Contemporary Chinese Society and Language

Program Overview

The Alliance offers two academic tracks at Fudan University, Contemporary Chinese Society and Language (Track 1) and Intensive Chinese Language (Track 2). The Contemporary Chinese Society and Language Track offers courses in Chinese language plus courses in society and culture, political science, economics, and international relations taught in English. Students may enroll for a semester, summer, or academic year, or a combination of a semester and summer term. Students are encouraged to consider spending their second term in China in a different Alliance program to deepen their knowledge of China's regional diversity.

Meet our on-site staff members who keep the Fudan programs running smoothly.

Pre-Requisites and Academics

Students are required to have a minimum GPA of 3.0 and to be enrolled in an undergraduate degree program at an accredited U.S. institution. Students are required to take a curriculum of Chinese language and English-taught area studies courses. There is no language pre-requisite for the Contemporary Chinese Society and Language track. Students' placement in the Chinese language course will be contingent upon the results of a placement exam after arrival in China. In the fall and spring terms, students receive 15 credits. In the summer term, students receive 9 credits.

Classes are offered exclusively for Alliance students. Chinese language classes average 6-8 students per class, taught by full-time Fudan language faculty selected and trained by the Alliance. Area studies courses are taught by a PhD faculty member from Fudan University.

On Location in Shanghai

Shanghai offers students an unparalleled opportunity to experience China in a city undergoing economic rebirth and revitalization. Shanghai is the place to be to witness the economic and socio-cultural transformations of modern China (as well as to observe the disparities that remain). Shanghai has traditionally been one of the most important financial and business centers of Asia, and is becoming known as "the Wall Street of the East". After the Second World War and the establishment of the People's Republic of China, foreign investment was discouraged. Today, however, Shanghai is again a multinational hub of finance and business and one of the world's major financial centers.

Shanghai is a remarkable phenomenon in the evolution of global metropolises today. There is no place like this once sleepy fishing town which has become the largest city in China and the country's most important commercial, financial, and industrial center. One must experience Shanghai to begin to comprehend this diverse and constantly changing nation. Pudong (in eastern Shanghai) was the site of the 2010 World Expo. The entire city is still buzzing with excitement about welcoming 73 million domestic and international visitors.

Fudan University

Fudan University was founded in Shanghai in 1905. It is one of the leading universities in China with an international reputation for academic excellence. The university's name is taken from a proverb of Confucius and means 'a new morning' in Chinese, ever pushing forward with renewed energy. Fudan University, with a student body of 35,000, is composed of 17 schools offering a comprehensive range of majors and disciplines.

Fall and Spring Curriculum

This 15-credit program offers students 12 class hours per week of Chinese language as well as the opportunity to examine modern China by selecting an English-taught elective from among several disciplines.

Students must enroll in:

Chinese Language (9 credits)
Issues in Contemporary Chinese Society and Culture (3 credits)
One additional area studies course (3 credits)

Required Courses

Chinese Language (required, 12 class hours/week, 9 credits)

No prior language study is required for admission to this track. Upon taking a placement exam after arrival, students will be placed into the appropriate language level. All courses emphasize listening, speaking, reading and writing. The Alliance programs teach Simplified Chinese Characters, standardized Chinese characters officially used in Mainland China as well as Singapore, as opposed to Traditional Chinese Characters, which at present are more commonly used in Hong Kong, Taiwan and Macau.

Click here to view a full listing of textbooks and lessons by Alliance program and course.

FUDA SOCS260 Issues in Contemporary Chinese Society and Culture (required, 3 class hours/week, 3 credits)
Professor Zhu Jianfeng's CV

This course examines the transformation in Chinese society since the founding of the People's Republic of China in 1949, with emphasis on the changes brought about in the wake of the economic reforms of the 1980s and 1990s. Topics will include the developments in urban and rural social transformation introduced by the reforms, the changing relationship between individual and society, the urban/rural divide, population control and the one child policy. Students will explore the social consequences of China's rapid integration into the global economy. All students will complete a Capstone Project as part of this course.

Elective Courses

All area studies courses are taught in English and meet for three class hours per week. Students must enroll in one from the following list.

FUDA POCC350 Contemporary Chinese Politics (3 class hours/week, 3 credits)
Professor Liu Chunrong's CV

This course examines the current political leadership of China, urban/rural relations, nationalism and foreign policy, mass participation, the emergence of the rule of law, and state and society issues.

