Program Overview
Considered by many to be the most dynamic and influential city in Asia, Shanghai is the leading force driving the powerhouse Chinese economy forward into the 21st century. The first coast port to be opened to western trade, it has been one of the world’s most cosmopolitan cities since the 1920’s. Considering the many facets of Shanghai’s role in modern China, the program is actually several programs in one, each with an individual focus on contemporary Chinese society.

The program includes numerous guided excursions in and near Shanghai, such as the Yuyuan Garden, the Pudong New Area, art museums, the Urban Planning Exhibition Hall and the former foreign settlements and concessions. They will also visit the nearby city of Suzhou, famous for its gardens and the lake city of Hangzhou with beautiful temples and pagodas. There is a five-day excursion to Beijing, where they will have the opportunity to climb the Great Wall and walk through the Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square.

Faculty Director
Dr. Longxing Wei is a professor of Linguistics at MSU. He received his B.A. in English and M.A. in English Language and Literature from East China Normal University, and his Ph.D. in Linguistics from the University of South Carolina. A native of Shanghai, he was formerly a faculty member of East China Normal University. He has published numerous works about second language acquisition, bilingualism and biculturalism, and is the graduate advisor of Applied Linguistics at MSU.

Accommodations and Meals
In Shanghai, students will be housed in the International Students Residence of Shanghai Normal University, in double rooms with private bathrooms. Students may purchase meals at the very inexpensive university cafeterias. During the five-day tour portion of the program, students will be housed in double occupancy rooms in 3-star hotels with meals provided

Academics - (click here for 2007 pre-enrollment form)
All participants register for either Introduction to Chinese Civilization or Chinese language, taught in English by faculty of Shanghai Normal University, with guest lectures from other experts. The civilization course will introduce the evolving history of the Chinese experience and the underlying mental set of principles of the people and the society. Chinese language will be offered at beginning, intermediate and advanced levels.

The linguistics courses include Language and Culture and Selected Topics in (Applied) Linguistics: Language Policy, Language Planning, and Language Change, taught by Dr. Longxing Wei of Montclair State University. The Language and Culture course will introduce cross-linguistic and cross-cultural studies of the intimate connection between language and culture. The Selected Topics in Linguistics course will explore the problems facing multilingual societies, with a focus on the historical and social background of Chinese language reforms and outcomes, and the phenomena of language change in contemporary Chinese.

Students wishing to discuss other course options and independent study should contact the professors directly. Note: Study Abroad programs fulfill GNED 303 (one of the Contemporary Issues "Core" courses in GenEd 2002).

Program Cost
Approximately $3,300 plus tuition and fees for six credits. The program cost covers:

• Roundtrip airfare
• Transportation within China by train
• Double room in student residence, with private bath
• Double room in 3* hotel in Beijing with meals
• Visa service and fees
• Local field trips in Shanghai and Suzhou

• Non-refundable deposit: $ 100
• By February 15, 2007: $900
• By March 15, 2007: $1,000
• By April 15, 2007: $1,300