Office of International Programs
Rollins in Shanghai
NOTE: Rollins in Shanghai - offered Fall only
Click here for a powerpoint presentation on the program!!!!
Program Overview
The “open and reform” economic policies introduced 30 years ago have now fully entrenched China as a global economic superpower. With its recent entry into the World Trade Organization and successful hosting of the 2008 Summer Olympics, China’s economic and political influence in the international community is certain to expand in the 21st century. For today’s students and working professionals, an in-depth knowledge and understanding of Chinese culture and language, political trends, economic policies, and business practices is an essential prerequisite for success in tomorrow’s global political economy.
The Rollins in Shanghai curriculum was designed for Rollins students pursuing an East Asian major/minor but is also popular with other students in many disciplines because it allows them to make optimum use of their time in the "Middle Kingdom" through special courses that include numerous field trips and excursions to places of historical and cultural interest. The goal of the semester is to introduce students to all aspects China and Chinese life from the urban centers to the rural countryside.
The program is facilitated by EducAsian, a study abroad organization with 15 years experience developing and implementing high-quality rigorous academic programs in China. Students experience the benefits of studying on the campus of host institution, Shanghai Jiao Yong University, with access to all campus facilities and activities, as well as the support of a full time Program Director and local staff. This program is appropriate for sophomores, juniors and seniors with an interest in China and/or East Asia. Please click here for a brochure with more information.
The cost of the program is the same as Rollins College semester tuition, double room, board and fees. For a list of these costs, click here to access A&S Student Financial Information and download the handbook. Included in the semester cost is the round-trip group flight from the West Coast, room, board and tuition costs in Shanghai, field trips and excursions.
Shanghai
Always a bustling commercial hub and a romantic city, Shanghai today is a thriving metropolis complete with towering skyscrapers in Pudong and glitzy malls along Nanjing Road. Home to many international companies' branch offices, Shanghai is the economic and financial capitol of China. Shanghai is also the birthplace of many of China's political leaders from Jiang Zemin to Zhu Rongji. The city remains an important seat of government, and Chinese leaders look to Shanghai to spearhead China's economic growth.
Shanghai is, however, not all modern glitz; it is also home to a number of significant cultural and historical sights. The new Shanghai museum houses one of the most impressive collections of art in China. From the museum's architecture to the excellent format of the exhibits, this museum is definitely not to be missed.
Whether wandering through the narrow alleys of French Town, strolling along the Bund at night, gazing at the view from the Oriental Pearl TV tower, lighting incense at the Jade Buddha Temple, or shopping in the Yu Gardens Bazaar, Shanghai clearly has all the charms of China's past and the promise of China's future.
Shanghai Jiao Tong University
Founded in 1896, Shanghai Jiao Tong University is one of China’s premier institutions of higher education and research consistently ranking in the top 4 universities in China. It has six different campuses in the Shanghai area and over 30,000 total students. The Rollins in Shanghai program is hosted at the “main” campus in downtown Shanghai’s Xu Jia Hui district, a bustling vibrant area with easy access to public transportation (subways, buses, etc.), restaurants, shopping, nightlife, and all that Shanghai has to offer.
Calendar
The program is offered in Fall Semester only. The semester begins in late-August, with a one-week break in mid-October (Chinese National Day), and course work ends the last week of November after which there is a 2-week travel component. Students will return home to the US in mid-December.
Dates
FALL 2009
Thursday, August 27 International Departures
Friday, August 28 Arrive Shanghai
Saturday & Sunday, August 29 & 30 Orientation
Monday, August 31 Courses begin
Friday-Sunday, September 11-13 Suzhou Weekend Excursion
Friday-Sunday, September 25-27 Nanjing Weekend Excursion
Thursday, October 8 Midterm Exams
October 10-16 Midterm Excursion (Xian/Beijing)
Friday-Sunday, Oct 30-Nov 1 Hangzhou Excursion
Thursday, November 26 Last Day of Classes
November 28-December 12 Final Excursion (Yunnan/Yangshuo)
Sunday, December 13 International Departures/US Arrivals
Deadline
Fall Semester 2010 Deadline: February 5, 2010
$1000 program deposit due upon application and/or on deadline date.