FUDA ECCD370 China's Economic Development: 1978 to the Present and Beyond (3 class hours/week, 3 credits)
Professor Keng Shu's CV

In the last twenty-five years, China has been the fastest growing economy in the world. In this course, students will explore the historical stages and effectiveness of the economic policies that have shaped China's emergence as a major player in the global economy. Students will examine the challenges posed by economic development and the prospects for China's economic future.

FUDA IRUC340 Sino-U.S. Relations (3 class hours/week, 3 credits)
Professor Ni Shixiong's CV

The U.S.-China relationship is one of the most important bilateral relationships in the world. This course examines their intricate relationship, focusing on the period after 1949, when the People's Republic of China was proclaimed. What roles have trade and human rights played in the relationship? How have recent incidents, such as the American bombing of the Chinese embassy in Belgrade in 1999 and the 9/11 terrorist attacks, influenced the strategic Beijing-Washington relationship? What lies in the future, as China rises?"

Summer Curriculum

This 9-credit program offers students 12 class hours per week of Chinese language as well as the opportunity to examine modern China by selecting an English-taught elective from among several disciplines.

Students must enroll in:

Chinese Language (6 credits)
One additional area studies course (3 credits)

Required Courses

Chinese Language (required, 12 class hours/week, 6 credits)

No prior language study is required for admission to this track. Upon taking a placement exam after arrival, students will be placed into the appropriate language level. All courses emphasize listening, speaking, reading, and writing. The Alliance programs teach Simplified Chinese Characters, which are standardized Chinese characters officially used in mainland China and Singapore, as opposed to Traditional Chinese Characters, which at present are more commonly used in Hong Kong, Taiwan and Macau.

Click here to view a full listing of textbooks and lessons by Alliance program and course.

FUDA CHIN100 Beginning Chinese I
FUDA CHIN101 Beginning Chinese II
FUDA CHIN200 Intermediate Chinese I I
FUDA CHIN201 Intermediate Chinese II
FUDA CHIN300 Advanced Chinese I
FUDA CHIN301 Advanced Chinese II
FUDA CHIN400 Advanced Chinese III
FUDA CHIN401 Advanced Chinese IV
FUDA CHIN600 Advanced Readings in Chinese

Elective Courses

All area studies courses are taught in English and meet for six class hours per week. Students must enroll in one from the following list.

FUDA SOCS260 Issues in Contemporary Chinese Society and Culture (6 class hours/week, 3 credits)

This course examines the transformation in Chinese society since the founding of the People's Republic of China in 1949 with emphasis on the changes brought about in the wake of the economic reforms of the 1980s and 1990s. Topics include the developments in urban and rural social transformation introduced by the reforms, the changing relationship between the individual and society, the urban/rural divide, and population control and the one child policy. Students explore the social consequences of China's rapid integration into the global economy. All students complete a Capstone Project as part of this course.

FUDA POCC350 Contemporary Chinese Politics (6 class hours/week, 3 credits)
Dr. Liu Chunrong's CV

This course examines the current political leadership of China, urban/rural relations, nationalism and foreign policy, mass participation, the emergence of the rule of law, and state and society issues.

FUDA ECCD370 China's Economic Development: 1978 to the Present and Beyond (6 class hours/week, 3 credits)

In the last twenty-five years, China has been the fastest growing economy in the world. In this course, students explore the historical stages and effectiveness of the economic policies that have shaped China's emergence as a major player in the global economy. Students examine the challenges posed by economic development and the prospects for China's economic future.

FUDA IRUC340 Sino-U.S. Relations (6 class hours/week, 3 credits)

The U.S.-China relationship is one of the most important bilateral relationships in the world. This course examines their intricate relationship, focusing on the period after 1949 when the People's Republic of China was created. What roles have trade and human rights played in the relationship? How have recent incidents, such as the American bombing of the Chinese embassy in Belgrade in 1999 and the 9/11 terrorist attacks, influenced the strategic Beijing-Washington relationship? What lies in the future, as China rises?

Capstone Academic Research Project

One important and distinctive component of Alliance programs in China is the Capstone Academic Research Project. Capstone projects challenge students to engage with Chinese people and deepen their own understanding of one aspect of Chinese policy, society, culture, or business practice.

