Program
Information
Eligibility
Everyone! Previous study of Chinese language is not
required, and almost all Valpo students can study abroad in Hangzhou without
delaying graduation IF they plan carefully with their academic advisor. You
must be a sophomore, junior or senior in good standing. As many as 15
students from Valparaiso University, from other schools in the Lutheran
Colleges' China Consortium, or from other universities-at-large may study
in Hangzhou for the fall semester.
Classes Offered
Students take either 10 credits of intensive
Chinese language at the university (at one of six different levels); or
take 5 credits of Chinese conversation (EAST 110/210) and audit the other 5
credits of Chinese language (EAST 109/209). Students also take a 3-credit
Culture and Civilization course, taught in English by VU faculty.
Additional courses may be available, depending on your Chinese language
ability and the resident director of the program. Independent study can always be arranged with VU faculty,
particularly those with interests in China. Past program participants have
arranged projects in business, theology, art, and numerous other
fields. The courses for fall 2003
include:
- EAST 109 -
Intensive Elementary Chinese (5 credits)
- EAST 110 - Intensive
Elementary Chinese: Conversation (5 credits)
- EAST 209 - Intensive
Intermediate Chinese (5 credits)
- EAST 210 - Intensive
Intermediate Chinese: Conversation (5 credits)
- EAST 395 - Chinese
Culture and Civilization (3 credits)
- EAST 115 -
Chinese Art (3 credits)
- EAST 390 –
The Urban Imagination in Modern Chinese Literature and Film (3
credits)
Tours
The program includes one or two tours of China,
organized by the resident director. Typical destinations usually include
the Great Wall, the Forbidden City, and other significant places. Other
field trips in the Hangzhou area may also be arranged. The study center fee
covers the costs for most of these activities.
Travel Opportunities
The courses at Zhejiang University meet from September
to mid - December, allowing time for lengthy travel opportunities. Short
trips form Hangzhou to Shanghai, the Yellow Mountains, and other areas are
easily accomplished on the weekends. The Chinese National Day weekend
allows enough time for visits to Nanjing, Suzhou, and other places just
beyond the reach of a weekend.
Other Opportunities
Experiential opportunities are available for credit, such
as teaching English at the local YMCA. Engineering and business students
may be able to arrange academic and experiential opportunities through the
university. The ISO can help arrange such opportunities, but students must
consult their advisors to inquire about how such credit can be used in
their academic programs.
Hangzhou
Hangzhou is a former dynastic capital located in the
eastern province of Zhejiang, about two hours from Shanghai by train. Its
reputation as an attractive city contributed to the proverb "Above
there is Paradise; below there is Suzhou and Hangzhou." The city is a
center of industry and agriculture, as well as tourism, particularly famous
for its silk and tea products. Hangzhou is close to many tourist spots,
such as the Yellow Mountains, and it is on many convenient travel routes.
Housing
Students are housed in new, air-conditioned dormitories
with single rooms and private baths. The international dormitory houses
students from countries as varied as Japan, Germany, Australia, and the
U.S. Kitchen facilities, student cafeterias, and various private
restaurants are available for dining. Classes are held five days a week in
buildings close to the dormitory. Students also have access to e-mail and
internet.
Applying to the Program
You must apply for the program through the International
Studies Office, in Meier Hall 137. You should consult with your academic
advisor and the ISO as early as possible. Freshman year is not too
early to begin your inquiries about study abroad. Careful planning will
insure your classes taken in Hangzhou will be used for graduation
requirements.
VU Charges
Students pay the same tuition, general fee, and room fee
they would pay in Valparaiso, but are not charged for board. An additional
Study Center Fee will be charged to cover the cost of group trips,
activities, and miscellaneous study center expenses. All VU study abroad
programs are considered "in-residence," so all financial aid
(except work-study, music, and in-season athletic scholarships) applies.
Air fare
Students generally spend $700-1000 for a round-trip
ticket between Chicago and Shanghai. Many of the discount flights described
in newspapers are not useful, because of the conditions attached. The ISO
will make every effort possible to book the lowest-priced, most convenient
air tickets for the group.
Spending Money
China used to be an extremely cheap country; its rising
prosperity has meant rising prices. The amount of spending money you need
greatly depends on your travel and purchasing plans. Previous Hangzhou
Program students have found $1200 - $1500 suitable for all their
discretionary spending needs.
Scholarships
The VU East Asian Scholarship, Freeman grants, and other
awards are available for qualified students. Please contact the
International Studies Office for details.
More Information
VU International Studies Office: studyabroad@valpo.edu
Zhejiang University Homepage: http://www.zju.edu.cn/english/index.php
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