Program Site
Nanjing University is located in Nanjing, a former Chinese capital and a city rich in history. Nanjing is situated in a densely populated region which has long been the "breadbasket" of China. The region contains many cities of historical and cultural importance, such as Wuxi, Suzhou, Hangshou, and Yangzhou, which are easily explored in one-or two-day trips from Nanjing. Known as "Nanda," Nanjing University is ranked as one of the best comprehensive universities in China with a student body of over 10,000 Chinese students. Since 1980, several thousand foreign students have been welcomed to the University. Typically, over 200 foreign students from around the world live and work with their fellow Chinese students on this residential campus in the tree-lined heart of Nanjing.

Academic Program Highlights
The program at Nanjing University offers students a chance to explore China and take language and cultural courses at an introductory level. All students take courses in Chinese language and Culture and choose from three other courses on China which are taught in English by bilingual Nanjing University faculty members. Students may take Beginning Mandarin or, after appropriate placement testing, intermediate or advanced level Chinese language courses. Lecture courses include: Geography of China, Survey of China's History, Survey of Chinese Literature, and Chinese Culture and Society. The program includes an experiential co-curriculum designed to facilitate language acquisition and expand knowledge of Chinese culture through faculty-led field trips to important historical sites as well as to temples, museums, schools, gardens, and a mosque. A one-week field trip to the capital, Beijing, to visit its many historical sites is featured every semester. As part of the orientation program, students match up with Orientation Hosts, English-speaking Nanda students who act as "cultural interpreters" for American students while they improve their English skills. Through this exchange, students are introduced to Nanda, Student Life there, and activities both on and off campus.

Program Duration
Fall: August 27 - December 18
Spring: Feburaury 14 - June 18

Application Deadlines*
May 15 (Fall)
November 30 (Spring)

*Note: Contact Rio Salado College for exact dates.

Transcripts
For all courses taken at the Nanjing University where there are equivalent courses in the MCCCD, the official record for those credits will be posted on the MCCCD, Rio Salado College, transcript.

Eligibility
This program is open to students at sophomore or higher standing with a GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale, 3 letters of recommendation; statement of purpose.

Student Life
Students live in a modern 20-floor high-rise building operated by the Nanda Institute for International Students. Students live together in dormitory-style rooms for two with other international students from all over the world. The dorm has hot water bathrooms, cooking facilities, and laundry services. Located just off the main Nanda campus, the dormitory also has a foreign student/teacher cafeteria, a library, reading rooms, a Xerox and typing room, a weight training and ping pong room, and a small convenience shop and e-mail bar. All student activities at Nanda are open to foreign students, and many students use bikes to explore the city.

Costs
The cost of a semester may vary as changes occur in the economies and currencies of the U.S. and China. The factors listed below are used to calculate program costs.

  • Tuition at Rio Salado College (assessed according to the student's residency status).
  • Program costs in China, including instruction, housing, application and orientation fees, insurance, books and field trips.
  • Transportation to China.
Financial Aid
Any financial aid for which students are eligible during the course of their study at Rio Salado College, including Pell Grants, can be used toward the cost of the program in China.

For More Information
Office of International Education
Rio Salado College
2323 W. 14th St.
Tempe, AZ 85281
(480) 517-8416
(480) 517-8849 Fax
Contact: Erma Abeyta, Director of International Programs
OIE@riomail.maricopa.edu