Chinese
Study abroad can help students of Chinese:
- Improve foreign language skills
- Gain awareness of the major discipline from a different scholarly tradition
- Develop global perspectives
- Expand cross-cultural communication and problem-solving skills
- Prepare for an increasingly diverse and international workplace
How does a semester or year of study abroad help students in Chinese prepare for graduate school or various career opportunities?
- Most students experience significant linguistic development through study abroad in the Chinese-speaking world, even if the student studies abroad for just one semester.
- Broad exposure to Mandarin Chinese or Chinese culture, specialized course work, and internship opportunities for career development.
As a general rule of thumb, the Chinese Department recommends the following for students who wish to study off campus:
- First- and second-year students who have no prior background in Chinese and intend to study abroad in the Chinese-speaking world should enroll in CHIN 105, CHIN 106, CHIN 205 and CHIN 206 during their first two years at Whitman.
- Students who have a previous background in the language should take the Chinese placement test prior to registering for classes their first semester and enroll in a Chinese course at the appropriate level.
Which requirements can Chinese majors fulfill while studying abroad?
- Chinese language and literature courses as well as the Chinese/Asian Culture course elective may be transferred with the approval of your Major Advisor.
- General Studies distribution credit
- General degree credit
Major Credit Limitations
- The maximum number of credits that can be applied to the Chinese major from off-campus studies (including transfer credit from other US institutions) is 12 credits with the approval of your Major Advisor.
Minor Credit Limitations
- A minimum of three-fifths (12) of the specific course and credit requirements for the Chinese minor (a total of 20 credits) must be completed in the on-campus program of the college.
What are the types of study abroad programs recommended by the Chinese Department?
- Traditional campus-based program that combines courses for foreign students (including Chinese language courses) with opportunities for direct enrollment at a university abroad
- Program that offers an opportunity for an internship or service learning embedded in an academic course as part of the program
Which partner programs are recommended by the Chinese Department?
- CIEE: Shanghai China in a Global Context (Shanghai)
- CET: Beijing
- CET: Taiwan
Students interested in studying abroad should attend a Study Abroad First Steps Meeting in the fall of their second year, discuss their interests with their Major Advisor and schedule an appointment with a Study Abroad Advisor.
Office of Global Programs
- Email or call to schedule a virtual advising appointment
- 509-527-4992
Office of Global Programs
- Email or call to schedule a virtual advising appointment
- 509-527-4992