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Middlebury School in China: Hangzhou (Outgoing Program)

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  • Locations: Hangzhou, China
  • Program Terms: Academic Year, Fall, Spring
  • Homepage: Click to visit
  • Program Sponsor: Middlebury Schools Abroad 
  • Restrictions: Pomona applicants only
  • Dates / Deadlines
Fact Sheet:
Fact Sheet:
Language of instruction: Chinese Housing options: Residence Hall
Areas of study: Art History, Asian Studies, Chinese, Economics, Film, History, Religious Studies Class standing: 1 - Second Semester Sophomore, 2 - Junior, 3 - First Semester Senior
Language GPA: 9.0 Program type: Stand alone
Language level: Chinese 51b or the equivalent GPA: 8.1
Program Description:
China Banner

Living with a Chinese roommate—in a pairing based on interests and preferences—is one benefit shared by all School in China students, whether in Hangzhou, Kunming, or Beijing. Challenging course work and the Language Pledge round out a highly immersive program for the serious student of Mandarin Chinese.

Hangzhou, known as the Garden City for the unusual quantity and quality of its parks and greenery, is the capital of Zhejiang province. Located just over 100 miles from Shanghai in eastern China, Hangzhou was China's capital during the Southern Song dynasty in the 12th and 13th centuries when nomads from the steppe invaded Northern China. Human activity in the area dates back 4,700 years, and the current city has a history of over 2,200 years.

Today, Hangzhou has approximately seven million inhabitants and boasts at least 20 universities, an important emerging technology industry, and temples, pagodas, and museums acclaimed throughout China and the world. Additionally, beautiful West Lake, made famous in Chinese literature, offers a scenic respite from the activity of city life. With few international students and rich opportunities for cultural immersion, Hangzhou offers an ideal setting for Chinese language study. 


Academic Program
Middlebury's Hangzhou program consists of four courses: Hangzhou Studies (1.0 Pomona credit), One-on-One Tutorial (1.0 Pomona credit), and two electives (1.0 Pomona credit each). Middlebury may require some students to take Advanced Spoken Chinese (Everyday Chinese). All courses are conducted entirely in Chinese, and the program has a language pledge. In lieu of an elective, qualified students may have the option to pursue a credit-bearing internship or to enroll in a course directly at the local university. 

There is no P/NC option on this program.

Living Arrangements
Students live in double rooms both in Beijing and Hangzhou with Chinese roommates.  Students typically eat breakfast and lunch on campus, and dinner in a local restaurant.  Pomona provides a meal allowance.

Number of Students
Middlebury College enrolls approximately 35-40 students. The host institution, the Zhejiang University of Technology enrolls approximately 15,000 students.

Host Institutions
Middlebury Schools Abroad
CET Academic Programs
Zhejiang University of Technology

Faculty Liaison
Sharon Hou

Eligibility
  • Advanced track: Completion of intermediate Mandarin (Chinese 51b), or the equivalent. Preference is given to students who take advanced Mandarin (Chinese 111a).
Students are expected to complete a Chinese language course the semester prior to the term abroad.

Travel Advisories  

Dates / Deadlines:
Dates / Deadlines:
Term Year App Deadline (Pacific Time) Decision Date Start Date End Date
Spring 2022 09/19/2021 10/08/2021 TBA TBA