China: Language and Culture in Beijing

Special Note:

Tues., April 17, 2012 - The deadline has been extended to April 30!

This program provides UW students the opportunity to study language, culture and history at Peking University. The program features a well-designed combination of on-campus study and cultural tours. Students will be attending Peking University in Beijing with side trips to the following locations: the Great Wall, Beijing, the Summer Palace, Tiananmen Square and Mao's Mausoleum and others.  The cultural tour to China's southwest will include visits to Shangri-la, the ancient Dali Kingdom, Miao villages, as well as Guizhou University in Guiyang and Yunnan University in Kunming.

Academic Content

Students will earn 10 credits for TIAS 480: Society and Culture in China Study Abroad, and 5 credits of Chinese language (TCHIN 101, 102, 103, 201, 202 OR 203, depending on entrance and exit examinations). UW students will travel with students from other institutions, and the group will be led by Dr. Mary Hanneman from UWT and Dr. Yi Li from Tacoma Community College. Program content in China includes:

• 45 hours of intensive Chinese language classes (beginner to advanced, level determined by placement exam)
• 5 seminars on Chinese history, culture and politics by Peking University faculty experts
• 9 cultural trips in and around Beijing
• one-week field excursion to Yunnan

Program schedule

This 15-credit course will run the full Summer Quarter. The program begins on June 18 and travel to China will take place June 18 to July 14. On-campus preparation precedes the four-week stay in China and final project work and presentations will follow at UW Tacoma. Informational meetings during Spring Quarter 2012 will prepare students for travel abroad.

Student Eligibility

Undergraduate and graduate students from any UW campus and Tacoma Community College (TCC) may apply. Participants are selected on the basis of high scholarship, academic preparation, motivation, emotional maturity, and financial responsibility.

Please note: TCC students will need to enroll at UWT as Summer Quarter students in order to be eligible to receive credit for the program and to purchase UWT Study Abroad Insurance (see Insurance section below).

Application

Complete application packets received by April 9, 2012 *April 30, 2012 will be given priority consideration. Applications will continue to be accepted thereafter and applicants notified of acceptance decisions as admitted. (*Deadline has been extended.)

Travel documents and insurance

For up-to-date information regarding obtaining visa to enter China please contact program leaders Dr. Mary Hanneman or Dr. Yi Li.

Study abroad insurance coverage is required. We recommend students take advantage of the UW Study Abroad Insurance, as an easy and affordable option. Students with personal insurance may petition for a UW Study Abroad Insurance waiver. For details, please contact the UWT International Programs office.

Housing and accommodations

Accommodations will be in the university guesthouse, which is located within a short walk to campus. Two students will share one room unless a single room is requested in advance (additional fees apply). Rooms are equipped with a telephone, a TV, and a bathroom, with Western-style toilet. All rooms are air-conditioned, cleared daily by the guesthouse staff, with linens provided.

Costs

The total program fee is $5,800.

Program cost includes:

• course fee (in lieu of tuition) for 15 UW credits
• instructional costs in China
• lodging (double occupancy) in Peking University guest-house
• ground transportation in/around Beijing, including airport pickup/dropoff
• museum entry fees
• meals during cross-country tour
• orientation dinner and graduation banquet

It does not include:

• round trip airfare to/from China
• costs of travel documents (passport, visas)
• meals (except as listed above)
• personal expenses
• single-occupancy on-campus lodging (available for extra fee if desired)

Payment schedule

Method of payment: Payments made in person or by mail will need to be paid by personal check, cashier's check, or money order made payable to University of Washington Tacoma. Please write "China 2012" in the memo line of the check. The administrative fee of $250 must accompany your application for the program. To make the second payment, please stop by our office in GWP 312, or mail your payment to:

International Programs, Campus Box 358430
University of Washington Tacoma
1900 Commerce Street
Tacoma, WA 98402

For other methods of payment, please contact Tracey Norris, Study Abroad Coordinator, at 253-692-4426.

The last payment will be charged automatically to your student account upon registration and can be paid online through your MyUW account. Please note: Students do not register themselves for this program. The Office of International Programs will register the student once the second payment and all appropriate program documents have been received.

Financial Aid

Students receiving financial aid funds which they intend to apply toward the program cost should consult with a financial aid adviser as soon as possible. Please bring the student financial aid budget form with you to your meeting.

Be aware that you may not receive financial aid in time to cover initial payments. You should be prepared to pay fees out of pocket until your financial aid is dispersed. Deadlines for payments cannot be waived or postponed.

Refund Conditions for Fees

1. If you are not accepted to the program, the first payment of $250 will be returned to you.
2. If you withdraw prior to May 1, 2012, all payments, less the $250 non-refundable administrative fee, will be refunded to you.
3. If you withdraw on or after May 1 but prior to June 18, 2012, you are obligated to pay 50% of the total cost of the program.
4. If you withdraw on or after June 18, 2012, you are obligated to pay the full cost of the program. No refunds will be given for unused accommodations, meals or other fees and services.

Notice of Withdrawal from the program MUST be made in writing to:

UWT International Programs, Campus Box 358430
University of Washington, Tacoma
1900 Commerce Street
Tacoma, WA 98402

Changes in Costs or Scope of the Program

In the event of significant devaluations of the dollar, some adjustments to program activities may be necessary. If there are any political events that might compromise the safety of the participants, a rescheduling or cancellation of the program may be necessary. If such changes occur, students will be notified of the changes and options will be presented.

Program Cancellation

If viable enrollment is not reached by May 1, 2012, the program will be cancelled and all recoverable monies paid in will be refunded.

Equal Opportunity and Disability Accommodations

The University of Washington reaffirms its policy of equal opportunity regardless of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, marital status, disability, or status as a disabled veteran or Vietnam era veteran in accordance with University policy and applicable federal and state statutes and regulations. The University of Washington is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in its services, programs, activities, education and employment for individuals with disabilities. To request disability accommodation in the application process contact the Disability Support Services Office at least ten days in advance.