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July 3 – 25, 2008
Valparaiso University (VU) invites Chinese current college students to participate in its annual Summer Program for Chinese College Students (hereafter 2008 SPCCS) from July 3 to 30, 2008. This three-week (21 days) program will allow the participating Chinese college students to better understand American cultural and society and significantly improve their English skills through two classes, one based on a series of lectures on US culture and society and another, a vigorous English-enhancing program, and numerous interactive activities while having the opportunity to tour a number of US cities including Chicago, Washington DC, and Los Angels.
VU invites interested Chinese colleges to organize their students to participate in the 2008 SPCCS. For every 12 students they send to the 2008 SPCCS, a Chinese college can send one of its faculty/staff to take part in the program free of charge (except for the Chinese passport, visa-related fees, and health insurance). If you are interested in the 2008 SPCCS, please contact: Ms. Yan Yang, program coordinator, Office of Graduate Studies, Valparaiso University, Valparaiso, IN 46383, USA, (219) 464-5313, Yan.yang@valpo.edu) immediately.
1. Enrollment
Participants must be current Chinese college students enrolled in a government-approved college with a solid academic record and in good health. The total enrollment of the 2008 SPCCS is limited to 50.
2. Cost
The 2008 SPCCS cost is RMB 22,000.00 for the program fee PLUS actual international airfare.
- The 22,000 program fee will cover tuition, room and board, and all group tours organized by VU. The fee does not include passport and US entry visa fees. The program fee includes a non-refundable application fee of RMB1,000.00.
- The international airfare for travel between Shanghai and Chicago will be determined by the travel agency at the time of reserving the tickets (current estimate is between 9,500 and 11,500 yuan).
In addition to the program fee and international airfare, participants are also responsible for incidental or personal expenses while in the US.
3. Applications
Current Chinese college students can apply directly to VU or through sponsoring Chinese colleges. The required application materials include: the application forms; a personal essay stating why an applicant want to participate in the 2008 SPCCS, a letter of recommendation from one of the Chinese professors, a copy of college transcript, and a non-refundable application fee of RMB 1,000 yuan.
The deadline to apply for the 2008 SPCCS is April 11, 2008. VU will issue acceptance letter and documents for applying for US entry visa (B-1 visa for all student participants and J-1 for all personnel of sponsoring Chinese colleges) to qualified applicants no later than April 25. All participants (including personnel sent by sponsoring Chinese colleges) should set up interview appointment with US Consulates in China upon being accepted into the 2008 SPCCS and obtain US entry visa no later than May 30, 2008. Program fee (minus the 1,000 yuan application fee) and the actual international airfare are due on June 2, 2008 or two days after a participant successfully obtain the US entry visa, whichever is earlier. International plane tickets will be issued before June 10, 2008. Cancellation of the US trip after June 10 will result in penalty equal to the penalty charged by the airlines for flight cancellations.
4. Basic Schedule and Itinerary
July 3: All participants of the 2008 SPCCS will leave from Shanghai to Chicago (they will arrive at VU on the same day)
July 4: Activities associated with the US Independence Day
July 5-11: First half of classes and visits of local attractions and Chicago (see itinerary)
July 12-13: A two-day trip to Washington DC
July 14-19: Second half of classes and local visits (see itinerary)
July 19: Review and exams
July 20: Last day at Valparaiso University
July 21-23: A three-day trip to Los Angeles (Hollywood, Disneyland, and Universal Studio)
July 24: Departure from Los Angeles to Shanghai
July 25: Arrival at Shanghai
5. More about Valparaiso University
For more information of Valparaiso University, please visit www.valpo.edu. For more information or questions of the 2008 SPCCS, contact Yan Yang (yan.yang@valpo.edu) or Dr. Lin (Zhimin.lin@valpo.edu) or visit http://www.valpo.edu/cjsp/summercamp.html.
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