Intensive Chinese Language Study in Qingdao China

Program

Study Abroad Profile: Tess Eckstein

This program offers intensive Chinese language instruction at three levels: 1+, 4 and 5. Particular emphasis is placed on developing appropriate cultural behavior, ability to perform effectively in frequently encountered cultural contexts and interpersonal communication skills. The program utilizes a community-based learning approach that requires participants to interact with locals in the Qingdao area in meaningful ways. Each participant will have a Chinese roommate when the Chinese school year ends. Ninety percent of instruction is in Mandarin Chinese.

Locations

The program will be located in Qingdao, a vibrant metropolis located on the eastern coast of the Shandong Peninsula. A well-developed cultural scene, modern infrastructure and easy access to both modern professional communities and transportation networks combine to make Qingdao an ideal location to learn ways of interacting in a range of Chinese cultural contexts. In addition to Qingdao, participants will go on excursions to a variety of different types of communities.

Courses and Credits

Students in Qingdao will have four formal classes each day that will be converted to Ohio State credits following successful completion of the program. The four courses are “speaking and listening application,” “speaking and listening development,” “reading” and “writing.” Students in level 1+ will earn credit for Chinese 2232:Modern Chinese Culture (3 hours) and 7 hours of Chinese 5798.02. Students in level 4 will earn credit for Chinese 5101.01 (3 hours) and Chinese 5102.01 (3 hours). Students in level 5 will earn credit for Chinese 5103 (3 hours) and Chinese 5104 (3 hours). Each of the four classes meets for approximately one hour per day with individual tutor time scheduled separately. Participants will be nudged outside of their comfort zones and some degree of culture shock is to be expected.

Accommodations

Participants should expect to reside in moderately furnished dormitory rooms (double-occupancy) in the Qingdao area. Each room will have direct-dial international phone lines, private bathrooms and hot water will be available most of the day. Internet access in Ocean University dorm rooms is available through modems rented from the university. There are also numerous internet bars located near the dorms.

Program Costs

You are responsible for paying The Ohio State University tuition plus a $3,410 program fee. The program fee includes accommodation, visa application,cultural activities and excursions and international supplemental health insurance. It does not cover passport, airfare and travel to Qingdao, meals, textbooks, immunizations or personal expenses.

The actual cost for Ohio State to run this program is $4,410 per student; this cost is subsidized by the Office of International Affairs in the amount of $1,000 (subject to change).

For information about cancellation of participation in this program, please refer to OIA's Cancellation Policy.

Application Information

Applicants must submit the Office of International Affairs Study Abroad Application online via Buckeyelink. Please note that upon application, a $150 application fee will be assessed to your Statement of Account. The application fee will be refunded only if you are not accepted or submit a written request to withdraw your application prior to the application deadline.


Two academic references from recent GTA/professors must be submitted by the deadline in order for the application to be considered complete. The academic reference form is found at oia.osu.edu/pdf/AcademicReference.pdf.

Scholarship

Boren Scholarship - National Security Education Program (NSEP)

Special Petition Process

In the event that a U.S. Department of State travel warning is issued or already in place for this country, study abroad will be possible only by special petition.* The petition must be submitted one month before the application deadline. The Study Abroad Health & Safety Committee will review the petition. For further information, and to obtain the petition form, please contact the OIA study abroad coordinator.

Pre-Departure Orientation

All students will be required to participate in on-campus pre-departure orientations organized by the Office of International Affairs. These sessions will offer important information on travel, health, academic expectations, history and culture. The dates and locations of orientation meetings will be provided in the letter of acceptance.

Passports
Passports are required for every Ohio State study abroad program. For many study abroad destinations, passport information is required to apply for an entry visa (as early as 6 months prior to departure). For information about applying for a passport, go to travel.state.gov.

Websites
Ohio State Funding Opportunities: oia.osu.edu
U.S. Department of State: travel.state.gov (travel warnings/country specific information)
Centers for Disease Control: cdc.gov/travel (geographic health recommendations)
Intensive Chinese Language Study in Qingdao China: go.osu.edu/Qingdao

Contact Us
Information about Getting Started sessions and study abroad coordinator advising hours can be viewed at http://oia.osu.edu/study-abroad.html. Questions about study abroad programs can be directed to abroadadvisor@osu.edu. The Office of International Affairs is located in Oxley Hall, 1712 Neil Avenue.


*Ohio State reserves the right to change without notice any statement in this handout, concerning but not limited to rules, policies, tuition, fees, curricula, and courses. The Office of International Affairs reserves the right to cancel any program for which a State Department travel warning is in effect. It is the policy of Ohio State not to discriminate against any individual on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age or handicap in matters of admission, employment, housing, or services in the educational programs which it administers in accordance with civil rights legislation.