In partnership with CET Academic Programs Diplomat Program 2019 Orientation Guide Intentionally Blank Here is what our students and staff have to say about the JSA Diplomat Program: “China is a great place for young people to study. Beijing, the national capital, is a modern, cosmopolitan city with all the American necessities like ATM machines, Starbucks, great public transportation, fabulous universities and museums, and genuinely wonderful people who are warm and welcoming to American students. Beijing is a very safe and friendly city. I should know. I’m a parent. I bring my kids with me to China often. China is a place that’s always welcomed us with open arms.” -- Professor Elvira Masson, Academic Director, JSA Diplomat Program “China is really important to know about because our countries are so interdependent on economic and environmental issues. The experience of learning how to navigate in a foreign culture has been amazing. I definitely want to go into international affairs now.” -- Boyd Wolking, JSA Diplomat Alumnus “The best part of the JSA Diplomat Program has been the Chinese buddy program where we have met high school students from China. It’s been extraordinary because now I have friends in China. Also, the stereotype that I’ve always thought of as China was completely broken when my Chinese friends told me what modern China really is like.” -- Adrian Gillem, JSA Diplomat Alumnus “The food is amazing! Learn the word for dumplings in Chinese and you’re set. I never used to eat vegetables before I came here to China, but now I do because Chinese food is insanely good!” --Shane Batteler, JSA Diplomat Alumnus “Graduates of this extraordinary program are so much better prepared for college from living and studying in a residential college environment. They’ll also be more effective leaders in their professions now that they understand how different countries and cultures work. Watching our students learn to operate effectively in a foreign culture this past summer was truly exhilarating. Many of them had never traveled outside the United States before. In a few short weeks this summer, they learned to do things like how to bargain – in Chinese – for goods in the local market. That’s important training and builds confidence for their future when they may be at the negotiating table representing the United States on a trade deal. Preparing these American young leaders for future success in our global economy is what this program is all about.” -- Dave Viotti, CEO Emeritus of JSA 1 TABLE OF CONTENTS PROGRAM OVERVIEW 3 WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT 4 TUITION, SCHOLARSHIPS & FUNDRAISING 7 Tuition Additional Costs Fundraising Overpayment & Refund Policy MEDICAL & HEALTH INFORMATION 9 Immunizations Medical Insurance RESIDENTIAL LIFE 10 Housing Banking Communication WEATHER, CLOTHING & PACKING 12 COURSE SYLLABUS 13 SAMPLE SCHEDULE 14 I’VE BEEN ACCEPTED, NOW WHAT? 15 Passports & Visas Transportation Shanghai Excursion ENROLLMENT PROCEDURE 17 Contact Information Parental/Guardian Permission Form Student Information Form Tuition Payment Form 2 PROGRAM OVERVIEW Congratulations on your acceptance to the JSA Diplomat Program! For more than 80 years, JSA has empowered young people to thrive in our increasingly interconnected world. Our international programs prepare young leaders for college and provide them with the 21st century skills they need to be successful in our global economy. Those skills and competencies include knowledge of global economic and political processes, the ability to communicate and work well with others (especially across cultures), critical thinking, problem solving, creativity, and innovation. Each summer, young leaders from across the United States travel to Beijing, China, to learn about modern China and the art of diplomacy. Hosted on the campus of one of China’s premier universities, the JSA Diplomat Program aims to provide America’s future leaders with the skills to represent their country effectively on global issues. During the month-long session, you can earn college credit for courses in Chinese history and language. You’ll also have a chance to develop leadership skills through interactions with Chinese and American officials on political, economic, and social issues. Taking university-level classes in a residential environment will pre- pare you for success in college. Having a depth of knowledge of China and Chinese language and culture will give you a leg up in whatever field you pursue - whether in business or government, law or international relations, or engineering, the arts, or medicine. China is an exciting place. It’s the world’s fastest-growing major economy. You’ll have a chanceo s t ee this economic engine in action in modern-day Beijing, host of the 2008 Summer Olympics, and the site of some of the most historic landmarks in the world. From trips to the Great Wall, the Forbidden City, the vibrant city of Shanghai, and many other historic sites, you’ll have hands-on experience with a culture that dates back nearly 5,000 years. You’ll