Study Abroad at Seattle University

Please print and fill out the following documents before the application

- FAQ about the CLCP
- Soochow University - Application Form
- Seattle University - Application Form
- Chinese Visa Application Form

CHINESE LANGUAGE AND CULTURE PROGRAM (CLCP)
IN SUZHOU CHINA
(Fall Quarter (August 30 – December 20, 2008 )

General Information

PREREQUISITES

All students (who have currently fulfilled second-year Chinese courses at Seattle University or the equivalent) may apply. Students with no prior knowledge of Chinese or only one year of instruction should consult with the program director before the application.

ACADEMIC ARRANGEMENT

Program Dates: Chinese Language and Cultural Studies in Suzhou (CLCP) will follow the semester schedules at Suzhou University. Participants are expected to be in Suzhou by August 30th. Classes normally begin around September 5th, and the participants are arranged to complete their study in Suzhou University by December 20th.

Application Deadline: The application deadline is May 15 each year. Contact Dr. Ming Feng at (fengm@seattleu.edu) if you are expecting any possible but reasonable delay.

Suzhou (Soochow) University: Suzhou University is one of the 100 key universities selected by China’s Ministry of Education. It is the site where many national and provincial research projects in science and humanity have been located and are still being carried out. The School of Overseas Education of the century-old Suzhou University has more than twenty years of experience in training international students with its BA program of Chinese language and a variety of Chinese language and culture training programs.

Classes: All courses will be offered by the School of Overseas Education at Suzhou University. Participants will be placed into the School’s regular Chinese classes with other international students, and will take approximately four hours of courses in the morning daily, which are mostly taught completely in Chinese.

Students can also take business courses in English with extra fee and other electives offered in Chinese on subject such as Chinese Popular Culture, Survey of China, Chinese Proficiency Test Preparation Course, Chinese art and calligraphy, etc. There are also abundant opportunities for the participants to engage in individual and team sports, games, clubs and other social activities while in Suzhou.

Credits: CLCP is a Seattle University (SU) approved program. It offers SU credits with grades, which meet the SU Modern Languages requirements for CHIN115-CHIN135 Chinese Language I-III, CHIN215-CHIN235 Chinese Language IV-VI or CHIN315 Chinese Culture and Civilization, and the study abroad requirements in Modern Languages and International Studies. A maximum of 15 credits through the program can be counted towards the Chinese Minor requirement (35 credits). Note: The SU Chinese program can accept only 15 credits in total from approved non-SU programs combined.

Cultural Opportunities: Signing up for the CLCP means that the participants hold the ticket to the “Paradise on Earth”— the term known to the world to praise the leisurely living environment of the ancient city of Suzhou, which is an ideal site for cultural studies on traditional Chinese thinking as reflected in arts, landscaping and gardens. Suzhou, nevertheless, is competitive by any standard as a city that provides ample opportunities for the participants to explore modern China through the Suzhou Industrial Park and Suzhou New Economic District. During their stay in Suzhou, participants will also have easy access to the world-renowned cities such as Shanghai, Nanjing, Wuxi and Hangzhou, each being within a couple of hours or less from Suzhou by train. A few short excursions in/around Suzhou will be arranged for the participants during the week before the class starts.

Program Assessment: An additional reflection report by the participants. A discussion session with all participants upon their returning to SU to evaluate their listening and speaking proficiency and their feedback to the program.

Orientation: All participants must attend orientations and preparation sessions sponsored by the Seattle University faculty and staff. Participants assume responsibility for all the elements necessary for personal preparation for the CLCP and participate fully in any preparation meetings.

Estimated Program Expenses: The estimated program fee is around $2,990 which includes: tuition, registration and textbook; visa fee; program orientation; administrative fee; local excursions; transportation from Shanghai to Suzhou, etc. The participants are also responsible for their own international travel and their lodging and meals in China, which are usually around $2,700 in total. The total expenses are based on an anticipated exchange rate of 1:7 (US $ : CNY).

For More Information: Contact Dr. Ming Feng at 206-296-5443, fengm@seattleu.edu or Visit http://www.seattleu.edu/artsci/forlang/chin/ for an upcoming orientation on Jan. 31, 12:00-1:00pm, at Xavier 121.

Note: Dollar amounts will be based on the current RMB/dollar exchange rate. Participants will need perhaps another $1000 dollars for various optional expenses (souvenirs, entertainment, etc.)

Suzhou University Campus