Associated Colleges in China (ACC) is an intensive Chinese language program with summer, fall, and spring terms of study, administered by the Hamilton College and hosted by Capital University of Economics and Business (CUEB) in Beijing. ACC offers a unique program filled with opportunities, and while off-campus study is not required of CHJA majors, the department strongly advises all of its students to study abroad.
Enrollment and Eligibility
It must be emphasized that ACC is a language-intensive program with an extremely rigorous study schedule. Students should expect to spend most of their time during the program attending classes, completing assignments, and studying. Strict attendance policies and the students' language pledge not to speak their native language are upheld by professors and by the field director.
ACC accepts 35 to 40 undergraduate and graduate students each year. Courses are offered for both intermediate and advanced students who wish to study Chinese in an intensive program during the summer, fall and/or spring. ACC three terms for the 2000- 2001 school year are:
Summer (June 23-August 19)
Fall (August 29-December 1)
Spring (January 28-May 13)
Students beginning their second year of Chinese must enroll in the summer term, since that is the only time when second year Chinese is offered. Students who are beginning their third or fourth year of Chinese may enroll in the summer, fall or spring terms.
It has been the experience of ACC's faculty and most graduates that five to six months of continuous study and residence in Beijing is the minimum needed to attain fluency in the language. For this reason, we strongly encourage summer students to continue in the fall term if at all possible. We will enroll summer-only students on a space-available basis -- but, for the pedagogical reasons cited above, students enrolling for summer & fall, fall & spring, or for the 15 week spring term will have priority.
Applications for the summer, summer & fall, and fall & spring terms must be received no later than March 1, 2000. Applications for the spring term must be received no later than October 15, 2000. All applications will be considered on a rolling basis. The application fee of $40 is non-refundable. Late applications are accepted only if space is available. For application forms, please write to:
Associated Colleges in China
Hamilton College
198 College Hill Road
Clinton, NY 13323
Tel.: (315) 859-4326 or (315) 859-4778
Fax: (315) 859- 4687
Email: acchina@hamilton.edu
Instructional Format
The daily course schedule follows the following format:
Large Group Lecture and Drill: The primary teacher explains and drills the grammar and vocabulary of the day's lesson. Approximately 10 students per class.
Small Group Drill and Discussion: Students engage in further practice in a class of no more than five students.
Two-on-One Conversation: Conversation, debate, and discussion of the topics assigned for that day in a class of two students and one instructor.
One-on-One Individual Class: Students have the chance to improve their linguistic competence by interacting individually with a trained teacher.
Curriculum
The curriculum, designed and supervised by experienced American college professors, focuses on studying the Chinese language through individualized instruction with a high level of participation and interaction. The curriculum is designed so that the material taught in the classroom can be used outside of the classroom. Students are encouraged to interact with local Chinese citizens in order to increase the students' understanding of Chinese culture and society and to practice the language skills learned in the classroom.
Language classes normally meet four hours daily, five days a week, each day including one hour of lecture, one hour of drill, a one hour conversation session (two-on-one), and a one hour individual session (one-on-one). In addition, office hours are scheduled in the evening. Every Friday, the program also includes a language practicum and a language table at which students can practice their language skills with both classmates and teachers. Students should be aware that the ACC program is very demanding. In addition to the daily four hours of class, students should expect to spend at least another four to five hours in class preparation and self-study daily.
Unique Features and Activities
In addition to the formal curriculum, students take part in numerous activities, described below, which are designed to support the students learning Chinese in a natural setting. Students pay no extra charge for participating in these events.
Language Pledge: Only Chinese will be spoken, especially with other members of the program, including roommates, instructors, and staff. This is the ACC's most important regulation and constitutes the very backbone of its philosophy. The purpose of the language pledge is to help each student become immersed in the language and to encourage him or her not only to speak Chinese, but think in Chinese as well. When students speak English, they limit their immersion into the Chinese language and hinder the learning process. All students who are admitted will be asked to sign a language pledge, indicating their agreement to speak only Chinese to all people at all times (with the exception of dire emergencies). Failure of students to abide by the language pledge results in disciplinary action, possibly including expulsion from the program.
Language Practicum: Each week, students participate in two to four hours of language practicum, where they are assigned projects which require them to use their Chinese with local citizens and outside of the classroom. The formats of these projects include on-site visits, information gathering, interviews, oral presentations, news reports, and debates. Once a project has been completed, students report on it to their class.
Host Families: All students have host families with whom they may visit during the weekends. Experience from the last three years has proven that this is one of the most successful features of the program, since students can observe and participate in the daily life of Chinese families and can gain some knowledge of Chinese culture, social etiquette, and customs -- all in a friendly and supportive environment.
Chinese Language Tables: All students in the program meet every Friday to eat lunch with several of the instructors. This is a good opportunity for teachers and students from different levels to become acquainted with each other.
Guest Lectures: Every few weeks, outside speakers are invited to give a talk or a demonstration.
Field Trips: During each semester, ACC organizes field trips for all students. The summer students visit the Yungang Buddhist Cave in Datong. In the fall and spring, students go on two or three field trips to places of cultural interest in various parts of China. The field trips not only offer a change from the usual high-intensity language classes, but also offer students an opportunity to strengthen their knowledge of Chinese culture and to continue their practice of the Chinese language outside the classroom.
Extracurricular Activities: Students meet once a week to learn calligraphy, tai-chi, cooking, and to take choir classes. Toward the end of the semester, students demonstrate the skills they have learned in front of an audience of classmates, faculty, and friends.
Local Excursions and Cultural Events: On certain Friday afternoons or Saturdays, students may take part in excursions to nearby scenic locations such as the Forbidden City, the Summer Palace, and the Great Wall. Students may also attend cultural events such as performances of Beijing opera, plays, and acrobatics.
Host Institution and Housing
Capital University of Economics and Business (CUEB) is a comprehensive institution of higher learning with emphasis on economic management. Located in a bustling area of Beijing, the university enjoys modern conveniences and is near many points of cultural interest. The university has about 4,700 full-time students, including students from more than 20 foreign countries, and a faculty of more than 1,000. The university is well equipped with modern education facilities. The university library has a collection of 1,000,000 books. Its Institute of Economics, Institute of Population Studies, Institute of Real Estate Studies, Institute of Labor Economics, Law School, Accounting Office, and Publishing House all enjoy good reputations. All students, as well as the field director and the primary teachers, are housed in the Foreign Students Dormitory. This complex has comfortable double rooms with air-conditioning, private baths, and a 24-hour hot water supply.
Cost
Comprehensive Fees
Summer: $4,200 (not including airfare) 8 weeks
Fall: $8,000 (not including airfare) 14 weeks
Summer and Fall: $12,950 (including airfare) 22 weeks
Fall and Spring: $16, 500 (not including airfare) 29 weeks
Spring: $8, 950 (not including airfare) 16 weeks
ACC can arrange airplane tickets at group rates for summer program students.
The comprehensive fee covers the following: