Overview

GlobaLinks Learning Abroad, formerly known as AsiaLearn, offerses semester/year abroad programs with Sichuan University. A key national research university with a history of more than 100 years, Sichuan University is a comprehensive institution with the widest selection of disciplines in West China. 

Sichuan University enjoys a deep cultural background and eminent scholarly research tradition.

The university is dedicated to the internationalization of China’s higher education system and actively seeks opportunities for collaboration and scientific research with institutions of higher education and corporate partners all over the world. International students are valued and warmly welcomed to pursue academic studies at Sichuan University. 

*Students with advance Mandarin language skills check out the Confucius Institute Scholarship 2011!

Want to learn more about study abroad in China?

See what the GlobaLinks Learning Abroad Video Blogger, Lauren Lowe, saw while she attended Sichuan University.

Watch MORE VIDEOS from Lauren 

Location

Sichuan University is located in the heart of China's Sichuan region in Chengdu which is largely known as the gateway to the Tibetan Autonomous Region. Never heard of Chengdu, China? Well don't be fooled. This is a thriving metropolis of over 10 million people. Chengdu is the ideal place to an insiders look at one of the world’s most important economies. It won’t take long for Chengdu to feel like your home away from home with the friendly and curious locals, wide variety of food, and countless things to discover!

Academic Highlights

Sichuan University developed the Center of China Studies to specifically address the needs of international students who wish to learn about Chinese language and culture. This program offers a range of courses to meet the academic needs of students from a variety of academic areas and requires no prior language study. 
 

Courses are offered in:  

• Non-intensive Mandarin
• Intensive Mandarin
• Humanities
• Social Sciences
• Environmental Studies
• Arts
• Business

Actual courses offered vary each semester depending on student demand. See "Course Catalog" for a list of possible classes.

An intensive, language-only program is also available, with 20 hours of language instruction per week covering vocabulary, grammar, writing, reading, speaking, and listening. This program is designed for individuals who plan to become fluent in Chinese and can accommodate students from beginner to advanced level.

Student can enroll in a total of 17 credits per semester at Sichuan University.

To see course descriptions for Sichuan University courses, click on "Course Catalog" on the left. All classes included in the Center of China Studies are instructed in English. Language instruction in Mandarin is available each semester with levels ranging from beginner to advanced with multiple levels within each category. Students will be tested upon arrival to ensure that they are place in the appropriate class.

Housing

GlobaLinks Learning Abroad students attending Sichuan University are invited to live on-campus in student dormitories. Limited single and twin shared accommodation is available with private bathroom and shower. Bedding, desks, chairs, and Internet access is provided. Cafeterias and local restaurants are within close proximity to the dorms.

Bridging Cultures Program

GlobaLinks Learning Abroad semester/year participants will participate in a multi-day Bridging Cultures Program in Asia, prior to arriving at their host university. For more details on the Bridging Cultures Program CLICK HERE. 

Michelle Sieng from the University of Tulsa, put together a few videos from her experience during the fall 2009 Bridging Cultures Program in Beijing, China:

Scholarships Available

GlobaLinks Learning Abroad strives to offer the most reasonable abroad fees to Asia.  To further enhance the affordability of the semester/year study abroad programs, we encourage you to apply for scholarships through all available scholarship sources.  Learn more about our scholarship opportunities.

Special Programs/Excursions

Excursions

Sichuan University provides all GlobaLinks Learning Abroad students with activities and excursions to places of significant interest (varies by semester). Some excursions are complimentary and others may have nominal charges. 

Example excursions include:

• The Three Kingdom’s Museum and Temple
• Tang Dynasty poet Du Fu’s Residence
• Archaeology Museum of Sanxingdui
• The Panda Research Center
• Leshan Giant Buddha
• Sichuan Opera (see video below)
• Mt . Emei – one of the four sacred Buddhist mountains in China

GlobaLinks Learning Abroad participants may also choose to participate in optional, organized and affordable tours that are designed to be fun and educational. Examples include touring the Tibet Autonomous Region and the Silk Road. 