The Capstone Project is a research project that makes use of more than academic readings and published research. While these are important components of research and should be included in the project, the Capstone is meant to help students take advantage of their setting. Students use resources they would not have access to at their home universities. Students also incorporate interviews, participant observation, and other methods to create a final paper and presentation. Many students develop their Capstone as part of a senior thesis or broader future research project.

The Capstone Project is a graded component of the required course taught in English, Issues in Contemporary Society and Culture. The Capstone Research Project comprises 40% of the grade for this course. Graded project work includes a project abstract with a problem statement and research methodology outline, a PowerPoint presentation, and a final paper.

Featured Fall 2011 Capstone

Danny Gleason (Boston College)

"Since 1949 Christianity has become increasingly common in China; its recent growth far exceeds that of any other religion. The energy behind Chinese Christianity, in particular “underground” Christianity, slowly but surely amassing throughout college campuses and house churches, is impossible to ignore. As a response to such overwhelming social movement, my Capstone, through original and secondary research, tries to identify the reasons behind the staggering growth of Christianity throughout China on an individual and national scale. Writing my Capstone was a great experience and allowed me to learn a lot more about a topic that I was very interested in. A definite highlight for me in the research process was joining a "house church," an unregistered makeshift church that is technically illegal but growing in popularity. I got to see first hand how why these churches are becoming so popular! After a full day of practicing for their upcoming Christmas concert (which included a lot of singing and dancing), I unexpectedly found some very good friends! It was the most fun research I have ever conducted."

Examples of Student Capstone Projects at Fudan

Would You Marry My Child? The Search for a Spouse in Today's China
2010 Shanghai Expo: Culture in a Coma
Chinese Pop Music: The Quest for Modernization
Scientific Labels on Healthy Food
Using English as a Fashion Statement
Concept of Self and Other in the Wake of Chinese State Socialism
Global Climate Change in China
Why I Won't Ever Really Fit in in China: No Place for a Female Jock in China
The Place of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Modern China
Obesity in China: As China's Wallets Grow…So Does Its People
Video Game Culture in China: The Past, Present, Future and Everything
China - Japan Relations (and the Nanjing Massacre)

For more Capstone project ideas from Alliance students in all our China programs, click here. To read more abstracts of Alliance students' capstones, click here.

Credits, Grades, and Transcripts

A study abroad experience is first and foremost an academic experience, and the Alliance for Global Education takes the process of credit and grade conversion seriously.

Credits

The Alliance provides information on credit transfer and conversion at the time that a student chooses courses. Credit appears on transcripts issued by Arcadia University at the completion of a student's term of study abroad. Credit is issued in U.S. semester hours, ensuring that students continue to make progress toward their degrees and verifying the full-time academic load a student carries while abroad.

The Arcadia University Undergraduate Academic Program Committee and Registrar work with the Alliance's overseas staff and National Advisory Board to review our conversions to make sure they accurately reflect a full-time load at the institution where a student is studying overseas. Equivalencies are based on what constitutes a full academic load for a degree-seeking host country student. Arcadia University is accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools. Any grades that appear on an Arcadia transcript must meet Middle States' standards.

Grades

Students will receive a letter grade on a scale from A to F for every course they take while enrolled on an Alliance program. Although policies at students' individual home institutions may differ, the Alliance does not permit students to take courses on a credit/no credit basis. To determine grade equivalencies, the Alliance and Arcadia University look at data about grade distribution in the host institution and at information about what constitutes a minimum passing grade at the host institution in addition to the host institution's suggested "translation" scales. Arcadia University also conducts independent evaluations in accordance with the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools' standards. During overseas orientation, students receive a table explaining how their grades will appear on an Arcadia University transcript.

Transcripts

At the conclusion of a program, the College of Global Studies at Arcadia University will send an official Arcadia University transcript to a participant's home school and an unofficial copy to the participant. This transcript will list the course numbers and titles exactly as they appear on the original transcript from the university or program which the participant attended.

Because universities abroad have different administrative structures, transcripts may take longer to issue than they do at U.S. institutions. While the timeline varies by program, a general timeline for issuing transcripts is:

Fall programs - transcript issued in late February
Spring, Summer, and Academic Year programs - transcript issued in late September

If you have a question about the process, please feel free to contact your program manager responsible.

Please note: Your transcripts will not be released if you have an outstanding balance due to program fees. Students enrolling in consecutive terms with the Alliance will not receive their first term transcript until their second term fees have been paid in full.

