Vic Flessas, Assistant Director
18 Harris Hall
Phone 847.467.6953

v-flessas@northwestern.edu

There is no language requirement for this program, however, all applicants should have approximately a 3.0 GPA.

Beijing offers a colorful clash of vivid history and a compelling future, as an ancient culture emerges upon the global stage – literally--  as the Olympics transform this imperial and now modern capital into a showcase to the world.

Northwestern offers three program, hosted by Tsinghua University and Capital Medical University.: 
Emerging Legal and Economic Structures examines China’s modern political history,  current economic and policy changes, and  China’s growing role in the global economy.  Public Health in China introduces students to major public health issues in China and to traditional Chinese medicine.  The courses are taught by faculty at Capital Medical University, and include site visits to hospitals and clinics.  Science and Engineering Research provides qualified students an opportunity to conduct research in labs at Tsinghua, in combination with language training or one of the programs above.

All students live in international dormitories, go on historical excursions together, and take Chinese language training equivalent to two Northwestern credits.  There is no language requirement, but Mandarin Chinese is taught in up to seven levels.

Historical excursions take place weekly, offering students a glimpse of Beijing’s long and storied past.  Sites include the Great Wall, Tiannamen Square, the fabled Forbidden City (or Gugong), and the imperial gardens of Beihai Park, among others.

Academic Specialties of this program:

Science and Engineering

Students conduct independent research projects in science or engineering for a total of two credits, and then also enroll in the Chinese Language Course.  Research and courses take place at Tsinghua University in Beijing and at the Beijing Capital University of Medical Sciences.  This program runs in tandem with ‘Public Health in China,’ sharing many of the same features, such as housing, fees, language instruction, etc. If we are unable to place you in a research lab, all applicants are expected to take the two public health courses instead. Note: This program is uniquely tailored for each student's research interests, with a wide variety of possibilities available.  To learn more about the program, please call 847-467-6953 to set up an appointment to speak with the Program Director.

Chinese Language:  Interdisciplinary Course (2 credits)
While there is no language prerequisite to participate in the China summer program, students are required to take intensive language training while in China. Seven levels are offered, depending upon the student’s skill level. Tutorials in Chinese are offered during spring quarter, prior to departure, for participating students.

The China program fills extremely fast; all students interested in applying are encouraged to contact the Office of International Program Development during fall quarter of 2007.

Students live in double-occupancy, air-conditioned rooms in an international dormitory. Group lunches with language instructors are provided each weekday.

Program fees for the summer of 2008 are estimated to be $8000 including tuition, airfare, room and board, excursions, and all administrative fees. This price may fluctuate slightly depending on final airline arrangements. Flight requests that incur charges above those budgeted by the program may incur extra charges. NU provides round-trip airfare from either Chicago or San Francisco to Beijing. Be aware that remaining in Beijing after August 8 may incur large airline price increases due to the Olympics.

Students arrange their airline tickets in conjunction with the Office of International Program Development.

Approximately 5 Northwestern students participate in the Science and Engineering Research program each summer.

Students travel weekly to important cultural sites and museums, including the Great Wall of China, the Forbidden City, and the Summer Palace. In addition, students take field trips relevant to their course work.

• Students applying to the China summer program DO NOT need to take the 101 session on Blackboard, as is required of other study abroad students.
• Students applying to the China summer program must complete the Northwestern Summer Study Abroad Application and must submit it together with the required non-refundable deposit of $1000 to Vic Flessas in the Office of International Program Development (18 Harris Hall) by February 1, 2008.
• Students must interview with the Office of International Program Development as part of the application process.  Students are encouraged to schedule this interview as early as possible during the fall quarter.
• Students applying to this program will need to submit a total of 4 passport size photos when turning in their application.
• If you are accepted to the China summer program, you must purchase the required HTH health insurance.  You will need to submit a photocopy of the HTH receipt showing proof of insurance to Vic Flessas by April 24, 2008. For more information on HTH, please visit this site.