China: Culture+ Mandarin & Business
| Dates: | July 4– August 1, 2008 |
| Cost: | $4975 |
| Application deadline: | May 8, 2008 |
Program Overview
China is the world's most populous country, housing around 20% of the world's population on the 3rd largest landmass in the world. Harnessing these human and natural resources has propelled China into the forefront of the global business world. Mandarin is spoken by over a billion people throughout China and in the economic centers of many Asian countries. The US Department of State identified Chinese as a critical language for the coming years and of vital importance to US economic policy. This summer see for yourself the incredible power of this emerging giant on our Intrax China Culture+ program.
Intrax's Culture+ programs are college study abroad experiences that combine exciting local exploration, deep cultural immersion and intensive language study. Our month-long, credit-bearing academic program includes a customized curriculum of Chinese language, history and culture classes intertwined with Intercultural Competence (ICC) activities facilitated by an intercultural communication specialist. Intrax's unique new ICC curriculum enables students to identify and manage how cultural differences affect the way people interact and communicate. Our Culture+ program in China is designed to provide the platform for students to learn about intercultural understanding and communication in the classroom and to then apply these leanings in the field.
Your immersion into Chinese culture begins as soon as you land at Beijing International Airport, where you will join the throngs of China's movers and shakers as they jet around the world. Our China staff awaits you to accompany you to your hotel for a welcome dinner. The next day, after a morning orientation class to introduce you to your fellow students and staff, the group will enjoy a city tour of Beijing's most fascinating cultural landmarks. To set the tone of field-based learning, you will also have your first classes on Chinese history and current events while walking the Great Wall and visiting venues for the 2008 Olympic Games. Following your 3 days in Beijing, you head to Yunnan Normal University in Kunming, Yunnan province.
Kunming in Yunnan Province serves as your program base. Located in the southwestern region of China, Yunnan province is home to many different ethnic groups, amazing scenery, off-the-beaten path destinations and great food. The diverse ethnicities of this region give Yunnan a multi-cultural feeling not common in most parts of China.
Field-based learning will continue as your instructors use the province of Yunnan as your classroom. Learn the history of the Naxi people by visiting their homes and speaking with their historians. The Naxi have an intricate writing system similar to Egyptian hieroglyphics. Put your ICC skills to use as you navigate the ins and outs of eating Chinese style. Learn what bowl to use for your rice, where to place the bones, and how a lazy Susan works. You can use your language skills to decipher the myriad of road signs and banners.
Come to China and improve your Mandarin skills, build your intercultural competence, meet with emerging global companies and explore the country, customs and culture of China.
