This document provides information about Western Washington University's 2014 Chinese Language Program in Hangzhou, China. The program consists of three phases of study - reading periods in June-August, a study tour in Beijing in mid-August, and intensive language study in Hangzhou from late-August to mid-September. Students can earn 15 WWU credits while increasing their Chinese language skills and cultural awareness. Important application dates and registration steps are outlined, as well as details about the program structure, housing, courses, and cultural excursions in both Beijing and Hangzhou. A strict language pledge is also described.
2. General Information
Program characteristics
A faculty-led Global Learning Program
15 WWU credits (Chin237 or Chin337)
Three phases of study:
Reading periods (June 24-August 1)
Study tour in Beijing (Aug. 15-21)
Intensive study in Hangzhou (Aug. 21 – Sept 13)
The goal of this program is three-fold
to help students to sharpen their Chinese language skills;
to increase their cultural awareness;
to help students obtain Chinese Studies major or minor
3. Important Dates
April 1: Application and Registration (International Programs
& Exchanges)
April 1: Program cost and deadlines (Extended Education)
June 24-August 1 : Reading period (with two meetings on
campus) :
July 1 (Tuesday): 2:00-4:00pm
July 22 (Tuesday): 2:00-4:00pm
Weekly assignments on Canvas
August 8: Pre-departure orientation (tentatively at Xing laoshi’s
house
August 15: Leave for Beijing
August 16-21: Culture study in Beijing
August 21-Sept. 12: Intensive study in Hangzhou
Sept. 13: Return to US
4. Planning Process
Start the process by visiting the Global Learning FacultyLed Study Abroad Program website
Visit the Financial Aid Center for funding's for study
abroad
Financial aid sources;
Cost estimate
Tuition and fees: $5,500 which include the following:
15 WWU credits
Room and board both in Beijing and Hangzhou
All excursions in China
Textbooks
Visa fee
Study abroad insurance
5. Things to do now
Registration
Fill out the online registration form
Register for either Chin237 or Chin337
Immunization
Visit your family physician to get whatever shots you
may need for traveling to Beijing and Hangzhou,
China
Study Abroad Insurance
WWU will purchase the insurance for you.
6. Travel Related
Passport and visa
Passport: apply for it if you don’t have one
Visa: WWU will pay for it, but you have to fill out the
application form. ($180 consular fee + shipping and
handling fees, one passport photo and application form)
Travel to China
Ticket: to purchase as early as possible (both international
and in-China flights); Travel agency recommended:
Bellingham Travel (Terri)
Everyone should arrive at Beijing on the same day (depart
on 8/15 and arrive on 8/16), and depart for Hangzhou on
the same flight. Every one should also leave Hangzhou on
Sept. 13; however, you may return home via Shanghai since
it is very close to Hangzhou (less than one hour train).
7. Language Pledge
Only Chinese will be spoken, especially with other members of the
group, roommates, teachers and staff. This is the Program's most
important regulation and constitutes the very backbone of its
philosophy. The purpose of the Language Pledge is to help you
become immersed in the language and to encourage you not only to
speak Chinese but to think Chinese as well. When English is spoken by
students, full immersion into the language is not possible and the
learning process is hindered. Only in the case of dire emergency, or if
you must speak to someone who doesn't understand Chinese, should
you consider reverting to English. Failure to adhere to this regulation
will result in the following disciplinary action:
First offense: oral warning
Second offense: written warning
Third offense: one full grade reduction for courses taken in that term
Fourth offense: expulsion from the program
Students who are not able to observe this rule faithfully should not be with
our Program. WWU in Hangzhou is charged with confirming the
expulsion of any student who does not conform to the Language Pledge.
8. In Beijing
Stay at the foreign student dorm, Beijing Language
University
Eat at the university cafeteria and restaurants
Visit cultural cites, interview people, write journals, and
one oral exam.
Forbidden City
Tiananmen Square
Summer Palace
Temple of Heaven
Olympic Village
Great Wall
Ming Tombs
9. In Hangzhou
Chinese Language & Cultural Courses: Chin237 or Chin337
8-10: Small Lecture (3-6 students)
10-12: Drill Session (2-3 students)
1:30-2:50: Individual Session
3:00-4:00: Elective cultural courses (martial arts, calligraphy
and painting, Chinese music and dance, etc.)
Weekends: Excursion to Silk/tea exhibitions, Jingdezheng
(porcelain town), etc.
Live in Hangzhou:
Stay at a foreign student dorm (single)
Eat at a student cafeteria
Take classes on campus of Hangzhou Normal University
Internet available in dorm room and some classrooms
15. Summary
Consult with a Chinese faculty and find out how this
study abroad program fits in your major/minor program;
Consult with an adviser at the Financial Aid Center for
financial related matters;
Fill out the online application form and register for the
course (either Chin237 or Chin337);
Visit your physician, asking them the immunization you
need for the trip to Hangzhou, China;
Apply for a passport;
Purchase your ticket;
Student Handbook will be available soon.
Language Pledge needs to be signed on July 1
16. Questions?
Program Director: Janet Xing, Janet.Xing@wwu.edu
Registration: Cory Bartel, Cory.Bartel@wwu.edu
Application/Insurance: Krista Mantell,
Krista.Mantell@wwu.edu
Teaching Staff:
Dr. Janet Xing
Dr. Cai Fei, Hangzhou Normal University
Other teachers from Hangzhou Normal University
