Overview
Mandarin is the most widely spoken language in the world. In fact, it is the native language of one out of five people in the world. As more and more international corporations cover grounds in China, being able to speak this increasingly important language is definitely an asset. Where is the best place to learn Mandarin without feeling like a fish out of water? In Singapore, of course, where you can learn with ease in a bilingual environment.
Embark on a 6-week summer program learning Mandarin and Southeast Asian Studies in one of the region’s leading nation-cities – Singapore. In this program, you will attend a robust and fun 100 hours of basic Mandarin curriculum and 48 hours of Chinese and Southeast Asian history and cultural studies (conducted in English). Upon completion, you will have learned the basics in conversational, reading, and writing Mandarin skills. In addition, you will uncover the diversity and richness of Chinese and Southeast Asian cultures through lectures, films, documentaries, seminars, field trips and workshops.
This program is tailored to students of any discipline who wish to learn Mandarin and gain valuable insights into Southeast Asia during their summer break. No prior knowledge of the Mandarin language is required.
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Academics
View Class Schedule - subject to Change Learning Objectives
- To pick up the basics in conversational, reading and writing Mandarin skills.
- To appreciate the Chinese cultural heritage.
- To learn the history and culture of Southeast Asia.
What You Will Learn: You will learn the basics of Mandarin in daily morning lessons. In the afternoon, there will be lessons
on Chinese and Southeast Asian history and cultures. Learn the art and technique of brewing Chinese tea at a teahouse, ‘combat’ during Wushu (Chinese martial arts) sessions, attempt brushstrokes in our Chinese calligraphy class and discover the therapeutic power of acupuncture. There will also be lecture discourses covering the history and national identities of Southeast Asia, as well as the integration of people in the region.
Lessons are not confined to the classrooms. You will actively participate in fieldtrips to local museums and places of worships, attend workshops where you can sing and dance to traditional Balinese music, create your very own Batik art and embark on an archaeological tour. Through our film studies on Southeast Asia, you will also learn more about the region in an enjoyable and engaging manner.
Course Load
- 100 Hours of Mandarin (Conducted in Mandarin)
- 48 Hours of Chinese and Southeast Asian History and Cultural Studies (Conducted in English)
-Earn approximately 6 U.S. credits (dependent upon home university)
Certain afternoons are reserved for self-revision and recreational activities. There will also be plenty of chances during the weekends for you to explore Singapore and neighbouring islands and countries. Assessment Besides regular assignments, there will be an oral and written assessment for the Mandarin component only. Effective Class Size Mandarin classes will be kept at a maximum of 20 students to ensure quality and interactive participation. We may open up to a maximum of 5 classes.
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Course Schedule
To view the course schedule Click Here.
Housing
Students will stay in either a Dorm Style Accommodation (Metropolitan Y) or a Hostel Style Accommodation (Novena Hall). Housing assignments are based on availability, so other dorms/hostels may be used for placements as well.
Single rooms may be available, but are never guaranteed. Generally students will be placed in a twin-share or triple-share room.
EXAMPLES OF HOUSING OPTIONS:
Metropolitan Y
Metropolitan Y is a dormitory-style accommodation just 15 minutes from campus. Guests at The Metro-Y can enjoy hotel facilities (at The Metropolitan Y) like internet computer, free wireless internet access at lounge, self-operating launderette (with washer/dryer machines/iron/board), a restaurant and a sundry shop. There are also drinks/tidbits vending machines. Access to the Dormitory is secured with key card system.
Male and female dormitories are separate with male and female (key card access only) bathrooms at different floors. All guests have their own wardrobes with hangers, reading lights and lie on sturdy beds.
Novena Hall
Novena Hall is an international hostel located at Novena, just a few subway stations away from the school. Located at the heart of Newton, District 11, they are just a stone's throw away from the Novena MRT (subway), making it extremely convenient to commute to any part of the island. Only 5 minutes away from Orchard Road, this prime location commands a class of city dwelling with all modern amenities within reach and, yet the hostel provides a cozy and quiet living environment which only the people in Newton can be proud of.
There is free wireless internet on the ground floor lobby. Novena is well secured with access card and is clean and tidy.
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Fees
| Program Fees | $4,325.00 |
| Housing |
| Without Meals | housing included in program fee |
Fee Includes
Program Fees are in US dollars and include tuition, accommodation, course materials, orientation, fieldtrips, cultural activities, on-campus student fees, official transcript, overseas health coverage, introductory survival language training, program activities, and pre-trip services such as: orientation materials, personal advising, subject selections, liaison with your home university, credit transfer assistance, financial aid services, and alumni support.
Fee Semester
This fee applies to the Summer 2010 program and is subject to change.