Program Site: Nanjing University campus in central Nanjing. The study abroad program in which USC students participate is run by CIEE, which has staff and office space at Nanjing University.

Description: Several times the capital of China, Nanjing holds a prominent place in Chinese history and culture. In Nanjing one can experience China’s rapid development and a slower pace of life (compared to Beijing and Shanghai) at the same time. The city prides itself on maintaining the traditional Chinese city atmosphere while welcoming urban development in designated areas.

Academics: The program aims to increase students' proficiency in Mandarin and provide a rich context for learning about China. Students generaly take Readings in Chinese (6 units), Spoken Chinese (6 units), and Contemporary Chinese Studies (3 units). The language courses are offered at intermediate, advanced intermediate, and advanced levels. The Contemporary Chinese Studies is taught in both Chinese and English, and a select group of Chinese students participate in discussions.  

Superior-level language students who test above the advanced level take all content language coursework at Nanjing University's Institute for International Students and the CIEE area studies course. Examples of these courses, all of which are taught in Chinese, include Chinese History, Classical Chinese, Contemporary Chinese Economics, History of Chinese Film (Post-1980), History of Diplomatic Relations of China since 1949, New China International Relations, and Tang Poetry Appreciation.

In the fall semester the program includes a Southwest China Module. Students spend a week in Sichuan and Yunnan provinces gaining a firsthand perspective on society and culture in that region of China. During this week students attend lectures on such topics as urban history, biodiversity, and ethnic minority studies.

In the spring semester the program offers a Northwest China module. Students spend a week visiting places such as Dunhuang, Turpan, Urumqi, and Kashi (Kashgar). Students learn about the intersection of economy and culture relevant to the historical Silk Road as well as modern times and about ethnic groups such as Uighurs, Kazakhs, and Mongols.   

Extracurricular classes in Chinese calligraphy and taijiquan are held on weekday afternoons.

Course Load and Credit: Students earn a maximum of 15 USC units per semester.

Activities and Other Program Features: A three-day orientation session introduces students to the academic program, Chinese culture, and gives practical information about living in Nanjing. Ten day-long outings are integrated into the academic curriculum reflecting the weekly topics covered in classes. The city trips include visits to museums, a home for the elderly, a population management training institute, and various neighborhoods and historical sites in Nanjing. In addition to the extended trip to Southwest China (fall) or Northwest China (spring), CIEE also takes students on a two-day trip to a nearby city such as Wuxi, Suzhou or Hangzhou.

Accommodation: Students may live with a Chinese host family or in the international student dorm with one Chinese roommate. The homestay option is highly recommended for students who want to live in an entirely Chinese language environment and are motivated to make rapid progress in Chinese language outside of class. Chinese family members speak Chinese only. Studnets have their own bedroom. Most homestays are located within 30 minutes from campus by bus or bike. Homestay families provide breakfast and dinner on weekdays and most weekends. A homestay orientation is offered to students prior to moving in with host families. Students choosing the dorm option will 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. dormitory with a Chinese roommate. Meals are not included.

Dates: Fall, Spring or Year. The fall term runs from late-August to mid-December and spring term begins after Lunar New Year and typically ends in early June.

Eligibility: Minimum 3.0 GPA and two semesters of college-level Mandarin Chinese (or the equivalent).

Estimated Semester Cost:
Tuition................................$13,485
Additional Expenses*.............$9,095
Total..................................$22,580

Cost Updated: 11/20/12
Text Updated: 07/09/12

*Additional expenses include estimated costs for airfare, room and board, books and supplies, health insurance, and personal expenses (which can vary greatly from student to student). USC financial aid, scholarships, and tuition remission may be applied to program costs. Please visit the Office of Overseas Studies for more detailed cost information.

CIEE Nanjing
CIEE Course Syllabi
Nanjing University
Lonely Planet Nanjing