Twelve lucky students will be accepted into the FCE program and will participate in a fully funded two-week study tour of China in May. As part of the program, participants will take a year of Chinese language during their first year along with a “Debunking Myths of China” First Year Writing Seminar this fall. Students will need to complete these course requirements (with grades of no less than B), of course, before traveling in May. This unique experience is co-directed by Dr. Dongming Zhang (Asian Studies) and Dr. Kate Kaup (Asian Studies and Politics and International Affairs).

Yes! But we are looking for more than just great students—we’re looking for students who are intellectually curious and excited to learn all they can about China from a variety of perspectives. We want students eager to learn from those they meet in China and who are constantly coming up with more and more questions as they discover connections, similarities, and differences between their home cultures and what they discover in China.  The program is also looking for student leaders who can serve as ambassadors for Furman while in China and who will share their experiences and knowledge with others upon their return. Many, though certainly not all, of our past participants have become exemplary Asian Studies majors or continued their Chinese language studies paired with one of Furman’s more than two dozen academic majors. We are particularly excited about sharing China’s rich history and politics with students who might not have ever even realized how many opportunities there are to engage in this fascinating, diverse, and important country.

We’ll have our detailed itinerary for you this spring, as we tailor our program specifically for our group and students’ interests. Your co-directors have led dozens of student, alumni, museum, and Congressional staff delegations to China. We’ll take you to Beijing where we will explore the back streets and hidden gems along with major World Heritage sites (and the Great Wall of China!). We will also travel off the beaten track to rural areas, where we will meet with villagers and see a very different pace of life. We will meet with villagers, government officials, non-government organizations, artists, scholars, and fellow students. Stay tuned for more details and be sure to share your interests with the directors this fall!

The FCE 2026-7 Program will be co-directed by Dr. Dongming Zhang (James B. Duke Associate Professor of Asian Studies) and Dr. Kate Kaup (James B. Duke Professor of Asian Studies and Politics and International Affairs). With an undergraduate degree from China’s premier Peking University and PhD from Cornell, Dr. Zhang has taught in several of the world’s leading Chinese language institutes and led several US federally funded Chinese language programs. He is a scholar of Chinese literature and film. Dr. Kate Kaup has been researching China since 1989 when she graduated from Princeton and began her PhD at the University of Virginia. A scholar of Chinese ethnic politics, human rights, and rule of law, she has worked with the US government, served as a distinguished professor at Yunnan Minzu University in China, and serves on the Board of the National Committee on US-China Relations. Both directors have extensive experience leading study away programs and are passionate about providing students with immersive and transformative international experiences.

Well…that really depends. Did you love the first year? Eager to learn more about China, Chinese language, and East Asian cultures and philosophies? We encourage you to take additional classes with us and/or to even consider a major or minor in Asian Studies or Chinese Studies! Even if you are not able to take additional classes with us, we are sure your experience in China will inform your studies and your view of the world wherever your passions may lead you.

Right HERE! Please apply before the June 26^th deadline. We will notify applicants by July 10^th.

No worries! You can just register for classes as if you were not participating in the program, and after you have been successfully added to the program, the registrar will adjust your schedule accordingly. You’ll receive your course assignments at the same time all freshmen do, so you won’t even notice the difference. All participants will take a year of Chinese Language classes. Most participants will have no prior Chinese training, but if you’ve already taken Chinese we will place you in the appropriate class.

Absolutely! Further language study beyond one year is available but is completely optional. If you are pursuing a B.A., remember that you’ll need to complete a language course 201 or greater for graduation, so you might consider at least completing CHN 201. Furman University offers four years of nationally competitive Chinese language study and a language house on campus.

Well…yes, in some ways. And that’s a big part of what makes it so interesting and fun! Furman has nationally recognized Chinese language faculty to help you master the language and state-of-the-art language lab resources. The majority of students who take Chinese at Furman have no previous exposure to the language, and perform very well. While the writing system and tones can be challenging, many students find the grammar easier than Romance languages and you’ll be able to start trying your Chinese in real-world conversations in no time. In addition to the dynamic classroom experience, if you’re interested you’ll be able to participate in all sorts of extracurricular offerings on campus where you can learn more about Chinese culture and practice what you’re learning in class. These outside activities might range from cooking classes to learning Mahjong, chatting with Chinese visitors or classmates from China over lunch, guest lectures, Chinese film screenings, etc. If you would be interested in speaking with a current Chinese language student to learn more about Chinese classes at Furman, we can arrange a conversation—in English or Chinese!

The only money that participants will need on the trip is personal spending money and any expenses related to securing passports and visas (visas are approximately 200 dollars). Roundtrip international flights, all travel within China, food, lodgings, and cultural experiences related to the program are covered by the Asian Studies Department.

Twelve students will be chosen as participants.

China remains one of the safest places in the world for international tourists. Crime rates are much lower than in the United States. The program directors are very alert to political and health issues affecting China, and they constantly monitor information from reliable sources such as the Centers for Disease Control, World Health Organization, and the U.S. State Department for any changes to the current, very stable situation in China. Despite the strained US-China bilateral relations, the Chinese government is very eager to welcome international visitors and students. You will receive a warm welcome to China! While this program aims to be fun and enriching, student well-being is always the top priority.