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UW Intensive Chinese Language

China, Tianjin, UW Intensive Chinese Language
China, Tianjin, UW Intensive Chinese Language
China, Tianjin, UW Intensive Chinese Language
China, Tianjin, UW Intensive Chinese Language

China, Tianjin

Learn Chinese in Tianjin, China's third largest city! Students on this intensive language program study Mandarin Chinese over the summer, earning up to a full year's worth of language credits in one summer. Designed for students with a range of proficiency in Chinese language--from no previous experience all the way up to advanced learners--this program gives students the opportunity to develop Chinese language skills while experiencing life in one of China's fastest growing cities.

Students can choose Session I or Session II, or stay for both Session I & II. Students who stay for Session I or Session II will earn 4 credits of Chinese, while those who particpiate in Session I & II will earn 8 credits of Chinese.

Situated on the Hai He river, Tianjin is one of the biggest ports in northern China and is well-known for its seafood, restaurants, and shopping. The city is a center of folk arts and performance, with Tianjin serving as a center for Beijing opera and gongfu martial arts. Located one hour from Beijing, Tianjin is also an excellent base for exploring China's capital city or other parts of the country.

 

Learning Objectives

We have overall Goals and Expectations for Study Abroad Participants, covering the personal, academic and professional aspects of study abroad. Additionally on this program, you can:

  • Strengthen Chinese language skills
  • Be exposed to various aspects of Chinese culture through cultural activities
  • Deepen cross-cultural understanding through exposure to daily life in Tianjin

Diversity & Inclusion

We are committed to providing quality study abroad and domestic study away programs for every UW-Madison student. We work strategically to identify, address, and remove barriers that may prevent participation and to provide a welcoming and inclusive environment for students. Our staff actively engages with students, faculty, and staff from diverse backgrounds and prioritizes the continuous development of our knowledge and cultural competence. We also recognize the importance of increasing access to study abroad for historically underrepresented student populations. We are committed to diversity and inclusion so that every student can engage with and understand their identity through a new lens and continue to develop and make progress on their personal, professional, and academic goals.

Sustainability

We recognize that the future of study abroad, domestic study away, and international internship programming requires a Commitment to Sustainability. We are devoted to examining, developing, and improving sustainability in all our endeavors, aligning with campus priorities and following through with UW-Madison's climate action and Resilience Commitment. Join our efforts and learn more about how to study abroad sustainably.

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Eligibility

  • Open to currently enrolled UW-Madison degree-seeking students and currently enrolled degree-seeking undergraduate students at a US college or university. ROTC/Project Go students are also eligible to apply.

  • 2.0 cumulative GPA; 3.0 GPA in Chinese language courses if taken

  • Freshman, Sophomore, Junior, Senior, Graduate Student
  • Good academic and disciplinary standing
  • At the time of application and the semester prior to participation, UW-Madison students must be currently enrolled. Transfer Students to UW-Madison need to be currently enrolled at their home institution

Advising Location

Program Structure

UW Signature

Subjects

Chinese language and humanities

Classroom Language

Chinese, English

Housing

Hotels

Program Duration

Summer Session I: Late May - Mid June
Summer Session II: Mid June - Mid July
Summer Session I & II: Late May - Mid July

Application Deadline(s)

Future durations will be posted at a later date.

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Among the most famous universities in China, Nankai University is a comprehensive institution with an emphasis on the arts and sciences. While this program is not located on Nankai University's campus, program participants study under instructors from Nankai University's College of Chinese Language and Culture (CCLC). Set up specifically to offer Chinese language programs to international students, CCLC began enrolling international students in the early 1950s and since then more than 10,000 international students have studied Chinese at Nankai University. 

The program is academically intensive with students earning either 4 or 8 UW-Madison Chinese language course credits, depending on which session they select. Small classes in beginning, intermediate, and advanced Mandarin Chinese language study are offered, and students benefit from one-on-one tutorials one hour a day, Monday through Friday.

In addition to language courses, students take one non-credit course in Chinese culture, which is designed to introduce students to diverse aspects of Chinese culture while reinforcing their regular language study. Courses are taught by specialists from Nankai University and the Tianjin community, and have included Chinese calligraphy, T'ai-chi, singing, dancing, chess, and er'hu.

For those students who participate in Sessions I & II, there is a one-week break mid-way through the summer in which students are given the opportunity to explore China through personal travel or to stay in Tianjin and familarize themselves more with the city.

Course Equivalents

Use the links below to see a list of courses that past students have taken on this program and the UW equivalents. Note: This list only includes pre-approved courses for your program and may not be an exhaustive list of courses, departments or equivalents. Courses may not be available the semester you are abroad. You will receive instructions on the course equivalent process after acceptance. View Course Equivalents

Program Leader

Professor Hongming Zhang