What I'm Doing In China

Nee Hao,

Of course once everyone finds out I'm going to China there's this list of questions of what I will be doing there. Basically it's studying abroad for a semester..... I will be taking classes, and will also get a Business Internship while there. Additionally, I'll be spending 1 week in a rural part of China teaching English to kids, and will also be taking a couple tours throughout the country to see famous places like the Great Wall, the Summer Palace, the Forbidden City, Tian’anmen Square, the Temple of Heaven and the Terra Cotta Soldiers.
The classes I'll be taking are as follows:



Chinese (Mandarin)
This course in introductory Chinese focuses on acquiring survival fluency in spoken and written Chinese. The emphasis is on the spoken form of Mandarin Chinese, the national language of China.

Chinese History
One-third of this seminar course consists of lectures, one-third consists of presentations by the students about one significant event or person in Chinese history, and one-third consists of field trips to historical sites. The course covers the history of China from its earliest beginnings to the present. Students become familiar with the major dynasties of China, their character, contributions and their major figures.

Intercultural Communication
This course covers issues intended to help students understand and adjust to Chinese culture. Focus is given to how our students demonstrate their beliefs in their daily lives within the context of China. Topics include culture and basic values, culture shock, introductory linguistics, contextualization and factors involved in successful cross-cultural interaction.

Contemporary Society & Public Policy
This course examines two key and inter-related aspects of modern China: government policy and economic reforms. Public Policy covers the structure of the Chinese government, social rights and the legal system, and issues such as ethnic minorities, family planning and education. Economic Development focuses on the government policies from 1949 to the present, from the commune system to the current market-oriented reforms.

International Business in China
In this course, students hear talks covering issues such as fair and ethical business practices and the factors involved in out-sourcing jobs to China. Students will also prepare a paper in which they describe and analyze the differences in the way that an American or international company markets its products or its franchise in China.

Business Internship
The Internship will place students in job placements that will provide meaningful work experience for the three-week internships, working full-time (40+hrs/week) for either Western or Chinese companies in the city of Xiamen

Tai Chi
This physical education course emphasizes traditional Chinese forms of stylized self-defense, which tones the body and concentrates the mind. Exercises may focus on either the gentler form of tai chi, or on the more vigorous wu shu.



Basically, that will be 17-18 credits. so I'll actually have to do homework this semester. Hope that tells you a bit about what I'll be doing in China, aside from the obvious reason of going to
take pictures and buy every black market electronic item I see.

so be it,

Sam Mahtani