Journey to the Middle Kingdom: Exploring China's Cultural Heritage

This study abroad course offers students an exploration of Chinese art from ancient traditions to contemporary expressions. Through a blend of classroom instruction, museum visits, and on-site explorations of historical landmarks, students will gain firsthand experience with China's rich artistic and cultural heritage. As ancient capitals of China, Beijing and Xi'an offer a unique and dynamic setting. The region's historical significance, biodiversity, political environment, and cultural diversity provide a living laboratory for students to explore topics that are central to the program's curriculum.

Assignments will be designed to incorporate local resources such as visits to cultural sites, interactions with local professionals, and research on local issues. Activities such as guided tours and cultural performances will provide direct exposure to the host culture, enhancing students' understanding of the social and cultural context.

This study abroad program is taught by Dr. Gene Wang and Dr. Ellen Bayer.

Academic Content

This program does not have any prerequisites or language requirements. Students receive a total of five credits for the program as follows:

TIAS 490 Special Topics: Experiencing Art and Culture in China (5 credits)

The course covers major movements in Chinese art including jade carvings, bronze castings, funeral sculptures, court paintings, and contemporary avant-garde works. Students will have the opportunity to engage with local artists, visit prominent cultural sites such as the Forbidden City, the Great Wall, the Terracotta Warriors, the National Museum, and the 798 Art District.

Learning Goals Include:

• Describe historical context
• Identify major art forms
• Develop visual analysis skills
• Participate in cross-cultural dialogue
• Conduct field-based research
• Develop global perspective 
• Process experiential learning

Program Schedule

The program runs from August 25-September 19, 2025. Students will spend August 29 to September 9 in China and will be required to participate in a combination of in-person and online instructional activities before and after time abroad. 

Housing

Students will be staying in hotels. Rooms are double occupancy; single rooms may be requested in advance (depending on availability; additional fees apply). Rooms include bathroom with western-style toilet and are equipped with a telephone, television, air conditioning, bed linens and towels.

Student Eligibility

Undergraduates in "good academic standing" (2.0 or above), from any UW campus may apply. This program is designed for undergraduate and graduate students who are passionate about expanding their global perspectives, engaging with diverse cultures, and applying academic knowledge in real-world settings. Students across a variety of disciplines, especially those interested in art and architecture, international relations, cultural studies, urban studies, anthropology, and economics may be interested in this program. Students who are eager to challenge themselves academically, professionally, and personally in a cross-cultural environment will find this program to be a rewarding experience. We also welcome applications from non-matriculated students. Students who have not yet earned a high school diploma or equivalent are not eligible for our study abroad programs.

Application Deadline

Applications are due on February 15, 2025. Applicants will be notified of acceptance decisions two weeks after the deadline. Once accepted to the program, applicants will need to confirm their participation in the program two weeks after acceptance. 

Travel Documents and Insurance 

All program participants must have a valid passport in order to travel to China.

Visas

A tourist visa is required for U.S. citizens to travel to China. Guidance will be provided to help students obtain the visas, as well as advise on ensuring passports are valid and keeping copies of important documents.

If you are a citizen of another country, you can research visa requirements by calling the consular offices of countries you plan to visit by going to the following website: http://travel.state.gov/content/passports/english/country.html. 

The cost and requirements for obtaining visas vary. It is your responsibility to determine visa requirements for all countries you plan to visit while abroad including countries that you plan to visit before or after your study abroad program. This is an especially important consideration if you are planning to do more than one study abroad program.

Insurance 

The University of Washington requires students engaged in educational activities abroad – including study, research, internships or community engagement – to purchase UW Student Abroad Insurance. If you are a current UW student, you are required to purchase coverage UW Student Abroad Insurance. Details are on the UW Study Abroad Insurance page.

Program Cost

The approximate program cost is $2940.