Friendship Family Program with local Chinese families: All GlobaLinks Learning Abroad participants have the option of spending time with local families.  The Friendship Family experience provides students with a deeper understanding of Chinese family life and allows for greater cultural interaction and language skill development.

Get Involved Abroad

Community Involvement

While abroad, we recommend getting involved in your local community. It's an awesome way to meet locals, experience the true Chinese culture, and create long lasting memories. From volunteering to festival-going, we challenge you to make the most of your international experience... See a how to live like a local and become involved with community activities available in China or discover your own upon arrival!

You'll get a taste of how enriching community involvement can be during your first few days in China on GlobaLinks Learning Abroad's Bridging Cultures Program. The program includes one day of pre-arranged volunteering with the local community. You'll interact directly with locals while giving back to and sharing your own culture with the community that first welcomes you to China.  Plus, you can continue your volunteer efforts throughout the semester making a profound impact on the local community.  

Maximize your study abroad experience by getting involved at your host university, joining a club, or volunteering in your community.

Cultural Integration is an important part of your study abroad experience. There is no better way to learn more about the country, culture and people; make new friends; and become part of the community then to

Get Involved and Get Connected.         

 Learn how other students have been involved: Hear from Our Students

Enhance your Experience

Global Citizens Development Modules

The new Global Citizen Development modules are online learning components designed to help you explore your study abroad destination and experience at a whole new level. These modules are not mandatory, however we strongly encourage your participation as they will introduce you to the opportunities and challenges you may encounter when participating in a study abroad program, as well as expose you to cultural insights and knowledge about your host country to help make your program abroad even more successful and fulfilling. Through the 3 modules, you will refine your skills in cross-cultural observation, adaptation, and communication. 

Learn the Local Language!

• LiveMocha - Prior to departure you will receive information and instruction for, LiveMocha, an online language learning program to help you learn your host language. Learn at varying levels and at your own speed. Get started now!
• Lonely Planet Guide & Phrase Book - For both language learning and culture/history/country specific inforamton you will receive a Lonely Planet Guide and Phase book before departure, which will allow you to start planning your adventures and learning how to communicate with locals.
• Additional Language Resources - To even further your language skill take a look at some of these optional language learning tools.
• Basic language practice during the GlobaLinks Learning Abroad Bridging Cultures Program (BCP) - for semester/year programs students will participate in the GlobaLinks Learning Abroad BCP and have the opportunity to practice their language skills and learn a few new words through interaction with locals.

Course Catalog

Slideshow

GlobaLinks Learning Abroad students study abroad at Sichuan University in Chengdu, China during the semester/year and summer program (Tibetan Studies and Mandarin Language). See Chengdu through their eyes.

Fees

Fee Includes

Program Fees are in US dollars and include tuition for 12-16 credits, accommodation, on-campus student fees, official transcript, overseas health coverage, airport pick up charges, introductory survival language training, in-country AsiaLearn Bridging Cultures Program, pre-trip services such as: orientation materials, visa-processing service and fee, personal advising, subject selections, liaison with your home university, credit transfer assistance, financial aid services, and alumni support.

Fee Advice

Dates

Entry Requirements

Programs in Asia Coordinator

Name: Krista Lane Title: Coordinator, Outreach and Student Services Department: BIO: Krista holds an M.A. in Political Science with a B.A. in Political Science and Spanish, and a minor in International Relations. She studied abroad her junior year of college in Sevilla, Spain, and having traveled internationally since an early age, seeks every opportunity to go to new destinations. Having previously worked as a university advisor in multiple capacities, Krista has developed a passion for international education and looks forward to helping students discover their own journey. Other travels include: Costa Rica, Mexico, Australia, New Zealand, Germany, Switzerland, Ireland, England, Italy, Austria, Singapore, Laos, and Vietnam.