Globalization Then and Now
Xi'an and the Silk Road

The Globalization Then and Now: Xi’an and the Silk Road program is a palpable sampling of China’s essence – old and new. It focuses on the confluence of arts, cultures and commerce during the periods in the world’s history when China (and Xi’an in particular) was by many accounts the most advanced and sophisticated spot on the globe. This program offers students a curriculum of Chinese language and English-taught courses in several disciplines including Chinese history, literature, contemporary culture, art and anthropology. An integrated two-week Field Study Trip along the ancient Silk Road, beginning at its eastern terminus in Xi'an, provides exhilarating hands-on opportunities to learn about western China's globalization across the centuries and today. 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 Xi’an 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. No prior study of the Chinese language is required to participate in the program.

Students are required to take a curriculum of Chinese language and English-taught area studies courses. 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, students receive 8 credits.

Classes are offered exclusively for Alliance students. Chinese language classes average 6-8 students per class, taught by language faculty selected and trained by the Alliance. Area Studies courses are taught by faculty from local universities.

Critical Language Scholarships

The Alliance has been selected by the American Councils for International Education and the U.S. Department of State to host all three China sites for the Critical Languages Scholarship (CLS) program, one of which is our Xi'an site at Shaanxi Normal University. To learn more about this intensive language summer program, please review Additional Funding Opportunities.

Xi’an served as one of the Four Great Ancient Capitals of China under at least 13 dynasties in the country’s 5000-year history. It is also the eastern terminus of the Silk Road, deemed by many as the first real conduit of globalization, and home to a 13.5 km-long, six-century-old city wall, and the spectacular Terracotta Army of Emperor Qin Shi Huang.

Today, this bustling modern capital of Shaanxi province with eight million people prides itself on being a thriving metropolis with a distinct flavor, where history and modernity intersect. Since the 1990s, Xi’an has re-emerged as an important cultural, industrial and educational center of China’s central-northwest region, with facilities for research and development, national telecommunication and space exploration programs, and the third largest number of universities in China, only after Beijing and Shanghai. Famous for being the cradle of the renowned 5th generation Chinese film directors, Xi’an also boasts some of China’s top art and history museums, a vibrant underground music scene, and a contemporary art district, which complements the city’s exuberant tradition and numerous historical sites.

Xi’an also has an interesting ethnic mix and a notable Muslim presence, with Buddhist temples, pagodas and the 1,360-year-old Great Mosque decorating the city's skyline. Xi’an’s intriguing blend of ancient and modern, along with its ethnic, religious and culinary diversity, offers bountiful resources that Chinese-learning students can take full advantage of, be it Chinese history, literature, religion, architecture, arts, culture, in both historic and contemporary contexts against the backdrop of globalization.

Shaanxi Normal University

Founded in 1944, Shaanxi Normal University (SNU) is one of the most comprehensive universities in China’s northwest region and home to over 40,000 students. SNU offers undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degree programs in Chinese foreign language and literature, international politics, history, cultural studies, geography, natural sciences, economics, engineering, and other disciplines. Located in Xi’an’s scenic college district, SNU is conveniently near public transportation, parks, shopping, and scenic spots such as Xi’an Botanical Gardens and the Big Wild Goose Pagoda. SNU’s campus has been named “the greenest campus in Xi’an.”

This 15-credit program offers 12 class hours per week of Chinese language as well as the opportunity to examine China through courses in English in several disciplines including history, art history, society, culture, and an in-depth look at the Silk Road. The semester program is 16 weeks long, with a half week of orientation, 14 weeks of instruction, and a 2-week Silk Road Field Study Trip.

Students must enroll in:

• Chinese Language (9 credits)
• The Silk Road Yesterday and Today (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. Upon taking a placement exam after arrival, students will be placed into the appropriate language level. Courses emphasize listening, reading, speaking, and writing. Alliance programs teach Simplified Chinese Characters, which are 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.

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

XSNU ANTH350 The Silk Road Yesterday and Today (required, 3 class hours/week, 3 credits)

Professor Daniele Chiapello’s CV

The "Silk Road" is synonymous with over a millennium and a half of cultural, religious, and economic exchange linking East and Central Asia with the Mediterranean. It was not only a route for the trade of luxury goods but also the source of a rich interchange of art, religion, ideas, and people. This course takes an interdisciplinary approach to the multi-dimensional history of the Silk Road by focusing on the geography of trade routes, the spread of Buddhist religious and artistic influences, and the influence of Mediterranean explorers like Marco Polo. Students have the opportunity to explore first-hand the historical and contemporary legacy of the Silk Road through various fieldtrips in and around Xi'an. The two-week Silk Road trip brings this course to life.