Participants can request additional copies of transcripts online or in writing at any time from the Arcadia University Registrar's Office.

Academic Calendar

Upcoming 2012 Program Dates

Spring 2012 term: February 1 – May 28
Summer 2012 term: June 13 – August 13
Fall 2012 term: August 22 – December 17
Spring 2013 term: February 13 – June 10

The Alliance Orientation is MANDATORY. You should make your travel plans accordingly. More details can be found in the Accepted Students: Travel Arrangements section.

Current 2012 Spring Fudan Program Calendar

Suggested flight departure: January 31
Arrival in Shanghai: February 1
Orientation program in Shanghai: February 2-5
Classes begin: February 6
Field Study Trip*: March 3-11
Midterm Exam: April 6
Independent Travel Week*: April 7-15
Long Weekend Trip*: May 11-13
Last day of final exams: May 25
Students may depart: May 26
Students must move out of housing (by 12:00 pm): May 28

Upcoming 2012 Summer Fudan Program Calendar

Suggested flight departure: June 12
Arrival in Shanghai: June 13
Orientation program in Shanghai: June 14-17
Classes begin: June 18
Long Weekend Trip*: July 12-15
Last day of final exams: August 10
Students may depart: August 11
Students must move out of housing (by 12:00 pm): August 13

* Organized trip dates are subject to change at any time.

Program Fees

Spring 2012 Program	$ 13,990
Summer 2012 Program	$ 6,980
Fall 2012 Program	$ 13,990

What's Included

The program cost includes tuition and fees, pre-departure materials, guidance with applying for a visa, orientation, housing, weekly activities, all textbooks, the services of a full-time Resident Director, medical and evacuation insurance, a one-week Field Study Trip and a weekend Field Study Trip in the fall and spring semester, and a five-day Field Study Trip in the summer term.

The program price does not include airfare to China, meals, passport and visa fees, independent travel, and other items not mentioned as included.

Please click here for a breakdown of spring, summer and fall 2012 program fees and an itemized list of additional expenses that students will encounter while abroad.

Multiple Term or Academic Year Discount

The Alliance encourages students to enroll for more than one term and to consider studying with more than one Alliance program. Some students choose to spend fall term in one location and spring term in another. Others continue in our summer term after completing spring.

Students who continue into a second term with the Alliance receive a $500 discount on the program fee for the second term. All combinations (two semesters, semester plus summer, two semesters plus summer) are possible.

Student Housing

Students are housed in Tonghe International Apartments across the street from the north gate of the university and a 10-15 minute walk from Alliance classrooms. The two bedroom apartments are shared by one Alliance student and one Fudan University student, while three bedroom apartments are shared by two Alliance students and one Fudan student. The apartments include a bathroom, kitchen, and a furnished bedroom with desk, desk lamp, closet space, and a remote control heating/air-conditioning unit. The bedrooms also include sheets, pillows, and a comforter. Towels are not provided. The furnished common areas include a TV, filtered water dispenser, refrigerator, and stove-top gas burners or a hotplate in the kitchen. Some apartments also have a small washing machine. Filtered water is replenished at student expense (12 RMB/$1.80 per tank) with the help of the Tonghe front desk staff. Please note that no kitchen utensils or other supplies are provided. During orientation all students are required to pay a 500 RMB (approximately $74 US dollars) housing deposit. If there is no damage to the room at the end of the program, this deposit will be refunded in full.

Chinese Roommates

A distinct feature of the Fudan program is the opportunity to share an apartment with a Chinese student studying at Fudan. Each apartment will house one or two Alliance students in single rooms and one Chinese student, also in a single room. This offers the opportunity for Alliance students to get to know Chinese students on campus quickly and to engage in language and cultural exchange with their new friends. Chinese roommates are invited to attend many of the organized activities. Former Alliance students consistently rate this experience as one of their favorite program features.

Food and Meals

Meals are not included in the Alliance program fee. Students should budget approximately $10 per day for meals. Students may cook in their apartment kitchen or may take their meals at one of the cafeterias on campus. There are also numerous casual restaurants nearby.

Vegetarians will find that good food is available in China. Most restaurants serve lots of vegetables, tofu dishes, and staples such as rice, noodles, or dumplings. Note that some restaurants may use animal fat in preparing dishes.

Local Activities

Throughout the term, students are invited to take part in a full schedule of excursions, events and lectures designed to enhance their understanding of China and the historical and modern influences that impact its culture and people.

