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> Xi’an, China
Xi'an: Art, History, and the Silk Road
Hosted by Xi'an International Studies University
Far from the high-rises and bright lights of Shanghai and Beijing lies Xi'an, one of the most fasinating cities in China. Rich in over 3,100 years of history, Xi'an is the site of the Terracotta Army and the eastern terminus of the ancient Silk Road. Students studying in Xi'an experience the "heart of China" and observe a striking contrast between modern and ancient. To read the Transitions Abroad article, Rediscovering Xi'an, China, about the city's impressive sites, please click here.
Academics
This program offers students 12 class hours per week of Chinese language as well as courses taught in English in several disciplines including ancient Chinese history, contemporary issues, art and anthropology. Students may enroll for a semester, summer, or academic year, or a combination of a semester and summer term. Students are encouraged to consider spending their second term in China in a different Alliance program to deepen their knowledge of China's regional diversity. Click here to view a full listing of textbooks and lessons by Alliance program and Chinese language level.
The University
Founded in 1952, Xi'an International Studies University (XISU) leads China's northwest region in foreign language education. It offers undergraduate and graduate degree programs in Chinese and foreign language and literature, international politics, cultural studies, linguistics, international finance and trade, human geography, and other disciplines. XISU is home to 20,000 students on two campuses.
Pre-Requisites
Students are required to have a minimum GPA of 3.0 and to be enrolled in an undergraduate degree program at an accredited U.S. institution. No prior study of the Chinese language is required to participate in Alliance programs. Language instruction is offered at the beginning through advanced levels.
Coursework
All students are required to take a Chinese language course as well as Area Studies courses taught in English. Students' placement in the Chinese language course will be contingent upon the results of a placement exam after arrival in China. In the Fall and Spring terms, students receive 15 credits. In the Summer term, students receive 8 credits.
Class size
Classes are offered exclusively for Alliance students. Chinese language classes average 6-8 students per class.
Faculty
All language faculty are jointly selected by the Alliance and XISU to teach the Alliance students in exclusive classes. Chinese language courses are taught by full-time XISU teachers. Area Studies courses are taught by faculty from various universities in Xi'an. All area studies faculty have a PhD.
Xi'an Journal
Resident Director Omar Ali is the author of the Xi'an Journal, a series of regular updates about the city and the development of the Alliance Xi’an Program. The entries are revisions and expansions of his personal Xi’an diary and notes. The Xi'an Journal is an ongoing conversation, so stay tuned!