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:

XSNU LITR260 Chinese Literature (3 class hours/week, 3 credits)

Professor Wu Jin's CV

This course explores the finest literary works of Chinese history but also includes fascinating fictional writings in Chinese American literature, providing a view of China through the lens of Western literature. From the writings of Confucius and Laozi to the tales of Pu Songling, Cao Xueqin, Lu Xun, and Zhang Ailing, students roam from the realms of the metaphysical to the romantic and the fantastic, the cynical and the realistic. Discussions shed light upon important issues in the previous dynasties as well as those in modern and contemporary Chinese society.

XSNU HIST375 Chinese History from Pre-Historic Times to the Mid-Tang Dynasty (3 class hours/week, 3 credits)

Professor Daniele Chiapello’s CV

This course introduces students to the early history of Chinese civilization. Beginning with the Neolithic Period, students trace the development of Chinese civilization from its origins in pre-history up to the Golden Age of the Tang Dynasty. The focus is on the history of Shaanxi Province, both in class and on field trips to local historic and prehistoric sites. We also look at how civilization was developing across China and at the interactions between Shaanxi and other parts of East Asia. Additionally, we examine how we know what we know by looking at archaeological and historical research methods both in China and the West. By taking an interdisciplinary approach, which will include aspects of archaeology, history, and art history, students gain a thorough appreciation and understanding of early Chinese history.

XSNU ARTH360 Xi'an and Chinese Art History (3 class hours/week, 3 credits)

This course explores China’s rich and diverse artistic heritage with a particular focus on art history and trends in Xi’an, Shaanxi Province, and along the Silk Road. From the Neolithic Banpo Village and the internationally famed Terracotta Warriors of the Qin dynasty to communist propaganda art and the explosive contemporary arts scene, students learn about Chinese art in person. In addition to these important artistic legacies, students learn about the history of the region's calligraphy, folk arts, bronzes, and Buddhist art. Outside the classroom, students will visit the Shaanxi History Museum, the folk art village of Hu Xian, and the calligraphy and painting galleries at Shuyuanmen and Huayuanmen.

This 8-credit program offers 15.5 class hours per week of Chinese language as well as the opportunity to examine China through courses in English in several disciplines including history, art history, society, culture, and an in-depth look at the Silk Road. The summer program is 8 and a half weeks long, with a half week of orientation, 6 weeks of instruction and a 2-week Silk Road Field Study Trip.

Students must enroll in:

• Chinese Language (5 credits)
• XSNU ANTH350 The Silk Road Yesterday and Today (3 credits)

Required Courses

Chinese Language (required, 15.5 class hours/week, 5 credits)

No prior language study is required for admission. Upon taking a placement exam after arrival, students will be placed into the appropriate language level. All courses emphasize listening, reading, speaking, 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.

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

XSNU ANTH350 The Silk Road Yesterday and Today (required, 6 class hours/week, 3 credits)
Professor Daniele Chiapello’s CV

The “Silk Road” is synonymous with over a millennium and a half of cultural, religious, and economic exchange linking East and Central Asia with the Mediterranean. It was not only a route for the trade of luxury goods but also the source of a rich interchange of art, religion, ideas, and people. This course takes an interdisciplinary approach to the multi-dimensional history of the Silk Road by focusing on the geography of trade routes, the spread of Buddhist religious and artistic influences, and the influence of Mediterranean explorers like Marco Polo. Students have the opportunity to explore first-hand the historical and contemporary legacy of the Silk Road through fieldtrips in and around Xi’an. The two-week Silk Road excursion brings this course to life.

