International Programs / Study Abroad

Shanghai, China

SUMMER IN SHANGHAI

                                                                                                                                                                        

        This eight-week program will allow students to study intensive Chinese language in Shanghai, the economic and financial center of China and one of the world’s great cosmopolitan cities. Students will experience the dynamic and rich cultural life of Shanghai and its vicinities as well as of Beijing. The program is designed for students who have the equivalent of at least one year of Chinese language learning, so that they can quickly increase their language proficiency by studying the language in authentic contexts, using Chinese both in and out of the classroom. Two language classes, one equal to second-year Chinese and the other to third-year Chinese at DePaul, will be offered at Fudan University, one of China’s most prestigious universities. Private tutoring and cultural activities such as tai chi, martial arts, and Chinese calligraphy, also will be provided during weekdays to strengthen language and cultural learning. Students also learn about contemporary life in China through lectures, readings, planned excursions and interactions with local people and students. While students will have ample opportunities to make new friends and explore Shanghai, this program is designed for students focused on intensive language study.

        Courses and Credits   

        Students earn a total of 16 credit hours, 12 of which are for Chinese language at the appropriate level. Students must have some knowledge of Chinese language, sufficient to allow them to begin at CHN 104 or higher. In addition to their Chinese language classes, students also take a DePaul faculty director course, worth 4 credit hours. This course begins during the spring quarter prior to travel, preparing students for their experience in China, and continues with occasional meetings on-site and with final papers due after return.

        2010 Faculty Director course (required)

        CHN 211: Language and Society in Modern China

        This course, taught by Dr. Li Jin, explores the contemporary society and culture in China through readings and discussions about the features and history of languages spoken in Mainland China, Taiwan, and Hong Kong; and the mutual influence between language and cultural traditions, including social practices and values, the recent economic boom, the Internet, and English. The course is designed as a companion course to students' intensive Chinese language study. The on-site and post-travel portions of the class, equal to 10 contact hours, will engage students in reflection, analysis, and understanding of the experience.

        Excursions and Activities   

        Cultural trips and excursions are planned throughout the stay, including short trips within Shanghai, a day trip to one of the historic "water towns" outside the city, and a five-day trip to Beijing after completing language courses. During the trips, students will get a chance to use their increased language proficiency in a new context and to visit some of China’s most famous sites, like the Great Wall and the Forbidden City.

        Living Arrangements   

        Students will live in dormitories on the campus of Fudan University. Three types of dormitories (one-, two-, and three-bedroom) equipped with a bathroom, kitchen, refrigerator, washer, air-conditioner, and Internet cable, are available. Fudan is located in a bustling area on the west side of Shanghai. The extension of a new subway line to Fudan makes transportation around the city easy and convenient.

        Expenses  

        In addition to DePaul tuition for 16 credit hours, costs include a program fee, which covers housing, study abroad health insurance, orientations, wireless access in the dorms, cell phone rental, private tutoring, and excursions around the city and to Beijing. Students must plan their budgets to cover international airfare, meals, trip cancellation insurance, passport and visa fees, local transportation, supplies, textbooks, cell phone usage, and personal expenses.

        Application   

        DePaul University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex or handicap in admissions, employment or the provision of services. Inquiries regarding this policy should be addressed to the Director of Human Resources, 243 South Wabash Avenue, Chicago, Illinois 60604-2287.

        APPLICATION DEADLINE: February 15