Education

Study in China

Foreign students comprise one of the largest parts of China's expatriate population. Semester- and yearlong programs aimed at foreign students, especially Chinese-language courses, are increasing in number all the time; many are in Beijing, but Harbin, Najing, Shanghai, and many smaller cities also run programs.

To study in China for up to 6 months, you will need an "F" visa; an "X" visa is required for students planning to stay for 6-12 months. The latter subset also needs to obtain residence permits; the process entails a health exam that includes an HIV test. To obtain either visa, you will need a letter of invitation and a JW202 form (further confirmation that you are indeed welcome at the school you will attend) from a school or university in China. Study abroad programs operating in China usually assist participants with getting visas and residence permits. Students enrolling directly in a Chinese university will need to get both of the relevant forms from that university and include those in their visa applications.

UNIVERSITIES AND LANGUAGE PROGRAMS. Foreign universities or independent international or local organizations, in cooperation with Chinese universities run many foreign language programs. Whether looking for a summer program or a year abroad, most American undergraduates enroll in programs sponsored by U.S. universities. However, if your Chinese is already proficient, applying directly to Chinese universities can be much cheaper than an American university program, though it can be hard to transfer academic credit. Schools that offer study abroad programs to foreigners are listed below.

China Scholarship Council, 160 Fuxingmennei Dajie, Beijing 100031 (tel. (010) 6641 3249; fax 6641 3198; email webmaster@csc.edu.cn.; www.csc.edu.cn/), a subsidiary of the State Education Commission of China. Provides financial support and resources for Chinese citizens wishing to study abroad and for foreign students wishing to study in China. Maintains a comprehensive directory of Chinese universities admitting foreign students (www.csc.edu.cn/foreign_stul.htm#dir).

The Hopkins-Nanjing Center for Chinese and American Studies, Washington Office, 1619 Massachusetts Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20036-2213 (tel. (202) 663 5800; fax

663 7729; email nanjing@jhu.edu; www.sais-jhu.edu/nanjing), is a joint venture of Johns Hopkins University and Nanjing University providing one year of graduate study for Chinese, American, and international students in Chinese and American social sciences. Also offers summer language programs.

Council on International Educational Exchange (CIEE), 205 East 42nd St., New York, NY 10017 (tel. 888 COUNCIL (268 6245); fax (212) 822 2699; www.ciee.org), CIEE hosts study abroad programs in Beijing, Hong Kong, Nanjing, Shanghai, and Taipei. The organization also arranges teaching positions in China.

CET Academic Programs, 1000 16th St. NW, Suite 350, Washington, DC 20036 (tel. 800 225 4262; fax (202) 342 0317; email cet@academic-travel.com; www.cetacademicprograms.com/). Runs academic year language programs in Beijing and Harbin and a summer language program in Nanjing.

Princeton in Beijing, 211 Jones Hall, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544-1008 (tel. (609) 258 4269; fax 258 6984; email pib@phoenix.princeton.edu; www.princeton.edu/-pib). Summer-long intensive Mandarin programs in conjunction with Beijing Normal University.

School for International Training, Kipling Rd., P.O. Box 676, Brattleboro, VT 05302 (tel. 800 336 1616 or (802) 258 3267; fax 258 3500; www.worldlearning.org). Runs a semester-long program in Kunming, and a program in Dharamsala, India for those interested in Tibetan language or cultural studies. Programs run US$10,500-11,500, all expenses included. Financial aid available; U.S. financial aid is transferable. Also runs the Experiment in International Living, Summer Programs (tel. 800 345-2929; fax (802) 258 3428; email eil@worldlearning.org). Arranges 4-week travel programs to China for high school students. Programs run US$1800-5000. Positions as group leaders are available world-wide for college graduates with strong in-country experienced language skills for the host country and experience working with high school students.