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, The Silk Road Yesterday and Today. The Capstone Research Project comprises 40% of the grade for the 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

Jeffrey Harmon (University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign)

"Of all the ethnic minorities within China, the Hui people are the most widespread and
one of the most populous; yet who they are and what defines them is still misunderstood, oftentimes simplified to “the people who don’t eat pork.” Being in Xi’an, I was able to walk through the vibrant Hui District and visit their historic mosque; walking around campus, I would often see girls wearing colorful headscarves. Through my Capstone project, I researched what it has meant historically to be Hui, both from an ethnic and a religious standpoint, how those understandings have changed with the founding of the People’s Republic of China, and give some thoughts on how these concepts may be changing with today’s rapid modernization. "

Examples of Student Capstone Projects in Xi'an

• A Brief Examination of Uyghur Language Status in China
• Musical Exchange along the Silk Road
• Islam and the Silk Road:  The Emergence of the Uyghur Minority
• Buddhism’s Journey to the East
• The Spice Story
• Who was Marco Polo?
• The Preservation of the Tarim Basin Mummies Explained
• Pillaging the Silk Road:  Reflections and Observations of the Impact of Tourism
• Trading Trading Languages
• The Modern Silk Road:  Transfer of Know-How and Technology from the West

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.

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.

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 Xi'an Program Calendar

• Suggested flight departure: January 31
• Arrival in Beijing: February 1
• Orientation program in Beijing: February 2-5
• Classes begin: February 6
• Independent Travel*: March 22-26
• Midterm Exam: April 6
• Field Study Trip*: April 13-25
• 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 Xi'an Program Calendar

• Suggested flight departure: June 12
• Arrival in Xi'an: June 13
• Orientation program in Xi'an: June 14-17
• Classes begin: June 18
• Field Study Trip*: July 13-25
• 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.

What's Included

The program price 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, and a two-week Field Study Trip and a weekend trip in the fall and spring semesters or a twelve-day Field Study Trip during 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.

Students are housed on campus in a newly renovated campus hotel/dormitory building. The SNU dormitory building is located on the residential side of campus and is surrounded by restaurants, a convenient store, and the campus medical clinic. The dormitory building is a 10 minute walk from the campus athletic fields (soccer, basketball, tennis courts, ping pong tables, and badminton), and an 8 to 10 minute walk from the Alliance office and classroom building. Each dorm room will house one Alliance student and one Chinese roommate. Dorm rooms are equipped with a private bathroom and shower, cable, internet, television, beds, desks, cabinetry, and heating/AC. Many rooms also have an enclosed balcony, and students may rent a small refrigerator from the building management office. Pillows, blankets and bed sheets are provided by the dorm. Towels are not provided. Laundry facilities are located in the dorm building on the second floor.

A distinctive feature of the Xi’an program is the chance to share a two-room suite with a Chinese roommate, providing Alliance students with the opportunity to meet Chinese students on campus and to engage in language and cultural exchange with their new friends. Chinese roommates are invited to attend many of the organized activities and also serve as language tutors. In addition, many of the roommates—who are selected from Shaanxi Normal University’s student body—major in teaching Chinese as a foreign language, which gives them insight into the process of learning Chinese.

Meals are not included in the Alliance program fee. Many students eat in the several cafeterias on campus that offer a variety of meal options. Meals are inexpensive (about $1 per meal) and plentiful. Students also eat in local restaurants, especially those on the street adjacent to the campus. Students should budget $6 per day for meals, which will allow them to eat some meals off campus at local restaurants, if desired. There are many traditional Chinese restaurants nearby, as well as a small number of American, Korean, Indian and Italian options. Former students suggest trying Rou Jia Mo (a traditional pork or beef sandwich), Bing Fen (a typical Xi'an orange drink), and thousand layer bread. In addition, there is a grocery store located in front of the dorms where everyday items and snacks can be purchased.

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.

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 Xi’an

The ancient and modern metropolis of Xi'an offers a wealth of destinations and activities. Whether it be walking or biking around the top of the City Wall, exploring the sights and people-watching, or strolling in one of the many outdoor markets, sampling local street food and making new friends, Xi'an is full of surprises. Below is a sampling of activities from previous semesters.  Specific activities for future terms are subject to change:

Terra Cotta Warriors and the Tomb of the First Qin Emperor Tour

Arguably one of China's most famous and popular tourist sites, the Terracotta Warriors are among the top archaeological excavations of the 20th Century. Located at the foot of the Mountain Li and 2 km west of the Terracotta army, is the tomb of the Qin Emperor. The Warriors were built to protect this tomb.

