Overview

GlobaLinks Learning Abroad, formerly known as AsiaLean, has a semester/year abroad program with Minzu University! Minzu University of China is one of China’s most important comprehensive universities, and one of the country's 38 key government supported institutions of higher education. The Humanities is its main focus and Ethnic Studies is its defining specialty, ranking first in China. It is the only university in China where all of China’s 56 ethnic groups are represented in its faculty and student body. Minzu University is also one of the most well-known institutions in China for teaching Chinese as a foreign language. It is one of the first eight universities in China that enrolled international students and began teaching and researching Chinese as a foreign language.The campus is located in the university district of Beijing near the National Library of China and the Chinese ‘Silicon Valley’ known as the Zhongguancun High-Technology Industry Base. The campus has a garden-like characteristic, and public transportation is convenient with subway access at the entrance to campus.

General information applicable to all GlobaLinks Learning Abroad Semester and Year Abroad Programs 

Use the left-hand navigation for information specific to this program.

Want to learn more about study abroad at Minzu University or elsewhere?

Location

China is a country with an ancient history, a brilliant civilization, and beautiful landscapes. China is often touted as having one of the world’s oldest surviving civilization whose people have shared a common culture for more than 5,000 years. Philosophers, emperors, foreign conquerors, political leaders, and civil war have all left their marks on China’s colorful history, but the people’s culture has endured and remained constant. As their civilization developed, the people excelled in science and artistic expression. Many examples have endured the test of time and are revered today as national treasures and historical sites.

Read more about the dynamic culture that Beijing offers.

Over 30 sites in China are now World Heritage listed and protected. They include ancient architectural complexes and a number of historical relics, forming an important basis for the study of China’s ancient culture and history. In recent years, China has emerged from isolation and captured the attention of the world by accomplishing astonishing technical achievements and driving their economy at a dazzling pace. The blending of ancient traditions, technological advancement, economic reform, and government control is creating a new China that is dynamic and cannot be defined in conventional ways. There is no argument that China will continue to make a significant impact on world affairs, but just how and to what extent is the topic of much debate. For more information on China, visit the Destinations section.

LEARN MORE ABOUT CHINA

Academic Highlights

Minzu University with its signature strength in language instruction and Chinese Ethnic Studies is the ideal university for hosting visiting international students.

All participants will enroll in intensive Chinese language instruction (9 credits), along with an ethnic studies course entitled, The Nationalities of China: A country comprised of 56 ethnic groups (3 credits). Participants may be able to also select an additional English-taught subject or participate in a part-time internship (subject to availability).

Additional Subjects: Additional subjects will likely be offered in the fields of; Ethnic Studies, Chinese Studies, Asian Studies, and Asian Business Studies.

Excursion: Cultural excursions are led every other Saturday where participants will interact with other visiting and local students attending both Minzu University and Peking University.

Housing

All GlobaLinks Learning Abroad students are housed on campus in the student dormitories with private bathroom and shower. Students can choose to live in a Single or Double, OR a Triple share with a Chinese roommate. Rooms are climate controlled and include bedding, desks, chairs, and Internet access. Cafeterias and local restaurants are within close proximity to the dorms.

Meals are not included in the program fees.

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:

Michelle departs Tulsa and arrives                          Tackling the Great Wall             
              in Beijing

                                        Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square
 

Scholarships Available

GlobaLinks Learning Abroad strives to offer the most reasonable fees to study abroad in 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.

Minzu Scholarship

In support of Michelle Obama and the “100,000 Strong Initiative” to increase the number of U.S. students studying abroad in China, GlobaLinks Learning Abroad will be providing every student who is accepted for and participates in our Fall 2011 or Spring 2012 semester at Minzu University a scholarship in the amount of $1,500.  

*No scholarship application is required, as ALL students will receive this scholarship just for participating in the Minzu program during the Fall 2011 and Spring 2012 semesters as part of the pioneering year.

Special Programs/Excursions

Along with the Ethnic Studies course there will be an optional 2-week Study Tour (at an additional cost).

The tour may vary each semester, but will involve hands-on learning along with the opportunity to explore other parts of China while learning about the different ethnicities and cultures of the other cities/regions of China. Below is an example of one study tour.

Ethnic Minorities Study Tour goes to:

1. Xi'an 
2. Chengdu 
3. Lijiang 
4. Dali 
5. Kunming
    

Get Involved Abroad

Extracurricular Activities

Cultural excursions are led every other Saturday where participants will interact with other visiting and local students attending both Minzu University and Peking University.

Volunteer Activities

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.

GlobaLinks Learning Abroad has collected some resources to help you make the most of your time abroad: 

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 AsiaLearn BCP and have the opportunity to practice their language skills and learn a few new words through interaction with locals.

Course Catalog

To determine if the classes you need are available at this university, select ‘Courses/Subjects’ to view the specific course options.

Slideshow

Fees

Fee Includes

Program Fees are in US dollars and include tuition for 12-16 credits, on-campus student fees, official transcript, overseas health coverage, airport pick up charges, introductory survival language training, in-country GlobaLinks Learning Abroad 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.