Experiencing Chinese culture and people, as well as firsthand practice with the language are essential as a Chinese Studies major or minor.

We strongly recommend that students study abroad in an approved program in a Chinese-speaking country.

Davidson in China

Affiliated with the School of Social Development and Public Policy, Fudan University (one of the oldest and most prestigious of Chinese universities), the Davidson in China program includes classes taught by Davidson College and Fudan University faculty. Content courses will emphasize contemporary Chinese society, culture, economics and politics, including interdisciplinary topics such as environmental studies, but in some years, there may be a greater emphasis on Chinese history. Language courses are designed to dovetail with the Davidson Chinese language curriculum so that students can move seamlessly between courses here and courses in China.

In addition to coursework, there are group visits to different sites of historical and contemporary interest throughout China, such as Beijing, Lhasa, Nanjing, the "southern capital," Suzhou (the "Venice of China") and other historical and cultural sites.

While previous knowledge of Mandarin Chinese is not required, it is highly recommended; a course in Mandarin Chinese (at the appropriate level, including first year Chinese) is part of the curriculum. Davidson students enrolled in the program in Shanghai will receive four course credits.

For more information, please contact Graham Bullock at grbullock@davidson.edu. Please consult our Office of Education Abroad for more information about Davidson in China and other programs abroad.