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  Singapore

• Singapore City: 
Singapore City

Term: Summer 
Dates: June 8-July 17, 2009

Description: 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, an increasingly important language in this century, and explore Southeast Asia 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. Upon completion, you will have learned the basics in conversational, reading and writing skills that are applicable in modern social context. In addition, you will uncover the diversity and richness of Chinese and Southeast Asian cultures through films, documentaries, seminars, field trips and hands-on workshops. This program is tailored to undergraduate 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.

Learning Objectives:

* To pick up the basics in conversational, reading and writing Mandarin skills that are applicable in modern social context.
* 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 hands-on 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)

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.

Eligibility: Open to all students who have completed at least one year of college credit and have earned a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5.

Highlights: 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.

Accommodation
For the 1st intake, students will be housed at Kuok Foundation House, which is located in the Kent Ridge campus of the National University of Singapore (NUS). You will be staying in single rooms. There will be Internet access at the hostel. Sport facilities like an Olympic-sized swimming pool, gyms and tennis courts are available at the NUS Sports and Recreation Centre at a nominal fee on a per usage basis.

Subject Areas: Asian Studies and Chinese Language

Cost in US$: $3,590

Cost Includes: Tuition, insurance, accommodation and program activities.

Experience Required: no

This Program is open to American and Canadian Participants. .

Typical Living Arrangement: Group living

Application Process Involves:

• Letters of Reference
• Transcript
• Written Application

Typically The Application Process Time Is 2-4 weeks

Post Services Include:

• Alumni Network
• Re-Entry Debriefing at Home

AsiaLearn's Mission Statement: AsiaLearn provides college/university students with study abroad opportunities in China, Hong Kong, Japan, Malaysia, Singapore, South Korea, and Thailand. Our mission at AsiaLearn is to foster the education and development of future leaders through quality academic programs which focus on expanding awareness, understanding and appreciation of Asian cultures and practices while emphasizing the interdependent relationships which exists between countries.

Year Founded: 2007