically significant locations will give students a broader familiarity with China and allow them to draw still more connections between the inside and outside of the classroom.

* Modern China (45 hours)
This required course examines some of the major social, political and economic issues facing China in the 21st century, through the lens of Beijing as political and cultural capital of the country. From the decline of imperial rule, foreign invasions, the May Fifth Movement, the Communist Revolution, and post-Deng economic reforms, Beijing has been the key locus of the historic upheavals and transformations that have formed modern China. Thus the class will serve as a broad survey course for the most important issues affecting the country: Beijing as a physical space will serve as a jumping off point for an examination of topics such as the evolution of Chinese economy and society after reform, China under globalization, the content and control of the Chinese mass media, the assimilation of Western influences, China in the Information Age, and even the search for meaning and values in contemporary China. As much as possible, the class will draw upon the resources of Beijing itself, focusing on the important locales and historical sites of the city. Students will also be able to see China through the eyes of key local figures, benefiting from direct contact and interaction with the capital's diverse pool of academics, artists, scholars, business professionals and foreign experts.

* Chinese Language (30 hours)
Students are introduced to the fundamentals of Chinese in order to deepen their immersion in the host culture. No prior Chinese language study is required. Classes use an integrated approach to language learning, placing equal emphasis on the basic areas of language competency: listening, speaking, reading and writing. Vocabulary and topics link with topics from the capstone course, Modern China

* Service-learning (15 hours)
Students spend 3.75 hours per week at a volunteer placement in Beijing learning about social issues, while giving back to the host community

Type of Programs

• Community Service / Volunteerism
• Cultural Exploration
• High School Study Abroad
• Language Immersion
• Adventure Travel

Languages

• Chinese

Cost in US$:

USD 5,695

Cost Include Description:

* Full tuition, a curriculum of 75 contact hours for two full classes (Modern China course will meet for 45 hours over three weeks and Chinese language classes will meet 30 hours over three weeks and 15 hours of service learning.)
* All textbooks and supplemental classroom materials for all courses.
* Academic management and oversight, including curriculum and excursions.
* On-site orientation to acclimate students, reiterate program policies and guidelines, and place students in language levels.
* Double-occupancy accommodations throughout the program in an international student dormitory with another Smithsonian student as roommate.
* A welcome banquet, final banquet, group meals and USD 10/day stipend to cover all meals not arranged by CET.
* Transportation to/from the airport.
* Domestic transportation to program sites and activities, including weekend trips and day trips.
* Activities and excursions, including lodging (when applicable) transportation, entrance and guide fees.
* Service-learning placement development and support.
* Participation in selected activities with local high school students.
* Services of dedicated CET staff, including Program Manager in Washington, DC, on-site Program Director, Program Assistant, and Resident Advisors.
* Medical and evacuation insurance for students.
* Student visa fees and processing.
* Pre-departure materials, including China guide book and student handbook.

This Program is open to

Worldwide Participants.

Participants Travel to China

Independently or in Groups

Typically Participants Work

in Groups of 30 maximum

Application Process Involves

• Essay
• Letters of Reference
• Online Application plus Application Assessment

Typically The Application Process Time is

1 week

Smithsonian Journeys's Mission Statement

For 40 years, Smithsonian has tapped its resources, developed unique travel itineraries, and assembled the experts for the sole purpose of providing exciting educational travel experiences. As the largest, most diverse museum-based educational travel program in the world, our commitment to excellence is unrivaled. Smithsonian Journeys is a product that exemplifies our dedication to discovery. We invite you to join the adventure.

Year Founded

1970