2012 Valparaiso University

Summer Advanced Chinese Program

in China

Valparaiso University (Valpo) invites undergraduate and graduate students, and K-12 teachers with US citizenship, who have completed at least two years of college Chinese, or its equivalent, to participate in the 2012 Summer Advanced Chinese Program (SACP) to be held in Hangzhou, China. Built on the success of the past four SACP programs, which have attracted over 80 participants, the 2012 SACP is designed to enable students to complete an intensified third-year college Chinese course. Students successfully completed the program should be able to move on to advanced level Chinese offered in competitive graduate schools or use the functional fluency in Chinese to handle simply tasks for business or NGOs or to teach Chinese in K-12 schools (if previously licensed). The 2012 SACP offers intense, personalized instruction and integration of language learning with immersion in Chinese culture and society in a city known for its rich tradition, natural beauty, and modern life.

The 2012 SACP will enroll nationwide up to 25 qualified participants. The deadline to apply is March 31, 2012. However, admission will be on a first-come, first-served basis to qualified applicants and will close once the enrollment cap is reached. Therefore, interested applicants should apply early.

Program Design and Goals

The 2012 Valpo Summer Advanced Chinese Program (SACP) consists of two phases:

Phase 1: May 21 through June 10, 2012 – This three-week phase is designed for participants who have completed at least two years of college Chinese or its equivalent but are not yet fully prepared for the intensive third year Chinese offered through the 2012 SACP; or who have studied Chinese previously or lived in China for an extended period of time but have experienced a lapse in language proficiency.

Phase 2: June 11 through August 7, 2012 – This 8-week phase is designed to complete the highly-demanding, intensive third-year Chinese with ample ongoing opportunities to travel to nearby cities and interact directly with the local population and culture.

Applicants of the 2012 VU’s SACP may choose to participate in Phase 1 or Phase 2 or both phases of the program depending on their language skills and needs. Interviews will determine each participant’s preparedness to enter Phase 2 directly.

Curriculum

Phase 1 will review texts in New Practical Chinese Reader, Book 3 (ISBN: 978-7-5619-1251-5). The weekly schedule includes four days of instruction, lectures, one-on-one drill sessions and one day of cultural immersive learning including in-city trips. Weekends are reserved for language-driven cultural learning assignments and travel to nearby cities.

Phase 2 will cover New Practical Chinese Reader, Book 4 (ISBN: 978-7-5619-1319-2) along with instructional materials drawn from authentic sources. In addition to weekly classes and weekend travels, Phase 2 includes a series of lectures on Chinese literature, Chinese calligraphy class, Chinese painting class, and a four-day mid-session break designed for individual travel.

Academic Credits

Participants of Phase 2 may apply and receive up to eight graduate credits from Valpo (for an additional fee).

Application

Applicants must submit:

• Completed SACP application form;
• Essay in English AND Chinese explaining reasons for desiring to participate the program;
• Official transcripts of current academic program;
• Two letters of recommendation – one from a current Chinese language instructor and one academic recommendation.

Please visit http://www.valpo.edu/chineseandjapanesestudies/macs/sacp.php for more information and to download the SACP application form.

Admissions

Admitted participants will be notified shortly after the telephone interview. Admitted participants are required to pay a $300 deposit to hold their space with 21 days of their admission. All participants must possess a valid US passport (for those who do not have US passports yet, please apply immediately) and present a copy of valid health insurance.

For more information

Please visit http://www.valpo.edu/chineseandjapanesestudies/macs/sacp.php or contact Dustin Jesch, VU Graduate School, at dustin.jesch@valpo.edu or 219-464-5313, or the Program Director, Dr. Zhimin Lin, at Zhimin.Lin@valpo.edu or 219-464-5749.

To view the 2012 SACP Announcement and Brochure, click here.