NANJING, CHINA

Program Provider: CIEE

Program Site: Nanjing University campus in central Nanjing.

Duration: 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.

Description: The program aims to increase students' proficiency in Mandarin and provide a rich context for learning about China. In Nanjing one can experience China’s rapid development and a slower pace of life at the same time. The city prides itself on maintaining the traditional Chinese city atmosphere while welcoming urban development in designated areas. Nanjing’s manageable size and friendly residents contribute to a smooth adjustment for newcomers.

Academics: All students are required to 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.

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

Accommodations: Double room in a dormitory with a Chinese roommate. Meals are not included; students typically eat in restaurants available near campus. Homestays are also available; families provide breakfast and dinner during the week and most weekends.

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. There is a two-day trip to a nearby city such as Wuxi, Suzhou or Hangzhou.

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

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

Estimated Semester Cost:
Tuition................................$11,295
Additional Expenses*.............$8,982
Total..................................$20,277

Cost Updated: 04/30/12
Text Updated: 7/20/11

*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.