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Wheaton in China

The Wheaton in China experience features an immersive study of Chinese language and culture where students have the opportunity to deepen their understanding of how culture plays a profound role in human experience. Through observing how cultural difference affects the minds and hearts of people, students learn to better articulate their own cultural identity. 

Program Overview

Wheaton in China is a six-week program that combines intensive language study and cultural courses, immersion and excursions. Students live and study on the campus of a Chinese University. The program offers cultural courses taught by host school faculty and on-site mandarin courses where students are placed according to their language level. One cultural course is taught by a Wheaton faculty member. The program also includes visits to Beijing, Xi'an, and many local cultural and historical venues. Students have the opportunity to worship in local Chinese churches, meet Chinese Christians, and participate in service-oriented activities. 

Wheaton in China 2019

This six-week program language and culture program (6 Credits) is based at Tianjin Foreign Studies University in China. Cultural courses include Chinese Taichi, calligraphy, music and cuisine.

  • Sponsoring Department: Modern and Classical Languages
  • Program Leader(s): Dr. Wenyang Zhai, Assistant Professor of Mandarin Chinese
  • Term: Summer (offered bi-annually)
  • On-Campus Orientation Date:  May 10, 2019
  • Travel Dates:  May 18 - June 29, 2019
  • Estimated Cost:  $5,850.00 (airfare not included)
  • Prerequisites: CHIN 201 or program director approval
  • Eligibility: Open to Wheaton and non-Wheaton College students
  • Highlights: Live on the campus of Tianjin Foreign Studies University and be paired with a language partner; experience opportunities to meet and interact with local residents! You'll attend worship at a local Christian church and visit both Beijing and Xi'an. 

Course Offerings

Students earn 6 credit hours; the program meets the study abroad requirement for the Chinese major and course credit hours earned can be counted toward electives for the Chinese minor.

All students must enroll in the required course:

CHIN 334: Chinese Civilization and Culture (2 credit hours)
Introduction to Chinese customs and cultural essence prior to and during the study experience in China. Special emphasis on comparing and contrasting similarities and differences of East and West to promote deeper understanding of Chinese culture as well as students' cultural heritage. Daily readings and journaling. 

Students choose one course from the following options:

CHIN 338: Advanced Chinese in China [GP] (4 credit hours) 
This course focuses on the development of oral proficiency through immersion experiences and practice to increase language acquisition. Grammar, conversation, and composition are taught by native speakers in a Chinese university setting. 

CHIN 341: Special Topics in Chinese Language and Culture [GP]  (4 credit hours)
Further development of oral proficiency through immersion experiences and practice to increase language acquisition. Advanced grammar, conversation, composition, and cultural topics taught by native speakers in a Chinese university setting. 

Program Fees

The estimated program fee covers tuition, orientation materials, room and board on the Tianjin Foreign Studies University campus, and group ground transportation. Students will be responsible for their international airfare, passport and visa fees, vaccinations, and all personal expenses.

Estimated Additional Expenses: Students are responsible for their international airfare, passport and visa fees, any required vaccinations, and all personal expenses.

Expense       Estimate
International airfare              $1,500.00
Visa $140.00

Learn More

If you have questions or would like to know more about the Wheaton in China program, contact Dr. Wenyang Zhai, Assistant Professor of Mandarin Chinese, for further information.

How to Apply

To apply, visit GoGlobal, Wheaton College's registration system for off-campus study and international travel, research, and internships. Applications must be received no later than January 18, 2019.  A deposit of $500 is required upon acceptance and will be applied toward the total cost of the program.