1. What is the CLCP program?

The Chinese Language and Culture Program in Suzhou is to provide an emersion experience for students who study Chinese at SU. Based on the successful records in the past four years, the CLCP program has been categorized as one of the Seattle University’s (SU) Approved Programs starting from 2007. That means the credits earned through this program will be recorded as SU credits, not transferred credits, on their SU transcripts along with the grades they receive at Suzhou University. This is a great step forward for the academic recognition of the program and the participants’ achievements as well. Meanwhile, it also means the elevation of the academic challenge for all participants. Therefore, it is advised that students who are interested in this program pay attention to the aspects related to their own situations as described in the Frequently Asked Questions here.

2. What forms do I need to fill out and when?

All applicants will need to fill out the application forms for admission during the Winter Quarter of each year. (See the Program Introduction for details). The forms will be provided by the program.

3. I have completed two years of Chinese, should I apply for the Suzhou Program?

Absolutely. All students, who have fulfilled second-year Chinese courses at Seattle University or the equivalent by the end of each academic year, are encouraged to apply. Our record shows smoother transition and better result for almost all students who studied the language for two years before they studied abroad. They were the majority of the participants in the Suzhou program in the past few years.

4. I would like to get a Chinese Minor at SU, what’s the best time to study abroad?

Generally, students pursuing Chinese minor at SU are advised to complete two years’ training in Mandarin before they apply for any language study abroad programs in order to take full advantage of their training at home and abroad.

5. I have no prior knowledge of Chinese, am I eligible to apply?

Yes, but you should talk with the program director first. Your eligibility will be based on your goal and your proficiency level at the time of application.

6. I have studied Mandarin for one year, can I apply for the Suzhou program now?

Yes, but you should talk with the program director first. Your admission will be based on your goal and your proficiency level at the time of application. Read on for more details related to this question.

7. My classmates (or friends) are applying this year, should I apply as well so that I can go to China with someone I know?

Not necessarily. Just because other students choose to participate in the study abroad program at a particular time does not mean that it is the right time for you due to many factors such as your proficiency level, course performance, and academic standing, etc.

8. I will take Chinese VII (Chin315) to fulfill the minor requirement, would it be better if I study Chinese in China for a semester before that?

In general, the training at the second-year level in SU or in Suzhou University will get students equally prepared for Chin315. However, there might be a potential issue with the latter not because the training provided in Suzhou University is insufficient; rather, it’s a matter of whether individual students can digest the material in one semester abroad that would otherwise be covered in one full year back home. Spreading out the same amount of material in few quarters might be ideal for many students.

9. How many credits will I be able to get through the Suzhou program?

Students may gain a maximum of 15 credits from the Suzhou program towards the Chinese Minor (currently 35 credits in total) upon fulfilling the required credit hours.

10. How many credits can be transferred towards the Chinese minor requirement at SU?

A total of 15 credits earned from outside SU can be counted towards the Chinese minor.

11. Since I’ve already had two years of Chinese at SU, so I don’t need all the credits that I might receive from the Suzhou program towards the Chinese Minor. How can I fully take advantage of my time in China then?

In that case, students are encouraged to discuss with their Major advisor prior to the trip to work out a plan on some academic projects related to their major if possible while being abroad, and then have their work recognized towards their major. To help students to pursue this goal, their language work load while being abroad can be reduced accordingly at their request. (More on this elsewhere in this FAQ)

12. Are there any courses taught in English that I can take at Suzhou University?

Currently the Canadian Center at Suzhou University offers various courses towards an MBA degree in English, of which our students might take advantage with extra charge.

13. Are there any electives that I can take?

Yes. Here is a list of the electives offered in Chinese at the School of Overseas Education. A minimum of 8 students is required to offer the course.

1) Chinese pop culture.
2) Introduction to Chinese characters
3) Beginning Chinese reading
4) Selective Readings from current newspapers and magazines
5) Contemporary and modern Chinese literature
6) Literary Chinese literature
7) Listening and Speaking in Chinese
8) Survey of China
9) Thesis Writing in Chinese
10) Methods on vocabulary studying and learning

Here is a list of other temporary courses offered on an 8-student enrollment basis. Currently each participant pays 200 RMB ($30) for each course signed up.

1) Tai-Chi Quan (boxing)
2) Chinese Martial Arts
3) Chinese Calligraphy
4) Chinese Painting

14. What else can I do beside the intensive language study and the electives at Suzhou University to enhance my understanding of my major?

Depending on your major, you can design a project to complete while you are in China, such as field study, data collection through interviewing subjects, providing service (e.g., teaching English), and many others. Your only limit is the limit of your imagination.

15. Do I need to take a placement test?

Yes. All students (including those having finished two years of Chinese) will need to take a placement test given by Suzhou University once they get there. SU students need to be placed at and pass the appropriate level required by the SU Chinese program in order for SU to accept their credits and grades towards the SU requirement.

16. Are the language courses taught completely in Chinese at Suzhou University?

Yes. The instructional language in the Suzhou program is completely in Chinese. So it can very easily cause various levels of discomfort even for those who considered themselves having sufficient language preparations, some international traveling experience and quick at adapting to a new environment. That’s why the more language training students have prior to their trip, the better they will be able to adjust to the new pedagogy and their school work while dealing with the new life style, culture, and people during their short stay in China.

17. What are my chances of being successful by participating in the Suzhou program?

Well, should the question be “What are my chances of being satisfied?” The answer is that all former participants, regardless of the number of years of language training prior to their trip, were not only highly satisfied with their experience, but also managed to make impressive progress in their language proficiency upon returning. Although students with two or more years of language training in the U.S. will most likely be able to take advantage of the immersion experience and will have a higher chance of satisfaction and sense of achievement, there are students with less prior training who are equally capable of acquiring the language to the same level at an amazingly accelerated speed. The key to maximizing one’s satisfaction is a wise and good plan based on each individual’s situation.

18. Should I apply for a Chinese visa myself?

No. The program will do it for you. But make sure to get or renew your passport ahead of time even if you are not sure whether you’re going or your application will be approved for this fall.