Education Abroad & Exchange - China

Why Study Abroad in China?

Mandarin is the most widely spoken language in the world with approximately 836 million native speakers.
U.S. trade with China and Taiwan is increasing.
China and Taiwan are among the top eight export destinations for products from Massachusetts.
Asian countries are playing a large role in the struggle over resources around the world.
If you have a first-hand knowledge of Chinese languages, cultures, and history, your knowledge and experience will be a tremendous asset in your future career.
You may have personal and family reasons for wanting to study in China or Taiwan.
You may be able to earn an Asian Studies or Asian American Studies Certificate.
You may be able to pursue an internship in editing/publishing.

What Can the UMass Program and Partner Offer You?

Affordable access to high-quality language programs.
Locations in major cities (Beijing, Shanghai, Nanjing, Hong Kong, Xi'an, and Taichung).
Several scholarships for UMass students applying to study in China.
Semester/Year/Summer program choices.
Accepting UMass Financial Aid packages towards study abroad in most cases.

Chinese Minors/Majors

Chinese majors and minors are strongly encouraged to consider spending a year, semester or summer immersed in Chinese language and culture. There is no adequate substitute for this immersion. Returning Chinese majors/minors speak enthusiastically of their increased abilities in speaking, listening, reading and writing. They gain new perspectives on Chinese culture and history as well as gaining new perspectives on their own culture and history. Students are often able to receive credit not only towards language requirements in the major and minor, but also towards courses in other groupings. UMass students should contact Prof. Al Cohen, Chief Undergraduate Advisor for Chinese, for advice on satisfying major requirements while abroad. To make an appointment, email or call (cohen@asianlan.umass.edu, 545-4954) or stop by his office in Herter Hall during office hours.

The UMass Program + Partner

The University of Massachusetts has been sending students to study in China since 1980, soon after educational exchanges with the People's Republic of China resumed in 1979 following normalization of diplomatic relations between our two countries.

UMass has partnered with the Council on International Educational Exchange (CIEE) one of the oldest and most experienced non-profits in the U.S. to offer programs abroad for undergraduates. CIEE has four sites in China (and one in Taiwan) described briefly on this website or you can go directly to the CIEE web page for more information.

In Beijing:
1. Peking University
2. Central University of Nationalities
In Shanghai: East China Normal University
In Nanjing: Nanjing University

UMass maintains relationships with two Chinese universities which offer Chinese Language programs for foreign students: Beijing Foreign Studies University, and Shaanxi Normal University in Xi'an.

UMass students who are looking for intensive language programs from beginner to advanced are well-served at the CIEE sites. Students who are taking 2nd year intensive Chinese and have a very adventurous spirit may want to consider applying to Shaanxi Normal University. The Asian Languages, Literatures & Cultures Department strongly supports students who want to study Chinese intensively and recommend that students in their 2nd or 3rd year of language study participate in an immersion experience in Chinese language in order to progress beyond the "intermediate plateau" often encountered by those studying Chinese.

UMass students who are looking for content courses taught in English in a variety of fields can first focus on The Chinese University of Hong Kong, where a wide range of courses are available, including courses in Mandarin, Cantonese and Japanese.

UMass students who are looking for SUMMER INTENSIVE LANGUAGE programs should check the Beijing Foreign Studies University and Fudan University descriptions. Students should also consult the UMass Taiwan flyer for a description of the Tunghai University summer program. Student feedback rates this program most highly for teachers and small class size