Extra-Curricular Classes

The Alliance arranges extra-curricular classes which may include Chinese painting, calligraphy, cooking, taiji or other martial arts, pottery, seal carving, or paper cutting. These classes offer a wonderful opportunity to learn more about traditional Chinese culture.

In and Around Shanghai

Shanghai program students will visit the famous sites of Shanghai including Yuyuan Park, the historic Bund along the Huangpu River, and the former French concession. Activities may include cultural performances, museum visits, special lectures, visits to artists' studios, architectural walking tours, and many opportunities to meet locals, including students from other campuses. Below is a sampling of activities from previous semesters. Specific activities for future terms are subject to change:

Lantern Festival

The Chinese Lantern Festival marks the end of Spring Festival (Chinese New Year). Students celebrated in the traditional Chinese fashion with colorful lanterns, dumplings (tang yuan) and riddles.

Shanghai Propaganda Poster Art Center

The art center exhibits selected propaganda posters displayed across China from 1949 to 1979. Students were given a tour of the facilities and poster collection by founder and owner Mr. Yang Peiming. For more information on the Propaganda Poster Art Centre, please visit http://www.shanghaipropagandaart.com/.

Visit Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Center

To grasp Shanghai’s history and development, as well as its ambitious plans for the future, students visit the Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Center.

Yueju (Shaoxing) Opera Performance

Students were treated to a special performance of Yueju, a type of opera with a history of about 800 years and derived from a kind of story-singing. At first, it was performed with a small drum and hardwood clappers for rhythm, and choral and orchestral accompaniment was later added.

Visit to Xintiandi and the Chinese Communist Party Museum

The excursion to Xintiandi and the Chinese Communist Party Museum was led by the instructors of the "Issues in Contemporary Society and Culture" and "Contemporary Chinese Politics" courses. Students were encouraged to consider questions about tradition, modernization, and history and to pay attention to the ironies of their setting. Students are also asked to situate "Chinese culture" into a historical context of encountering the west.

World AIDS Day Discussion

Shao Jing, author of a very powerful academic article on the politics of HIV / AIDS and the value of bodies under a neoliberal regime, spoke to the Society and Culture class on World Aids Day. Shao Jing completed his Ph.D. at the University of Chicago and is now a professor at Nanjing University. Simon Tang, Office Director of the Chi Heng Foundation, also spoke about the Foundation’s work with children affected by AIDS in China.

"My Shanghai," Migrant Students’ Photography Exhibit

Students viewed “My Shanghai,” an exhibit showcasing photographs taken by sixth grade students from Jin Hu Primary School.

Acrobatics Show: Pu Jiang Qing

During orientation, students have the opportunity to see the breathtaking stunts of an acrobatics show, a form of performing arts that has existed in China for more than two thousand years.

Visit to the Shouchun Migrant School in Pudong

Students visited classrooms in small groups and communicate with migrant students in Chinese to understand their experiences in Shanghai--- and to teach them some basic English words.

Visit to Shanghai Roots and Shoots

Participants of this activity got a detailed picture of how an environmental NGO works in Shanghai. Student interested in environmental studies may have the opportunity to volunteer for Roots and Shoots programs.

Field Study Trips

The Alliance organizes a nine-day field study trip for students during the fall and spring semesters and a five-day field study trip during the summer term. Fudan students will travel to Qinghai, Sichuan, Yunnan, or another exciting destination that contrasts with Shanghai. Field study trips are designed to give students a greater understanding of Chinese culture, society, and economic development. As part of their Capstone Projects, students will continue to investigate an area of particular interest during this trip.

Additionally, a weekend trip to a nearby city is also organized during the fall and spring semesters.

Semester Field Study Trip

Qinghai Province

Located on the Tibetan Plateau, Qinghai is considered one of the most beautiful regions in China. Students may visit Ta'er Monastery, one of the six most famous Tibetan Buddhist monasteries in the world, travel to Qinghai Lake, the largest inland and salt water lake in China and one of China’s best bird watching sites, or explore the ancient tombs of Liuwan. Students will behold the breathtaking scenery, witness the contrast in development in the region versus the coastal provinces, and gain a deeper understanding of Qinghai’s minority nationalities.