participate in a youth exchange with local Chinese high school students and join in service-learning projects with non-profit organizations in and around Beijing. Through these experiences, you’ll sharpen your language skills and learn about youth culture and contemporary issues in China. But studying abroad isn’t just about learning a foreign language; it’s about understanding the local culture as well. Whether learning calligraphy, practicing tai chi, or becoming an expert on the local neighborhood’s dumpling and noodle stands, you’ll learn how to navigate a new culture and make lifelong friendships along the way. “Simply interacting with Chinese people on a day-to-day basis forced me to learn and think in new ways. From purchasing fruit from a local vendor to giving the taxi driver simple directions, these interactions enabled me to engage with a new culture and learn things that I otherwise wouldn’t have learned. Studying abroad literally changed my life. I am confident it will do the same for you.” Elliott Nguyen, JSA Alumnus This packet will provide you with the detailed information you need to prepare for your JSA Diplomat Program experience. If you have any questions, you and your parents should feel free to call Felice Judkins, JSA Admissions and Enrollment Coordinator, at 202-591-3726, or contact via email at [email protected]. 3 WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT Academic Enrichment The JSA Diplomat Program is offered in partnership with Washington, D.C.-based CET Academic Programs. CET has a long and distinguished history of running academically enriching study abroad programs (you can read more about their history and programs at cetacademicprograms.com). Institutions such as Duke University, Georgetown University, University of Chicago, Vanderbilt University, and Yale University have partnered with CET for their study abroad programs. While they send students around the world to countries such as Japan, Italy, Jordan, Vietnam, and the Czech Republic, their most established programs are in China. The JSA Diplomat Program combines the academic and study abroad expertise of CET with the academic, public policy, and leadership development expertise of JSA. You will enroll in two courses during your time in Beijing. The first course will focus on modern Chinese history and politics. This is an introduction to the history and culture of China from the emergence of the Chinese state to the present day. Effective diplomacy and business leadership requires an understanding of the power structures and sources of influence within a society. This course will introduce you to the political systems and structures in place in China today, as well as provide a basis for comparing U.S. and other Western democratic systems and for addressing major issues in U.S.-China relations. Since you’re traveling all the way to China, we don’t want you to be confined to the classroom in an academic “bootcamp” atmosphere, this is a hands-on course, with frequent fieldwork, including visits to historic and cultural sites and meetings with policy experts, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and government officials. Your second course will focus on Chinese language (Mandarin Chinese), with special emphasis on learning Chinese for day-to-day travel and survival. Classes will be taught by Chinese faculty members in small groups to give students individualized attention. These groups will ensure that students have a thorough understanding of the subject matter. We take an experiential-learning approach to this course, as well. You will be given opportunities to practice your new language skills in fun and encouraging ways, from buying souvenirs at the Great Wall to arranging sightseeing events with your Chinese friends. In addition to the academic coursework, students will have program-organized activities with local high school students to practice language skills and promote cross-cultural communication. You’ll also develop an under- standing of contemporary issues and further your language abilities through service-learning opportunities at local non-profit organizations in Beijing. You can apply for credit at your high school or intended college or university, and we encourage you to begin that conversation before you depart for China. We will assign letter grades for the courses that you complete while abroad. The total number of credits received will be based upon the requirements of your home institution. Class grades are based on midterm and final exam grades, quizzes, homework, attendance, preparation, and class participation. You will be in class a total of 65 hours during the program. More information will be provided in the course syllabus. A sample is located in this packet. CET will distribute official copies of transcripts along with a letter certifying your enrollment in the program and a description of the courses completed. The transcript will be stamped by Beijing Union University. Please note that JSA and CET will not automatically forward your transcripts to your school.