30 University of Minnesota Undergraduate students.
4 credits. Grading is A-F basis.
Shanghai is the single largest market in China, receives billions of dollars of direct foreign investment, and is home to hundreds of Fortune Global 500 companies. As living standards and GDP increase, businesses are evaluating how they can establish themselves competitively in this market. Evidence of this economic transformation can also be seen in the city's modern architecture, renovated historical districts, and green spaces.
As China's capital, Beijing is the political, educational, and cultural center of the country and will host the 2008 Summer Olympics. Beijing has a rapidly growing population drawn by the expanding business, manufacturing, and trade sectors. Key cultural landmarks to visit include the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, Temple of Heaven, and the Great Wall of China.
The program starts with a city tour, welcome dinner, and orientation. The first week students will have company visits, and discussions with entrepreneurs in Shanghai and Suzhou. Students will spend a day at the 2010 World Expo in Shanghai. In Suzhou students will visit the Suzhou Industrial Park, one of the most modern and largest industrial park's in the world. The second week in Beijing the students will have company visits and discussion, as well as spend a day on the campus of Tsinghua University. Cultural tours will complement the academic program.
Students will share a room with one or two classmates of their same gender. Because networking and community-building are key parts of the program, students will not have the option of a single room. Guests are not permitted during the program. Students are housed at a conveniently located hotel in each city. Breakfast daily, a welcome dinner, and a closing dinner are provided.
Participants pay $4,600 program fee directly to the University of Minnesota. This fee covers international health insurance, round trip airfare, lodging in China, cultural activities, transportation within China to group activities, and all breakfasts. Tuition for 4 credits is part of the tuition plateau. Students are responsible for purchasing their own course textbooks. Other meals and personal expenses are not covered by the course fee. Fees are based on estimates and may change due to international factors. Financial Aid can be applied to study abroad programs.
Application materials include the
online application form, a resume, and essay. Students will be charged a $50.00 application fee. The application deadline is December 1; applications will be reviewed on a rolling admissions, space available basis. Preference will be given to Carlson School students.
This program is open to U of M undergraduate students in good academic standing, with a minimum GPA of 3.0 at the time of application. The application process is competitive, and space is limited. Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee acceptance.
Applications will be reviewed and students will be informed of their status within 4 weeks of the application deadline. Selected students will be charged a $500 non-refundable deposit to confirm your place in the program.