Sichuan Province

Our trip offers students the opportunity to explore the mysterious lands of Jiuzhaigou, one of the best preserved wild life havens in China, and Emei Mountain, one of China's four famous Buddhist mountains with exquisite natural beauty and a long history of religious culture. Visits to Chengdu or Chongqing allow a glimpse into modern city life in the southwest. On this trip, students discover the contrast in Chinese economic and social development along the coast versus the inland provinces, learn about government policies affecting this region, gain a deeper understanding of Sichuan's minority nationalities, and relish the hot and spicy flavors of Sichuanese cuisine.

Yunnan Province

Yunnan province in southwestern China offers China's most diverse ethnic minority population, stunning scenery, and a rich history. Students gain deep insight into Yunnan's local culture and artistic heritage. They have the opportunity to experience urban life in Kunming, visit small Yi and Miao minority villages, and hike Snow Mountain. Participants of the trip may also explore the great natural beauty of the Stone Forest, the rain forest of Xishuangbanna, or participate in an extensive encounter with the Bai minority culture in the ancient town of Dali.

Summer Field Study Trip

The location of the five-day summer field study trip varies each year. In the past years, Fudan summer students have visited the historical and cultural sites of Beijing.

Contact a Program Graduate

How do Alliance program graduates look back on their experience studying in Asia? What advice can they offer on making the most of your time abroad? Contact these students to ask your questions!

To view graduates from other Alliance programs, click here. Interact with graduates via our Facebook and YouTube pages, too!

Branna Williams

China Now

Contemporary Chinese Society and Language

Meredith College – Political Science Major

williabr@email.meredith.edu

My name is Branna Williams and I am currently a senior at Meredith College in Raleigh, North Carolina. This spring I will graduate with a double major in Political Science and Chinese Studies. In the summer of 2010, I spent eight fabulous... read more

My name is Branna Williams and I am currently a senior at Meredith College in Raleigh, North Carolina. This spring I will graduate with a double major in Political Science and Chinese Studies. In the summer of 2010, I spent eight fabulous weeks studying with the Alliance in Beijing -- by far, one of the best experiences I have ever had, hands down. Although I had only studied Chinese for a year, I found I was not alone in my ever-diminishing struggle to communicate in China. Some students in our program were nearly fluent, while others had no prior study in the language before their arrival in China. Much to my relief, I was somewhere in the middle and am certain that I learned as much Chinese in one summer as I did in studying Chinese for one year in the U.S.

Upon returning to the U.S., I began to realize what a crucial part the immersion factor plays when learning a language like Chinese. Besides that, I missed China! It did not take me long to decide that I was going to study abroad in China again in spring 2011. This time, I wanted to see what Shanghai had to offer. I was in for a semester of experiencing what it is like to not only study, but actually live a vibrant city, molded by both globalization and tradition.

In addition to greatly advancing in Chinese language proficiency last semester, I had opportunities opened to me that would not have been possible in the U.S. Chatting with your taxi driver in Chinese, hiking the Great Wall (without dozens of tourists), having a picnic with Buddhist monks atop a mountain in Xiahe, and climbing the huge mountains of Tiger Leaping Gorge in southern China are not an option while studying Chinese at your university in the U.S. Aside from these unforgettable events throughout both semesters, I also had the rare opportunity to conduct in depth research about particular areas of interest via the Capstone Projects. After completing one Capstone on the dairy industry and one on the politics of environment, I had developed contacts, laid groundwork for my senior thesis, and attained knowledge that will be an asset to me in future career endeavors. Choosing to study with Alliance was undoubtedly one of the best decisions I have made in enriching my educational and cultural experiences. hide

Daniel Mixa

China Now

Intensive Chinese Language

International Business in China

University of Tampa – Business Major

dmixa@spartans.ut.edu

Back in the summer of 2010 I was preparing to study abroad in Shanghai, China. I was overly excited. Before coming to China I spent a good year studying Chinese on my own and had spent countless hours examining and studying Chinese culture. I knew that... read more

