China In-Country Language and Culture Program
CHINA IN-COUNTRY LANGUAGE AND CULTURE PROGRAM
Program dates: 25 November 2013 - 17 January 2014
The UTAS China In-country program offers students an exciting opportunity to develop their language skills and complete parts of their degree in one of China's most ancient and spectacular cities, Xi'an, a former capital of China.
Chinese language students at UTAS will be able to experience real life in China, develop their language skills in both the classroom and on the street, and learn first-hand about Chinese society and culture, both modern and historic, and the tremendous changes occurring in China today.
The aims of the UTAS Chinese In-country program are:
- To provide access to an accredited language course in China and a process for crediting in-country language study back to a UTAS degree
- To build on existing language skills through intensive language study led by experienced Chinese language teachers.
- To supplement language study with Chinese cultural practices through elective afternoon courses, including calligraphy and tai-chi.
IMPORTANT DATES AND DEADLINES
30 Aug Applications due
13 Sep Notice of acceptance
19 Sep Information Meeting
26 Sep Pay deposit
3 Oct Pre-departure workshop
22 Nov Depart for China
24 Nov Orientation in Xi'an
Xi'an and Shaanxi Normal University (SNNU)
With more than 3000 years of history, Xi'an has been the capital of thirteen Chinese imperial dynasties. It is a compelling city that features some of China's most famous and important historic sites, including the Terracotta Warriors, the Stele Forest, the Tang Dynasty city wall, as well as one of the best museums of history in China. Xi'an is also a city in a process of modernization that is striving to maintain and symbolize its grand historical past through its urban development.
Socially, Xi'an is one of China's most diverse cities, being home to a large community of Chinese Muslim Hui people. The Hui Quarter in the centre of the town is a famous tourist attraction and a place frequented by local Xi'an residents for the rich variety of food and fashion.
Xi'an also has modern health facilities, communications technology and is well-located as a starting point for trips to the other many great sites in China, both to the east and the west. Xi'an is a unique combination of the old and new, of different peoples and of diverse experiences.
SNNU is a large and traditional Chinese-style campus, and the College for International Studies, which hosts the Chinese language program, has its own campus building with classrooms, computer rooms, offices and a student lounge. The campus area of the city is typical of Chinese university districts, having a range of eating and entertainment options aimed at the student population. The Chinese language program at SNNU is very cost-effective relative to programs in other major cities such as Beijing and Shanghai and has a strong emphasis on learning language through culture and history, which resonates with the UTAS course objectives.
We recommend that you take a look at these webpages to get a taste of the history of Xi'an and life in the city: Xi'an and the Silk Road (from the website Hua at the University of Maine); The Silkroad Foundation (an education service based in Saratoga); Silkroad Seattle (at the University of Washington); and Google Earth.
The UTAS China In-country Program in Xi'an
- For UTAS students who are currently enrolled in 100, 200 and 300 level language units
- Eight-week intensive program, equivalent to 25% course load or two units of Chinese language study)
- On campus accommodation will be available
- Class allocation at SNNU by a placement test conducted upon arrival
- Offers excursions to various historical and cultural sites (fees to be calculated separately)
- Assessment procedures to be conducted by SNNU and subject to a moderation process by UTAS
- Students free to organize their time before and after the eight-week program
Student Feedback
On teaching:
-----I was totally impressed with the qualtiy, volume and relevance of the instructional aspects of the program, including more extra-curricular options for reinforcement than I had time to take up.
On expenses:
-----I spent very little on living expenses, mainly ate in student canteen, very good very cheap. On campus supermarket and food shopping also very cheap and good quality. Local restaurants also excellent and cheap as well as travel (bus,train,plane), student card entitled us to half-price travel and visits to historic sites.
On extra-curriculum activities (cultural aspects)
----Visiting the village where people still live in caves or in underground house was just amazing. With just a minimum lifestyle, they had amazing smile on their faces and welcomed us so warmly was just touching.
Costs
- Tuition: students will enrol in 25% overseas study units that are credited to their degree and for which HECS charges apply. Tuition fees are not paid by students to SNNU.
- The UTAS In-country Chinese language program in Xi'an. The ranges of costs provided are all approximates for 2012.
- Airfare to Xian: $1200 - $1700
- Accommodation: $800 - $900 for on campus, shared double rooms
- Living costs: $750 - $850
- Visa: $98.50 (China Visa)
- Adminstration fee: $300
- Total approx additional costs (in addition to enrolment fees): $3148.50 - $3848.50
3. A deposit for administration fees is required to secure a place on the program. You can pay this online or at a cashier.
Funding and Scholarships
Financial assistance is available through OS Help. Check the eligibility and conditions and apply if it suits your needs.
Due to recent changes in Federal funding and initiatives such as Asia Bound, specifics about scholarships are not yet available. Please check back after 22 July for updates.
What do I need to do? (all tasks mandatory)
- Complete and submit the Asian Languages and Studies In-Country Application Form (PDF 96KB) by 30 August.
- UTAS enrolment form - Enrol in the units for your program: HMC060 and HMC061. You will need to complete a paper enrolment for this. Go to your eStudentcentre page on the UTAS website, click on manage enrolment, and print a variation form. Complete and submit it to the program coordinator by or on 19 September.
- Pay the deposit - you can pay on line with a credit card on this webpage One stop payment or at a University cashier, quoting "One Stop payment no 790" and "China In-Country Program". Must be paid by 26 September.
- Book your tickets for travel, and advise itinerary and emergency contacts by completing and submitting the Travel Plan Form (word 259KB).
- Carefully read the Pre-Travel Advice (PDF 131KB). This document includes important information and advice for your safety and wellbeing, and it is required reading. On the In-country application form you will need to sign that you have read the advice.
- Prepare passport and visa - you need a passport that is valid for six months beyond the start of your program. Check your passport and apply for a new one if necessary.
- Apply for a Business Visa for travel to China. You can get a passport photo from the TUU shop on campus and from most camera shops. Must apply by 7 October.
- Read and understand the conditions of the UTAS Student Travel Insurance policy and make personal insurance arrangements if the cover does not suit your needs. Students who are eligible for University of Tasmania's Student Travel Insurance are covered at no charge. Be sure to notify the UTAS Insurance Officer of any pre-exissting medical conditions that you have and do not travel against medical advice. More information is in the Pre-travel Advice (see point no.5).
- Check the DFAT website information regularly - regularly check the travel advice for China provided on the DFAT website. We will cover as much detail as possible to prepare you for your time in China in the pre-departure information session, however we expect you to read through the DFAT website's wealth of information and be on the look out for updates. We recommend that you register with the Department through the Australian Government's SmartTraveller website.
- Attend these mandatory meetings:
a) Information meeting
b) Compulsory Pre-departure Workshop
c) Orientation in Xi'an
Find out more - contact Dr Jayde Roberts.
