Centre-in-China

Fall 2013

In the fall of 2013, Centre will begin a new Centre-in-China program at Tongji University, a tree-lined, gated university located near a Metro stop in Shanghai, the economic and commercial center of the Far East. President and Mrs. Roush and Professor Kyle Anderson, who visited the Tongji campus during their exploratory China trip in December, report that its handsome setting provides an oasis in this thriving city of more than 22 million people. Tongji is one of the top ten universities in China and one of the best architectural and civil engineering universities in the world. We have established this new program by working with Derek Capo, CEO of NextStepChina, who has arranged for a bilingual coordinator in Shanghai to assist our students if problems arise. In addition, two additional bilingual individuals will be on retainer in Shanghai, should they be needed.

Courses. The proportion of "contact hours" to "out of class" preparation and study hours is different in China, as it is in many world cultures. That is, the 3:1 understanding in Danville is more like 2:1 in China. In other words, students can expect to spend more "contact hours" but less "out of class" hours—so that the total hours of academic work should be about the same, or even less, in China than it is in Danville. Each evening, students will take Mandarin classes at an appropriate level; this will translate into 6 hours of language. During the afternoons, students will select four of the eight classes offered in Chinese culture, history, economics, development, and sustainability (e.g. China's Socio-Economic Development, Town & Village in China, Chinese Foreign Affairs, Sustainable Development in China, etc.) These four classes will translate in two 3-hour Centre courses.

Eligibility. This program is open to all Centre students. It may be of particular interest to students interested in international studies, global commerce, financial economics, modern languages, history, or anthropology—and to those who are thinking about future careers in areas where spoken Chinese would be extraordinarily helpful, such as government, business, banking, public relations, commerce, marketing, travel, etc.

Cost. The cost is the same as studying in Danville, with the exception of a $350 non-refundable deposit/surcharge and a portion of the airfare. Centre subsidizes the airfare for this program so that students going on it pay no more than if they were studying in England. In addition, students with low EFC’s (Expected Families Contributions) and large “gaps” may qualify for additional help from the Davidson Fund.

How to Apply. Application and faculty recommendation forms may be picked up at one of the campus-wide informational meetings on November 19, November 27, or January 3—or in the cabinet in the Davidson Room of Old Carnegie. Turn in your completed application at the study abroad office no later than noon on February 5. Students who are selected must pay the non-refundable $350 deposit/surcharge to the Cashier's Office in Boles Hall by March 5 to hold their spot in the program.

Medical Insurance. Students studying abroad through any Centre program receive travel and accident insurance at no additional cost. Centre's Study Abroad Insurance, while provided through EIIA (Educational & Institutional Insurance Administrators), is administered through AIG Assist. Every student studying abroad with Centre College receives an AIG Assist contact and information card as well as a passport sticker. Each has the Centre insurance policy number, which is the only information needed to receive services. The categories of coverage provided are: accident and sickness ($100,000 limit with a $250 deductible); emergency medical evacuation and emergency family travel ($100,000 limit); accidental death and disability ($200,000 limit); and repatriation of remains ($100,000 limit). For specific questions, please contact the International Programs office at 859.238.5285 or leigh.cocanougher@centre.edu.

Book Air Tickets Early to Save Money. Students in the past have generally been able to find economical round-trip air tickets. Some have found studentuniverse.com, statravel.com, or hipmunk.com helpful sites. Book early for the lowest prices.

Passport. If you do not currently have a passport that will remain valid for at least three months after your return, begin the process of obtaining one as soon as you are selected. In the recent past, some students have waited three months to receive a passport, even though the passport agency has stated that it will take six to eight weeks. Do it now!

To see photos from recent Centre-in-China experiences, click here.

 

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