Back in the summer of 2010 I was preparing to study abroad in Shanghai, China. I was overly excited. Before coming to China I spent a good year studying Chinese on my own and had spent countless hours examining and studying Chinese culture. I knew that China would be a fascinating place and that I would enjoy my study abroad. Half way through my fall semester at the Shanghai University of Finance and Economics I knew that my time in China would not have been enough; I fell in love with China, I couldn’t leave. I then decided to attend the Alliance’s spring program at Fudan University, Shanghai. I then once again was not satisfied. I attended the Alliance’s summer program at Beijing Language and Culture University; during that time I stayed with a Chinese host family and also interned with a Chinese Magazine. Coming back home was bitter sweet; I was happy to be home, but sad to be leaving China. My experiences in China are priceless; I met many great people, I visited amazing places that most people will never see, I attained a great understanding of Chinese Culture, and most importantly, I significantly improved my Chinese skills. Now my Chinese is very good; it may take years to attain fluency but I know that if I build on my current skills fluency is imminent. China has become my second home and I hope to live and work there right after graduation! hide

Alexa McIsaac

Contemporary Chinese Society and Language

Bryant University – Finance Major

amcisaac@bryant.edu

Ni Hao! My name is Lexi McIsaac and I am currently a junior at Bryant University majoring in Accounting and concentrating in Chinese Language. Honestly before college, the extent of my knowledge about Chinese culture was chopsticks. Now I have traveled... read more

Ni Hao! My name is Lexi McIsaac and I am currently a junior at Bryant University majoring in Accounting and concentrating in Chinese Language. Honestly before college, the extent of my knowledge about Chinese culture was chopsticks. Now I have traveled to more than a dozen cities all across China- more than I have been to in the US.

Before going to China, my parents’ biggest concern was that I would stand out too much. I am blonde and blue eyed and did get quite the attention in China. During my first weeks, I felt almost like a celebrity having people stare, point, and even ask me to take pictures. But by the end of the program I barely noticed it and felt it was a great conversation starter to practice Chinese.

Another great memory of living in Shanghai was the convenience store owner by our apartment. I must have frequented it at least 3 times a day. The man was so friendly, always smiling and saying hello. By the end of the semester he was asking about my day and even coyly practicing English words when I bought things.

Studying abroad in Shanghai was both the best and most challenging experience I have ever had. I learned so much about Chinese culture, met so many great people, and even learned a lot about myself. I was given the opportunity to accomplish a capstone paper on expatriate tax in China which not only made me more interested in business opportunities in China, but proved to myself I was capable of some pretty intellectual research.

I would love to speak to anyone who has any questions about my experiences, travels, or just some advice on the program. hide

Daniel Gleason

Contemporary Chinese Society and Language

Boston College – Theology Major

danny.c.gleason@gmail.com

Hey, my name is Danny Gleason (葛丹宁) and I am currently a junior at Boston College pursuing a Theology major, Chinese minor, and a pre-med concentration. For the first two years of college, I had come to terms with the fact that I was going through with... read more

Hey, my name is Danny Gleason (葛丹宁) and I am currently a junior at Boston College pursuing a Theology major, Chinese minor, and a pre-med concentration. For the first two years of college, I had come to terms with the fact that I was going through with my Chinese minor as an excuse to “go abroad.” It was my ticket to live in a different country, learn about the culture, experience the people and come back a newer, wiser, worldlier person. Now, after 4 months of living in Shanghai and going to school at Fudan University, I can say with every fiber of my being that my semester in China was everything I imagined and more. I will go out on a limb here and say that besides maybe infancy, my time living in Shanghai represents the period of life when I have changed the most… for the better. Though at times it is hard to express the momentousness of my life-changing experience to others, it is something that I can assure you goes way beyond language acquisition. Please do not hesitate to email me if you have any questions, comments, or concerns about China or study abroad in general! My newfound passion for China and studying abroad makes it so that you will actually be doing me a favor if you email me. I am so confident that if you challenge yourself and take the leap to China for a few months, you will never regret it! 再见！ hide

Andrew Ameter

Contemporary Chinese Society and Language

Ohio State University – Marketing Major

aameter@gmail.com

Hi my name is Andrew Ameter and I'm a junior at Ohio State University. Although my major is marketing, I have a huge interest in both Chinese language and culture. This stemmed from taking international business courses that continually... read more

Hi my name is Andrew Ameter and I'm a junior at Ohio State University. Although my major is marketing, I have a huge interest in both Chinese language and culture. This stemmed from taking international business courses that continually stressed the importance of the Chinese economy in the future. Last summer I studied abroad in Shanghai and it was one of the best experiences of my life. Not only did my language skills increase exponentially, but I gained a unique perspective that I'll carry with me the rest of my life. Now that I'm back in Columbus, Ohio, I miss all the people and experiences I encountered, but I know I have a whole lifetime ahead of me to continue expanding my boundaries. hide

