Study Abroad in China

The Department of Modern Languages is pleased to offer an exciting summer study abroad program at the Shanghai International Studies University (SISU) in Shanghai, China.

The Shanghai International Studies University
Established in December 1949, the SISU is one of the key Liberal Arts institutions of higher education under the direct jurisdiction of the Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China and also one of the best-known universities of its kind in China. It offers under-graduate studies in language and literature in English, Japanese, German, French, Russian, Arabic, Spanish, Italian, Greek, Portuguese, Korean and Persian. In addition, a number of new majors which relate to international affairs are now offered. These include International Journalism, International Finance, International Accounting, International Business Law, International Business Administration, Chinese as a Foreign Language, Educational Communication and Technology, and Advertising. The university now also offers a Master's degree in fifteen majors and a Doctoral Degree in six.

SISU has established exchange programs with many universities in various countries around the world. Since the early 1960's it has been offering programs for Chinese study to students from other countries. Now the School of International Cultural Exchange of this university offers several kinds of programs to international students, including short term (summer) language programs, an undergraduate program, Master's and Doctor's programs. With a faculty of approximately 60 specialized in Chinese language and culture, linguistics, history, art and literature, the School has trained more than 3,000 students from all over the world in the past decade.

Program
The Study Abroad China program is an eight-week summer language study program, from late-May to mid-July. A typical schedule incldues four class hours in intensive language training in the morning with elective courses and cultural activities in the afternoon. Courses include (varying for different levels of classes): Intensive Reading, Conversation, Listening Comprehension, Extensive Reading, Viewing-Listening-Speaking, Writing, Translation, Selected Readings from the Chinese Press, Survey of China, Contemporary China, etc. Electives: Chinese Characters, Chinese History, Chinese Calligraphy, Traditional Chinese painting, Taijiquan (Tai Chi) and Chinese Marshall Arts. Native Chinese students from the SISU help assist our study abroad students with their speaking and conversation skills.

Certification
At the end of the program, a Certificate of Study and Academic Record will be issued to those who complete the program with qualified academic standing which can be used for credit transfer to Carnegie Mellon University. Units to be transferred will range from 12 to a maximum of 24, based on actual achievement in Chinese at the end of the program.

Level
Beginning, Intermediate to Advanced level of Chinese

Prerequisite
Beginner Level: No prerequisite
Intermediate Level: One year of Chinese study at CMU or another US institution
Advanced Level: 2-3 years of Chinese study at CMU or another US intitution

Cost
Approximately US$2,600 which covers tuition and fees, books and other learning materials, room & board, in-city cultural tours and travels to four cities outside Shanghai. Airfare and visa fees are not included.

Accommodation
Study abroad students typically stay at the SISU Guest House for Foreign Students (a double-room in a hotel-like facility with air conditioning, bathroom, and cafeteria).

Travel
In-city tours are provided by SISU for free. Trips to nearby cities such as Suzhou, Hangzhou, and Nanjing will also be arranged on weekends. After the program, you may travel to any other cities you choose at your own cost and SISU will be able to help in the arrangement if you need.

Financial Support
A scholarship from the Department of Modern Languages is available to students from Carnegie Mellon University. It will cover the tuition and fees. Other grants are available as well.

All applicants are eligible to apply for the Freeman-Asia Award. For details, please contact Dr. Yueming Yu.

For more information:
Dr. Yueming Yu
Department of Modern Languages
Carnegie Mellon University
Baker Hall 243A Pittsburgh, PA 15213
Phone: (412) 268-8943 Fax: (412) 268-1328

Other Study Abroad Scholarships
Our department along with The College of Humanities and Social Sciences is offering study abroad scholarship opportunities for students to study for a semester, full-year, or summer overseas. Scholarships can be put towards tuition, room and board, airfare and/or book expenses at any accredited study abroad program. Click for more information about these awards.

Additional campus resources may be helpful for students who are evaluating whether to pursue a study abroad program:

Visit the university's Study Abroad page:
http://www.studentaffairs.cmu.edu/oie/sab/index.cfm

View the university's Office of International Education:
http://www.studentaffairs.cmu.edu/oie/