VU Study Centers Abroad

Hangzhou, China

Who?

Everyone! Previous study of Chinese 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 with an overall 3.0 GPA.

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.

What?

Fall semester of study at Zhejiang University, in Hangzhou, China. 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. Additional courses may be available, depending on your Chinese language ability and the resident director of the program. The courses for fall 2007 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
THEO 340/EAST 390/PSY 390 The Christian and Buddhist Experience 3 credits
PSY 390 Cross Cultural Psychology* 3 credits
POLS 490 US-China Relations** 3 credits
*Professor Jim Nelson (independent study only)
**Professor Zhimin Lin (independent study)

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 program includes one or two tours of China, organized by the resident director. The tours generally 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.
The courses at Zhejiang University meet from September to mid-December, allowing time for lengthy travel opportunities. Short trips from 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.
Experiential opportunities are available for credit, such as teaching English at the local YMCA, or other internships. Engineering and business students may also 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.

Where?

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 is on many convenient travel routes.
Students are housed in new, air-conditioned dormitories with single rooms and private baths. They share the dorms with international students from all over the world, such 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 generally have access to e-mail and the internet.

How?

You must apply for the program through the International Studies Office, 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 that your classes taken in Hangzhou will be used for graduation requirements.

How Much?

Air fare: Students can expect to spend from $900-$1100 roundtrip between Chicago and Shanghai. Many of the discount flights described in newspapers are not useful for a semester abroad, because of the conditions attached. The ISO and the resident director will make every effort possible to book the lowest priced, most-convenient air tickets for the group.

Tuition and General Fee: Students pay the same tuition and fees they would pay in Valparaiso. All VU study abroad programs are considered “in-residence,” so all financial aid (except work-study and some “on-campus” aid) applies.

Study Center Fee: Each student who studies in Hangzhou pays an additional study-abroad fee, which is used by the program for group trips and activities.

Room and Board: Students pay only the "room" portion of VU's room and board charge. Students purchase meals on their own in Hangzhou, either in the student cafeteria or in local restaurants.
Spending Money: China used to be an extremely cheap country; its rising prosperity has meant rising prices (though it is still one of our least-expensive study-abroad programs!). 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 and several other independent awards may be available for study in China. See the ISO for details. For scholarship opportunities, visit www.iie.org/pgms/Freeman-Asia.

Contacts:

Dr. Zhimin Lin Political Science Huegli 316 x5749
Dr. Hugh McGuigan Director, International Studies Meier 137 x5333

Zhejiang University Homepage:

http://www.zju.edu.cn/english/

Apply now!

Download an application in Adobe PDF or Microsoft Word format. Fill out and return to the International Studies Office. It's that simple!