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Chinese Intensive Summer Language 2025

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Chinese Intensive Summer Language (CISL) Program Highlights

Chinese is more than just a language; it’s a key to understanding and engaging with one of the world’s most influential cultures and economies. At DKU, we offer a transformative summer intensive language experience where students accelerate their language skills through immersive classroom instruction and dynamic cultural engagement. Our world-class program stands out with its comprehensive approach: interactive lessons, enriching field activities, and a unique roommate program that places you alongside DKU Chinese students who are native speakers for authentic, everyday practice.

  • Premier Location and Education: Experience Duke-quality education at DKU’s state-of-the-art campus, perfectly situated between the vibrant cities of Shanghai and Suzhou. Enjoy the ideal balance of rich local culture and modern urban development for an immersive, well-rounded language-learning experience.
  • Two Four-Week Intensive Sessions: Complete a full semester’s worth of language learning in just four weeks; enroll in both sessions for the equivalent of a full academic year of Chinese language study.
  • Immersive Language Acquisition and Intercultural Learning: Rigorous communication-oriented classroom instruction, totaling 56 hours per four-week course, ensures rapid language progression and comprehensive intercultural learning.
  • Interactive Class Field Activities: Weekly field experiences designed to extend learning beyond the classroom and engage students in real-world language use and cultural exploration.
  • Native-Speaker Roommate Program: Live with a native Chinese-speaking roommate, enhancing your language practice and daily exposure to Chinese culture through informal interactions.
  • Small Class Sizes: Personalized attention with small class sections (5–12 students), promoting an effective learning environment tailored to individual student needs.
DKU Fun Facts

Key Dates

Summer Session I Orientation

Thursday, May 22 - Sunday, May 25, 2025

Summer Session II Orientation

Saturday, June 28 - Sunday, June 29, 2025
(for new arrivals in Session II only)

Summer Session 1 Classes

Monday, May 26 - Friday, June 20, 2025
(4 weeks)

Summer Session 2 Classes

Monday, June 30 - Friday July 25, 2025
(4 weeks)

Summer Session 1 Checkout

Saturday, June 21, 2025
(for those not attending Session 2)

Session II Checkout

Saturday, July 26 2025

Break Week Between Sessions

June 23 - June 27, 2025
(Optional group travel or independent travel - 1 week)

Application Overview

Application Deadline
Submit your application using the application link by 11:59am China Standard Time
Chinese Language Evaluation Period
Applicants will receive an email notification if a language placement evaluation is needed.
Application Acceptance Notifications
Applicants are notified by email from DKU about decision on their application.
Commitment Deadline
Accepted applicants are required to sign the DKU CISL Participation Agreement and pay a USD $1,000 program deposit by 11:59AM, March 13, 2025, China Time.
February 20, 2025 (China Standard Time)
February 21-28, 2025
March 3-4, 2025
March 13, 2025 (China Standard Time)

Chinese Language Sections Offered

This program is designed for currently enrolled undergraduate students from diverse Chinese language backgrounds.

All completed language courses are issued 4 credits by transcript from Duke Kunshan University (equivalent to a standard semester of Chinese language instruction, 54 contact hours per 4-credit course).

Session 1:

  • CHINESE 201 Intermediate Chinese 1
  • CHINESE 301 Advanced Intermediate Chinese 1

Session 2:

  • CHINESE 202 Intermediate Chinese 2
  • CHINESE 302 Advanced Intermediate Chinese 2
Weekly Course Schedule
  • Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday: 150 minutes (am) + 60 minutes (pm)
  • In-class contact hours = 3.5 hours/day, 14 hours/week, 4 weeks =0.0767 years 56 hours per 4-week course
  • Wednesdays: Class Field Activities (Typically 1-4pm) are designed to supplement in-class learning with extracurricular experiences to engage with the language in real-world settings and cultural learning.
Housing and Roommate Program

Unless special accommodations are approved, all students will stay in on-campus double rooms with native Chinese-speaking roommates. This setup creates a vibrant summer community where students live together in the same residence hall, making it easy to connect, share experiences, and participate in activities – or simply hang out!
Our DKU roommates are selected through a competitive process from Chinese students on campus for summer research. These roommates join students for weekly lunches or dinners and participate in some Wednesday field trips and program orientations. Unlike many local programs, DKU’s roommate program is a proven best practice in immersive language learning, giving students more natural opportunities for practicing Chinese, experiencing daily culture, and forming local friendships.

Campus and Student Support

DKU benefits from just the right balance of a modern, state of the art campus surrounded by a vibrant local community and the major cities of Shanghai and Suzhou a short commute away by public transportation. It’s the perfect environment to dive deep into your language learning while having a wide array of on-campus support for a truly intercultural experience. 

As a visiting student, you’ll enjoy full access to a wide range of campus amenities designed to enhance your experience and support your language learning. From our diverse dining options to state-of-the-art sports and athletics facilities, we’ve got you covered. Take advantage of our Campus Clinic, Counseling and Wellness Services, and the DKU Library to support both your academic and personal well-being. Plus, connect with a variety of student resources through the Office of Student Experience, ensuring a well-rounded and fulfilling time on campus.

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Tuition Costs for (Non-DKU) Visiting Students Below Include:

  • Course tuition
  • Housing (double room, housed with Chinese language program roommate)
  • Insurance
  • Local Weekly Field Excursions
  • Access to all campus amenities and student support services
  • Support for visa application processes, pre-departure, and on-site orientations

Currently Enrolled DKU Students

DKU Undergraduate students may attend this program at a discounted rate. Please see:

https://duke.box.com/s/hlubjpg857zl589vd3mzqb4m0afeadj3 

Costs
Single Session (1 or 2) Only
Double Session (Session 1 and 2)
Tuition
USD $4,500
USD $8,100
Non-Billable Estimated Expenses
Food
(Estimated CNY 150 per day)
USD $580
USD $1,200
Airfare
USD $1,500 (varies on departure location)
USD $1,500 (varies on departure location)
Personal Expenses
(Estimated CNY 500 per week)
USD $300
USD $600
Personal Local Travel
(estimates vary widely by individual)
USD $500
USD $750
*Personal Expenses+Transportation
depends on individual circumstances
depends on individual circumstances
Total
Total Tuition: USD $4,500
Total Non-Billed Est. Costs: USD $2,880
Total Tuition: USD $8,100
Total Non-Billed Est. Costs: USD $4,050

*Estimated non-billable costs may vary widely by student; the amounts listed above represent a comfortable budget for a mixture of dining on and off-campus, social outings and some local/domestic travel  not included in the program, and miscellaneous costs. These are provided as estimates only, and vary according to individual needs and resources.

Eligibility and Application Link

Eligibility

CISL is open to any currently enrolled undergraduate applicants from diverse Chinese language backgrounds who have completed a year at their Home Institution.

Application Link

Application Start Time

December 1, 2024

Application Deadline

11:59 AM, February 20, 2025, China Time

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