Included in the cost of the program:

• $470 Administrative Fee
• Instruction (5 credits)
• Housing and some meals while students are abroad
• Program activities and program travel

Not Included:

• Airfare
• Meals (except as listed above)
• UW Student Abroad Insurance
• Transportation to and from the airport
• Personal expenses (phone calls, eating out, etc.)
• Visa cost

Payment Due Date: October 10, 2025

Program fees will be posted to your MyUW student account and can be paid the same way that you pay tuition and other fees. Check your MyUW Account periodically for due dates.

Withdrawals

The $470 UW Study Abroad Administrative Fees are non-refundable once a contract has been submitted. Students withdrawing from a program are responsible for paying a percentage of the program fee depending on the date of withdrawal. More details about the withdrawal policy are included in your payment contract. No part of the program fee is refundable once the program has begun (please refer to Emergency Withdrawal information below, if applicable). The date of withdrawal is considered the business day a withdrawal form is received by the Office of Global Affairs. Notice of withdrawal from the program must be made in writing by completing the following steps:

Please email uwtintl@uw.edu and copy your program director(s) providing notice that you will no longer be participating in the program. You will also need to respond to any further communication from the Office of Global Affairs to finalize your withdrawal.

Emergency Withdrawal 

If you cannot participate in a study abroad program, you may submit an Emergency Withdrawal Petition. If granted, the Emergency Withdrawal may allow for partial relief from your financial obligations to the program.

An Emergency Withdrawal Petition may be submitted in the following circumstances:

• Unanticipated change in financial situation
• Medical emergency
• Death in immediate family
• Active military duty
• Unusual or extenuating circumstances

To submit an Emergency Withdrawal Petition, complete this form and email it to uwtintl@uw.edu. 

Financial Aid and Scholarships

• A large percentage of UW students utilize financial aid to study abroad. Most types of financial aid can be applied to study abroad fees.
• Please note that students who are studying abroad in an Early Fall program must enroll in a minimum number of credits to be considered a full-time student during fall quarter and therefore eligible for financial aid. In addition to the 5 credits from this program, undergraduate students will need to be enrolled in at least 10 additional credits. There may be an adjustment to your aid if you are not considered to be full-time for financial aid purposes.
• For UW Tacoma students, you can submit a revision request to increase the amount of aid for the quarter you are studying abroad. These additional funds are usually awarded in the form of loans. To apply, fill out a revision request form, attach the budget sheet (available via the link at the top of this brochure) and submit these documents to the UW Tacoma Office of Financial Aid.
• For UW Seattle or Bothell Students, you can apply by filling out a revision request form, attach the budget sheet (available via the link at the top of this brochure) and submit these documents to the Office of Financial Aid.
• Consult the Financial Aid section on the UW Study Abroad website for more information on applying for financial aid, special considerations for summer and early fall programs, and budgeting and fundraising tips
• Please also review this list of scholarships: these are opportunities that can help fund your study abroad experience. Please note that many of them have deadlines before your study abroad application is due. For help with the application process, please contact uwtintl@uw.edu.

Budgeting Tools

We understand that figuring out your finances for study abroad can be complicated, and we are here to help. Here are some ways to find additional support:

• Click on the Budget Sheets link at the top of this brochure to view the estimated budget of all expenses for this program.
• UW Tacoma students can attend a How to Fund Your Study Abroad event - more information is on the Events page of our website.

Changes in Cost or Scope of Program

In the event of significant devaluations of the dollar, some adjustments to program activities may be necessary. If there are any political events that might compromise the safety of the participants, a rescheduling or cancellation of the program may be necessary. If such changes occur, students will be notified of the changes and options will be presented.

Orientation

To be eligible to study abroad, all program participants must attend an online pre-departure orientation facilitated by UW Study Abroad as well as your program-specific orientations, offered by your program directors. Orientation must be completed prior to the enrollment deadline for the quarter that you are studying abroad.

Program Cancellation

If viable enrollment is not reached by April 15, 2025, the program will be cancelled. Participants will be notified and the administrative and program fees will be refunded.

Disability Accommodation