Shaanxi History Museum

The Shaanxi History Museum offers a full display of historic relics excavated mainly in Shaanxi province. The exhibition depicts Shaanxi history through seven distinct sections, from 1 million years ago through the year 1840. Thirteen ruling dynasties established their capitals in Shaanxi province essentially making the ancient history of Shaanxi a highly condensed version of Chinese history.

City Wall Bike Tour

The Xi'an City Wall is not only the most complete city wall in China but also one of the largest and most complete ancient military systems of defense in the world. Students will have the opportunity to tour the wall via bike.

The Great Mosque Tour

The Great Mosque in Xi’an, located northwest of the Drum Tower (Gu Lou), is one of the oldest, largest and best-preserved Islamic mosques in China. Moslem Street (Huimin Jie) is an old street paved with bluestone plate, on both sides of which stand a row of Muslim restaurants decorated in Ming (1368-1644) and Qing (1644-1911) Dynasty styles. This lively street lined with vendors is the best place in Xi’an to taste local snacks.

Big Wild Goose Pagoda and Tang Paradise Tour

Situated in the Da Ci'en Temple, the Big Wild Goose Pagoda (also called the Da Ci'en Temple Pagoda) is one of the most famous Buddhist pagodas in China. The north square of the Big Wild Goose Pagoda has the biggest music fountain in Asia. Tang Paradise is a beautiful park with the significant cultural heritage of Tang Dynasty. Outdoor movies and fireworks can be enjoyed there nightly.

Small Wild Goose Pagoda and Xi’an History Museum Tour

The Small Wild Goose Pagoda stands in Jian Fu Temple, one kilometer south of the downtown area. If the Big Wild Goose Pagoda can be compared to a stalwart young man, the Small Wild Goose Pagoda is then like a delicate, slim girl. The new and high tech Xi’an History Museum is located in the park of the Small Wild Goose Pagoda.

Lishan and Huashan Mountain Hiking

Mount Lishan is on the north side of Mount Qinling and, at its highest peak, reaches 1,256 meters. The shape of the mountain is said to resemble a horse, hence the name which translates as “Black Horse Mountain”. At a height of 2,160 meters and about 120 km east of Xi'an, stands Huashan, or Flower Mountain.

Huxian Farmer Style Painting

Huxian, a small town of about 150,000 people, is a 45 minute bus ride from Xi’an. Huxian is known for having one the two most famous farmer style paintings in China. This field trip gives students a great opportunity to meet with Chinese folk artists, observe their work, and experience the life style of traditional northwestern China.

The Xi’an program includes a two-week Silk Road Field Study Trip (or twelve-day during the summer) that allows students the exciting opportunity to see first-hand many of the historic trading, religious and artistic sites that they learn about in the core course, The Silk Road Yesterday and Today. This unique study trip will make the Silk Road course come to life and provide an opportunity to learn not only about history but also development, politics and modernization. As part of their Capstone Projects, students will continue to investigate an area of particular interest during this trip.

The specific itinerary for the Silk Road varies each semester. To provide you with a glimpse into what sites you may visit, here are highlights from previous trips:

• Kashgar: Grand International Bazaar, where students had plenty of time to practice their Chinese bargaining for items from Kashgar knives to Pashmina scarves; 15th century Id Kah Mosque; overnight stays at former Russian consulate; Old City, a well preserved traditional Islamic city made largely of earth mixed with grass.
• Kalakuli Lake: Located nearly 13,000 feet above sea level, the mountains here are covered in snow topped off by azure sky. Students enjoyed a hike around the lake and slept in a yurt overnight.
• Dunhuang: Students were given a guided tour of the Mogao Caves before riding camels into the desert. Students camped overnight with dinner around a campfire after climbing a huge sand dune together. We also visited a local art gallery with a tour provided by the gallery’s artist and biked to the White Horse Temple. In their free time, students visited the city’s bazaar and food district.
• Xiahe: Labrang Temple; Zuohai Monastery with lecture from head of monastery who is a “living Buddha”; ancient city walls and surrounding scenic area; lunch at local Tibetan family’s house with question-and-answer session about Tibetan culture (also rode horses); hike on sacred mountain
• Lanzhou: Visited the Hongbei Mosque and rafted down the Yellow River.

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!