Photos
Coming soon!
Courses
Students will enroll in two or three “content” courses and Mandarin Chinese. Additional students will have mandatory two hours of weekly of 1-on-1 tutoring in Chinese. Students who complete the Fall Semester in Shanghai receive semester hour credits. The following courses are awarded letter grades and four course units.
US-China Relations (counts as a "D" GenEd)
The relationship of the United States and China dates from 19th century imperialism, deep involvement in the Chinese civil war, direct conflict over Korea, Cold War confrontation in the 1950s and 1960s, to close strategic and economic partnership after 1972. This course will provide students with a historical perspective on this relationship and examine in detail the contemporary issues and problems in U.S.-China interactions. These will include: Taiwan, North Korea and Japan, deepening trade and financial relations, competition over global energy, competing views on global problems such as global warming and human rights, and adjusting to shifting power relationships. Students will have ample opportunities for experiential learning by interviewing their counterparts and other Chinese about their views of the U.S., and U.S. and China relations.
Chinese History & Culture (counts as a "C" GenEd)
This course provides students an overview of Chinese history and culture, tracing the evolution of Chinese history and culture from ancient times to present. The overview of Chinese history delineates a clear story line from ancient times to present, which serves as a contextual framework for discussing major themes and topics of Chinese culture. The themes and topics on Chinese culture include formation and evolution of Chinese identity, Chinese political, economic and social systems, Chinese philosophical and religious traditions, Chinese education system, Chinese literature and arts and major Chinese customs and habits.
Chinese Business & Economic Development
This course focuses on the economic and business environments in China and how they influence companies doing business there. Designed to provide the students with an overseas learning experience about the international business environment of China, and the Shanghai area in particular, this course grounds the classroom learning with opportunities to engage with Chinese businesses to see how it works in the real world. In addition, each student will build an in depth knowledge of the business and economic aspects which affect investment strategies, entrepreneurship opportunities, and technological development in China. Shanghai’s expansion directly correlates to its resurgence as an economic powerhouse.
Mandarin Chinese (all levels)
Although the courses are taught on the campus of the Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Chinese students are not enrolled in these classes. The courses have been designed for the Rollins in Shanghai program.
Field Trips/Excursions
The Rollins in Shanghai program includes numerous local cultural excursions and site visits in the Shanghai area.
Additionally, the program includes extensive cultural excursions outside of Shanghai. There will be three weekend excursions to:
There will also be two extended cultural experiences, one during the post midterm break and the other at the conclusion of course work and final exams. These will include:
- Midterm break: Xian & Beijing
- Final Excursion: Yunnan & Guilin/Yangshuo
Faculty and Staff
The faculty and staff of the Rollins in Shanghai program will include Rollins faculty and EducAsian Resident Director and local staff. Rollins faculty will include Professor Yusheng Yao who will teach both the Chinese History & Culture course as well as the US-China Relations course.
The Resident Director is Peter Jacobsen, a native of Denmark and long-time resident of Shanghai with many years experience working with American university students and programs. Assisting Peter and Professor Yao is a wonderful local staff. As the program is relatively small, a caring, friendly bond generally develops between the faculty and students.
Orientation
Students are met by Rollins in Shanghai Resident Director and/or local staff at the airport. There is an intensive two day orientation program which introduces students to the faculty and staff, to the program, the university and the city.
Housing
All Rollins in Shanghai program participants will be housed in the dormitories of Shanghai Jiao Tong University. Accommodations will include choice of single room with shared bathroom on each floor or double room with bathroom. All rooms have telephones, TV, air conditioning, heat, etc.
Application Information
Students apply through their FoxLink account. Click on the "Student" tab. On the left side, there is a "Study Abroad" section. Please click on Rollins International Programs Application (RIPA). You will be prompted to create a new application. Once you have created an application, please come in to the Office of International Programs during walk-in hours, Monday thru Thursday 1 - 4 pm & Friday from 9 - 11:30 am.
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