academic programacademic program
Students have 2.5 hours of language training per day offered by arrangement with the School of International Cultural Exchange. This course is offered at beginner, intermediate and advance levels. The course integrates listening, speaking, reading and writing to teach students to communicate effectively. A Chinese university student is paired with each Gap student for language tutorial and socialization.
Gap Year Abroad students attend a seminar facilitated by a native speaker instructor entitled "Discovering China through Culture and Society" that meets one hour per week. Participants are required to read introductory books and articles related to Chinese culture and society, and to discuss them in the seminar. Students are required to complete all assignments related to the course. Students are also required to keep a journal reflecting their experiences while living, studying, volunteering and traveling in China. Fieldtrips, site visits and cultural activities are organized to give students maximum exposure to Chinese culture and society.