China: Language and Culture in Beijing

Note: The summer 2013 application cycle is now closed.

Attend Peking University in Beijing for four weeks with side trips to the Great Wall, the Summer Palace, Tiananmen Square, Mao's Mausoleum and other cultural sites around Beijing.  The experience includes two weekend overnight trips: the first to Qufu on the Shandong Peninsula which is the birthplace of Confucius, and the second to Xian, China’s ancient capital and site of the Qin Dynasty terra-cotta warriors. Students devote their time to learning Mandarin as well as studying Chinese culture and history at Peking University. Frequently placed as one of the best universities in China by many national and international rankings, Peking University was founded as the Imperial University of Peking in 1898. The university is now a major research institution in China and renowned for strong academics and its beautiful campus grounds. The campus is located in the former site of the Qing Dynasty royal gardens and it retains many traditional Chinese-style landscaping including traditional houses, gardens, pagodas as well as many notable historical buildings and structures.

Academic Content

Students 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). TIAS 480 fulfills 10 credits of Individuals & Society (I&S), a general UWT graduation requirement.

UW students study with students from other institutions. The UW group is led by Dr. Mary Hanneman from UW Tacoma 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
• Cultural sight-seeing trips in and around Beijing
• Two overnight weekend trips, to the Shandong Peninsula and to Xian.

Program schedule

This 15-credit course will run the full Summer Quarter. The in-country portion of the program will run from July 1 to July 26. On-campus preparation begins June 24, preceding the four-week stay in China, and final project work will follow at UW Tacoma. Informational meetings during Spring Quarter 2013 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: Students from other institutions, such as Tacoma Community College, will need to enroll at UWT as non-matriculated (non-degree seeking) students in order to be eligible to apply to and receive credit for the program. Once accepted to UWT, you will also be able to take advantage of the UWT Study Abroad Insurance (see Insurance section below).

Application

Applications are due on March 4, 2013. Click TO APPLY. Applicants will be notified of acceptance decisions March 11. Once accepted to the program, applicants will need to confirm their participation in the program by March 22.

Travel documents and insurance

For up-to-date information regarding obtaining a 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 a hotel 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, cleaned daily by the guesthouse staff, with linens provided.

Costs

The total program cost is $4,250.

Program cost includes:

• course fee (in lieu of tuition) for 15 UW credits
• instructional costs in China
• lodging (double occupancy)
• ground transportation in/around Beijing, including airport pickup/dropoff
• museum entry and guide service fees
• most meals during weekend overnight tours
• 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: The Administrative Fee of $250 is due upon acceptance to the program. This payment can be made in person or by mail and will need to be paid by personal check, cashier's check, or money order made payable to University of Washington Tacoma. Please write "China 2013" in the memo line of the check. The Administrative Fee of $250 must accompany your acceptance confirmation and payment contract for the program. Please submit the check along with the appropriate paperwork to our office in GWP 102 or by mail to:

International Programs
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 Program Fee 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 Administrative Fee and all appropriate program documents have been received.

Financial Aid

Students receiving financial aid which they intend to apply toward the program cost should consult with a financial aid adviser before applying to the program. Some sources of funding, i.e. the GI Bill, do not cover the cost of study abroad programs. Check with a financial aid advisor to understand how your funds apply toward study abroad. 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 program costs. You should be prepared to pay your expenses out of pocket until your financial aid is dispersed. The deadline for program payment cannot be waived or postponed.

Refund Conditions for Fees

Once you confirm your participation in the program:

1. If you withdraw prior to April 11, 2013, all payments, less the $250 Administrative Fee, will be refunded to you.
2. If you withdraw on or after April 11 but prior to June 24, 2013, you are obligated to pay 50% of the total cost of the program.
3. If you withdraw on or after June 24, 2013, 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 and submitted to our office in GWP 102 or by mail to:

International Programs
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 April 11, 2013, the program will be cancelled. Participants will be notified and the Administrative Fee 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.