Orientation

A mandatory orientation led by your onsite Resident Director will take place on Thursday to Sunday after arrival in Beijing or Shanghai.  Students studying at SNU in Xi'an will begin orientation in Beijing and their orientation program will conclude in  Xi'an later that week.  Transportation to Xi'an at the beginning of the program is included in the program fee and is arranged by the Alliance for all SNU students.  However, SNU students are responsible for arranging and paying for train or plane transportation from Xi'an to Beijing at the end of the program.  Please be sure to budget ~$100-$200 USD for transportation out of Xi'an.

Your orientation will include the following activities:

• Introduction to the Alliance program
• Meeting your Chinese language and area studies professors
• Overview of the academic program and Alliance expectations
• Chinese language placement test for students who have previously studied Chinese
• Program policies (academic, student conduct)
• Health, safety and security tips
• Experiencing and coping with cultural shock
• Campus tour, neighborhood tour, city tour
• Cultural performance
• Meeting your Chinese roommates/language partners
• Scavenger hunt

The orientation is designed to meet the following goals:

• Deepen your understanding of the program and what to expect during the semester
• Facilitate getting to know the Alliance staff, faculty, Chinese roommates, language partners, and your fellow students
• Create an Alliance community and culture
• Familiarize you with your surroundings -- the campus, neighborhood, and city
• Teach you how to use public transportation and order food in Chinese restaurants
• Establish individual academic and personal goals for your semester
• Prepare you for the new semester both academically and emotionally.

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