Global Education
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China Studies Program

The Best Semester's China Studies Program enables students to engage China's ancient history from an insider's perspective. While immersed in Chinese culture, students participate in seminar courses on the historical, cultural, religious, geographic and economic realities of this strategic and complex nation.

Students choose between standard and advanced Chinese language and apply their skills by serving in an orphanage or tutoring Chinese students in English.  The program beings and finishes the semester in Hong Kong and introduces to the diversity of China, including Beijing, Shanghai, Xian and Xiamen.  This interdisciplinary, cross-cultural program enables students to communicate and understand the unique culture and people of china with an informed, Christocentric perspective.

  • The Terra-cotta warriors
  • Tiananmen Square
  • The Great Wall
  • The Forbidden City
  • Ming Tombs
  • Shanghai Museum

VISION
By coming to see others we see ourselves. Living in China provides an unusual place to explore your worldview and cultural presuppositions. The program encourages:

  • Bible study
  • Worship
  • Discussion of integrating life and faith in the Chinese context

QUALIFICATIONS
To gain eligibility you must:

  • Be a junior or senior
  • Maintain a minimum GPA of 2.75
  • Possess a strong commitment to academics and Christianity

CREDITS
Students receive between 15 and 17 credits depending on the optional courses they pursue. In addition to the courses, there is a service component that may be fulfilled by teaching English or working in a children's home. The required courses for the semester program include:

  • Chinese I  (3)
  • Chinese History (3)
  • Intercultural Communications (3)
  • Contemporary Society: Public Policy and Economic Development (3)

In addition to these core courses, students may choose from a variety of elective courses:

  • Chinese II (3)
  • Eastern Philosophy and Religion (3)
  • Dimensions of East Asian Culture (3)
  • International Business in China (3)
  • Business Internship (3)
  • Chinese Painting (1)
  • Tai Chi (1)

Global Understanding core credit can be fulfilled by this semester program when students participate in the pre- and post-departure New Perspectives course. Lab fees apply as of Fall 2013. Visit the GEO for details or go to the GEO Global Understanding webpage.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE & DEADLINES  

REGULAR ADMISSION:
All Gordon students applying to the BEST SEMESTER China Studies Program must first submit an online seat application to participate in a Global Education program. Only after you've been approved by the Global Education Office for study abroad may you proceed with the BEST SEMESTER's online application. Proceed to online seat application.
  • Seat applications for the fall semester must be submitted online by March 15. Interviews with the Global Education Office must be conducted by that same date.
  • Seat applications for spring semester must be submitted online by September 15. Interviews with the Global Education Office must be conducted by that same date.

After you've been approved by the Global Education Office proceed with the BEST SEMESTER's online application. Deadlines are:

  • Fall Semester: April 1
  • Spring Semester: October 1

EARLY ADMISSION: If you wish to apply early admission to the China Studies Program, then the deadlines are as follows:

  • Seat applications for the fall semester: EARLY ADMISSION must be submitted online by January 15. Interviews with the Global Education Office must be conducted by that same date.
  • Seat applications for spring semester: EARLY ADMISSION must be submitted online by April 15. Interviews with the Global Education Office must be conducted by that same date.

After you've been approved by the Global Education Office, you proceed with the BEST SEMESTER's application. The BEST SEMESTER's early admission deadlines are:

  • Fall Semester: February 1
  • Spring Semester: May 1

COST

The cost is generally equal to a semester at Gordon and includes:

  • Tuition
  • Fees
  • Room and board
  • Immigration and Visa expenses
  • Round-trip airfare from fixed US gateway to program ($1,200)
  • Necessary travel expenses in China

Not included in regular tuition costs are such items as:

  • Personal expenses
  • Independent travel
  • Books (paid with acceptance deposit)
  • Personal medical expenses, if incurred

CONTACT
For further information please contact:

The Global Education Office
p: 978.867.4399

Apply to participate in Global Education Programs with the Online Seat Application.

After being approved for participation you may apply to the China Studies Program