China - Curriculum & Courses

Curricula

Summer Discovery students may choose from 4 curricula. Curriculum A offers an Intensive Chinese Language: Mandarin program for optional college credit which meets morning and afternoons. Curriculum B offers an Intensive Chinese Business Institute for optional college credit which meets morning and afternoon. Curriculum C (limited enrollment) features Shanghai Business Internship opportunities in a variety of industries. Students are required to have had prior knowledge of Mandarin and Chinese culture. Curriculum D offers students a choice of any two courses that include Chinese Language, Chinese Culture, Chinese Business, Leadership and Service Learning, and Princeton Review SAT Prep. All courses meet Monday – Friday morning and afternoon for approximately two hours each. The Leadership and Service Learning course may sometimes meet for a longer period depending on the scope/location of community service projects. The Princeton Review SAT Prep class will have some outside of class diagnostic testing. Please note: most courses have outside of class homework assignments, and many have final examinations or final projects.

China Cultural Immersion College Credit & Enrichment Courses

These college credit (optional) and enrichment courses are offered in cooperation with China Prep and Shanghai Jiao Tong University. The discovery of Chinese culture is one of the keys to a successful international learning experience. We often use Shanghai and its environs as our extended classroom. Most classes are small and personal - encouraging constant student/teacher interaction. All classes are taught in English and meet 5 days a week, Monday – Friday.

Optional College Credit: Students may choose to take any Chinese Language or Chinese Business course for credit or not for credit. The decision must be made prior to June 1, and cannot be changed.  The workload/assignments are exactly the same whether a student takes the courses for credit or not. Most students choose the credit option. There is an additional fee of $395 for a class taken for credit. Credit may be conferred by Marist College.  The decision to accept/not accept credits rests solely with the college/ university you eventually attend. Students earn 3 college credits upon successful completion (a grade of C+ or better) of the course.

The Best Teachers

All instructors/professors are fluent in English with higher degrees from major universities in China and/or USA and Europe. Courses are taught by university instructors from China and the US, including businesspeople, entrepreneurs, artists, artisans, and professionals. Classes are small, informal and personal - encouraging student/teacher interaction. Instructors nurture the creative process of education, developing not only skills and confidence, but also aesthetic awareness and conceptual abilities.

“Preparing for College and Life Workshops” and Guest Speakers

These once weekly workshops focus on contemporary issues and skills that are the keys to a productive high school and college career. Also featured are weekly guest speakers from Chinese business, fashion, entertainment and education in fascinating, interactive discussions with Summer Discovery students.

Grades and Evaluations

College credit courses are graded on the traditional letter system of A, B, C, D and F. Official transcripts are available for college credit classes by request for future use.  Enrichment classes are graded Pass, No Pass.