Location | Academics | Housing | Dates/Deadlines | Program Costs | Eligibility/How To Apply

CWU Urban and Rural China, China - Spring Break Programs

Location

Beijing, the capital of the People’s Republic of China, is the nation’s political, economic and cultural center, as well as China’s most important center for international trade. Beijing is home to over 14.23 million residents and has much in common with any other great metropolis in the world. This city which is undergoing an abundance of modern development, is currently preparing to host the 2008 Summer Olympics. While the modern development is certainly interesting, so is the ancient past of the city. Beijing is home to Tian’anmen Square, the Forbidden City, a section of the Great Wall, White Cloud Temple and Lama Temple.

Xi’an is the capital city of the Shaanxi Province. This city is rich in historical and cultural significance. Over a period of 2000 years, Xi’an was the capital for 11 dynasties. It also is home to the Eighth Wonder of the World, the Terra Cotta Warriors and Horses. More than 6000 life size terra-cotta statues were unearthed under the tomb of Emperor Qin Shihuang, making this site one of the top archeological excavations of the 20th century. Aside from being a major tourist destination and historical city, today Xi’an is an important industrial and manufacturing center. It has grown to be a modern and prosperous area.

Ganquan County, Shaanxi is a rural province located in the heart of China's loess plateau. There, students will visit rural families, examine rural life and cultural practices, and study how the changes China has experienced over the past decade have affected its rural residents.

Back to Top

Academic Program

Beijing is the center of China’s government and is the policy-making center for the country and Xi’an is a rapidly growing modernizing city surrounded by a large, but poor, peasant farmer population. The two cities will provide an excellent overview of China’s rapid modernization and the effects this growth has had on both urban and rural residents.

In the afternoons, you’ll take field trips to some significant sites in Beijing and Xi’an: Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City, the Great Wall of China, White Cloud Temple, Lama Temple, Terra Cotta Soldiers and Village visits.

Classes Offered

You will be enrolled in AST 398 or HIST 398: Urban and Rural China, for three credit hours during winter quarter. There will be no overload fees associated with taking this course. In addition to readings and participation in daily lectures and field trips, course requirements are: an eight page research paper on some aspect of post-Mao political reform and society in China.

To view the course syllabus click here.

Click here to download a powerpoint presentation.

Back to Top

Housing

Students will stay in dormitory-style housing on the campus of Beijing Jiaotong University and Northwestern University in Xi’an. For village visits students will be staying with peasant families overnight. Meals will be eaten as a group at local restaurants.

Back to Top

Program Dates & Application Deadlines

• Spring Break: (March 13, 2008 - March 24, 2008)
  • Application Deadline: January 11, 2008 (rolling admission apply now)

Back to Top

Program Costs

Program Fees:

• The program fee for the CWU program in Beijing and Xi'an, China is $1550

Program fees include:

• Tuition and fees
• Housing
• Meals
• Predeparture and on-site orientation
• Local transportation pass
• Cultural activities

Sample Program Budget

See our What Does It Cost page for more information on fees & deposits you may be responsible for.

Financial Aid

Most forms of financial aid and scholarships apply to the cost of study abroad programs. Students should consult with a financial aid counselor at their home campus for specific information about awards and eligibility. You can also visit our What Does it Cost web page.

Back to Top

Eligibility

• Minimum GPA: 2.5
• Minimum Class Standing: Freshman
• Other Info: A passport can take up to 10-weeks to arrive and a passport is required to apply for your Chinese visa.
• Good academic standing
• No current disciplinary record
• An interview may be required

How to Apply

Before you begin your application, we highly recommend that you see a study abroad advisor to ensure that you have all the information you need about program logistics and eligibility. CWU students can call 963-3622 or drop by the International Center, Room 101 (across from L&L), to schedule an appointment.

• Apply Here

Back to Top

More Information

Contact:

Dr. Jim Cook and Dr. Geoff Foy
Faculty Coordinators
Phone 963-1290 or 963-1528
jacook@cwu.edu or foyg@cwu.edu

Prices and dates are subject to change without notice. Contact Study Abroad & Exchange Programs for more information.