Gian Michael Gozum

Contemporary Chinese Society and Language

University of Memphis – Asian Studies Major

gmgozum@memphis.edu

Hey! My name is Gian Gozum, and I took part in the Contemporary Chinese Society and Language Program in the spring of 2011. I am a senior majoring in Asian Studies and International Trade and Economics. I took about five semesters of Mandarin Chinese... read more

Hey! My name is Gian Gozum, and I took part in the Contemporary Chinese Society and Language Program in the spring of 2011. I am a senior majoring in Asian Studies and International Trade and Economics. I took about five semesters of Mandarin Chinese before going to Shanghai. Within just two weeks of living in China, I could already tell that my Chinese had improved. I got used to thinking, listening, and speaking in Chinese. Several moments in my semester confirmed that I had improved. One was during a conversation with a taxi driver. He was taking me all the way to the other end of town, and in that drive we discussed my Filipino heritage, the Chinese populations in the Philippines, the origins of his parents, and last but not least, the NBA Playoffs!

Travelling throughout China was such an amazing experience. Each province was like visiting a different country because of the regional dialects and accents, which make communication even more interesting! The Alliance trip to Yunnan province was phenomenal, where we learned much about the ethnic minorities. During my independent travel, I went to the mountainous Sichuan province with some friends, and we learned a lot about Tibetan culture and ate a lot of spicy food!

My trip to Shanghai ranks in one of my most amazing experiences. I made wonderful friends who I am certain I will see again. I am forever thankful for my opportunity to study in Shanghai the spring of 2011. hide

Julie Trinh

Intensive Chinese Language

Duquesne University – International Relations Major

trinhj@duq.edu

你好！My name is Julie Trinh and I am currently a senior at Duquesne University. My journey with studying Mandarin began when I chose International Relations as a second major. After finishing my 100 level of study and having no plans for the following... read more

你好！My name is Julie Trinh and I am currently a senior at Duquesne University. My journey with studying Mandarin began when I chose International Relations as a second major. After finishing my 100 level of study and having no plans for the following summer, I decided that traveling abroad to China would be a great opportunity to put what knowledge I had of Mandarin to the test. Two months of going back and forth with my advisor, getting teacher recommendations and finding the funds for the trip later, I got approved to go to the intensive Chinese program at Fudan University.

After the second week of classes, I realized how intensive an intensive language program is, frequented the late night markets and decided that I didn’t care whether or not I got sick from the street food because it’s totally worth it. Within the first month in Shanghai, I had learned how to master the subway system, felt comfortable enough to chat with taxi drivers and order my meals at restaurants that did not have pictures to accompany each dish. After two months in Shanghai, I had traveled to Beijing and climbed the Great Wall, walked through the Forbidden City and got a feel of how politics influence even the street vendors. I also made great new friends from all over the world and had the time of my life, all the while learning more and more about real Chinese culture.

After coming home from Shanghai I was surprised to discover how much I missed it! I know that it is a cliché statement, but I believe that making the decision to study abroad in Shanghai has changed my life. I want to be able to help others have the same opportunity that I had and I hope that through the Alliance for Global Education I will be able to do just that. hide

Sara Simon

Intensive Chinese Language

Wellesley College – English Major

smbsimon@gmail.com

Hi! I’m a junior studying English at Wellesley College. Before college, I knew next to nothing about Asia. It really wasn’t until I took a volunteer position in Boston’s Chinatown that I became exposed to Chinese language and culture... read more

Hi! I’m a junior studying English at Wellesley College. Before college, I knew next to nothing about Asia. It really wasn’t until I took a volunteer position in Boston’s Chinatown that I became exposed to Chinese language and culture. I began studying Mandarin and immersing myself more in the Chinatown community. I had always planned for a semester abroad studying literature in England. Alas, the Alliance programs in China sounded so fascinating, and the Asia pull just took hold of me!

Studying abroad in Shanghai was the best, most exciting and enriching experience so far in my life. Of course, there were times I missed everything American. Skyping home became a regular part of my week, and I frequented the pizza place on my street probably a little too often. But more than anything, the most interesting part about living in a once so foreign China was realizing how familiar life was to me there. I did a number of weekend trips in and around China, and every time I returned to my apartment in Shanghai, it felt like home. My four months in Shanghai flew by so quickly—too quickly! I cannot wait to get back! hide