Jordan Sharp

Globalization Then and Now

Union University – Linguistics Major

jrsharp15@gmail.com

My name is Jordan Sharp. I am an Applied Linguistics major at Union University and I attended the Xi’an Summer 2011 study abroad experience.  Before applying to the Alliance, I was very interested in China and studying Chinese, and I wanted... read more

My name is Jordan Sharp. I am an Applied Linguistics major at Union University and I attended the Xi’an Summer 2011 study abroad experience.  Before applying to the Alliance, I was very interested in China and studying Chinese, and I wanted to find a program that would allow me to not only further my studies in Chinese, but also be immersed in the culture and learn more about China.  The Alliance program provided me with the opportunity for this and so much more in one of the most memorable summers I have ever had.  One of the best aspects of my experience was that I got to learn while being surrounded by a great group of classmates, Chinese roommates, teachers, and our RD.  Overall, the Alliance program greatly assisted me in being productive and efficient during my time in China.  After spending the summer with Alliance in China it furthered my desire to continue my Chinese studies and some day live in China. hide

Joseph Larrea

Globalization Then and Now

Whittier College – English Major

jlarrea90@me.com

Hello! My name is Joseph Larrea. I’m a Junior at Whittier College in Whittier, California. I started studying Chinese in College, initially as a fun way to complete my foreign language requirement, but quickly became very serious about the... read more

Hello! My name is Joseph Larrea. I’m a Junior at Whittier College in Whittier, California. I started studying Chinese in College, initially as a fun way to complete my foreign language requirement, but quickly became very serious about the language. I’ve travelled to China twice, first on a school trip and the second time while studying abroad with the Alliance Program. During these two trips I’ve covered a lot of ground, visiting cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, Xi’an, Guangzhou, Guilin, Kashgar, Urumqi, Dunhuang, and many others. I chose to study in China with the Alliance Program on the recommendation of my professors and study abroad advisor. I chose the Xi’an Program because I wanted to travel along the Silk Road. I couldn’t be happier with my decision. Although I struggled initially speaking the language and adjusting to the culture, I was helped along by my wonderful teachers and program directors who were not only my guides and mentors, but also became dear friends to me. In my semester with the Alliance Program I travelled far and wide, had wonderful adventures, met countless friends, and made tremendous strides towards my eventual goal of becoming fluent in Mandarin Chinese. Now that I am back home, I am already making plans to return to China after graduation in order to teach English. I am happy to share my experience with anyone who is considering coming to China. hide

Bryan Gaither

Globalization Then and Now

Carlow University – Art History Major

bdgaither@carlow.edu

It had always been a dream of mine to travel and experience a culture with five thousand years of history and wisdom, mystery and art. China had always been of particular interest to me and eastern philosophy, art and religion had a profound impact on... read more

It had always been a dream of mine to travel and experience a culture with five thousand years of history and wisdom, mystery and art. China had always been of particular interest to me and eastern philosophy, art and religion had a profound impact on me throughout my life. After researching several programs, I determined that the Alliance for Global Education and the Xi’an program was the most credible and had the most potential. From the beginning process of applying for the program to time of departure, the Alliance staff was quick to respond to any of my questions or concerns and provided a pre-departure list that included everything that I would need to travel and live in China.

Once I arrived, our Alliance directors took us to local restaurants that served delicious food, markets that had everything we might need, stores we could shop at and explained where we could find any materials we might need for our classes. Throughout the program, the Alliance Staff in China went out of their way to make sure that I, as well as all other students, were comfortable and had everything we needed to communicate with other students and family back home. So many activities were offered and provided with an opportunity to meet our Chinese roommates and make friends. Not only did I learn Chinese, I learned Chinese calligraphy, 24 movements of Yang style Taijiquan, traveled across three provinces of China, saw the terra cotta warriors, had dinner with a nomadic family, camped in the desert, danced in Kashgar, visited the Mogao grottoes, and the list goes on!

If you want to experience mainland China, visit places you have only read about in history books, and have the experience of a lifetime and improve your Chinese, the Alliance for Global Education is the best Program without a doubt. After returning home, I registered to study Chinese at the University of Pittsburgh and after three months of study in China, my advisors are suggesting I skip the whole first year of Chinese and move to second year! The program surpassed any expectations that I had and made new opportunities I had not yet conceived of possible. hide

Read what these students have to say about study abroad with the Alliance in Asia!

Visit the Accepted Students section