Frequently Asked Questions

This page answers your most frequently asked questions about the TOChina Summer School programme.

Should you fail to find an answer to your question in this page, please contact Ms. Lucia Salto or Dr. Giuseppe Gabusi (see details in the “Contact us” section of this website).

  1. Who can apply for the Summer School?

    2. Any professional or student who is in possession of the required qualifications. These are a Bachelor honours degree at 1st or 2:1 level (or an equivalent European title, such as the laurea triennale for Italian students with a minimum grade of 100/110) and good command of the English language. 

    Undergraduate students (ie. students who will not yet have a degree at the start of the School) who are enrolled in an area-studies university course focussing on China are also welcome, provided that they have completed at least one year of course.

    Special attention will be devoted to those applicants who can demonstrate their proficiency in English by means of an international qualification. Though this is not a mandatory requirement, an ideal proof would be a minimum TOEFL score of 620 (paper-based test) or 250 (computer-based test), or 100 (Internet test), or IELTS 7.0 or their equivalent (e.g. the Cambridge Advanced or CPE Certificate). Previous studying experience abroad will also be taken into consideration.

    The compulsory requirements must be met by Monday 28th June 2010 for the application to be considered.

  2. What is the ratio of successful applications?

    Competition for admission to the School is tough. Last year less than 25% of all applications were successful and the percentage is set to be lower this year. Early application is highly recommended.

  3. What is the closing date for applications?

    Candidates may apply until Friday 21st May 2010, 5 pm Rome time. Late applications will not be considered.

  4. When will application results come out?

    The selection procedure will be carried out by a Committee of senior scholars who will address every application cleared by the TOChina office. All complete applications reaching TOChina by Friday April 23rd 2010 5pm (Rome time) will be evaluated by Monday April 26th and official confirmations will be sent individually immediately thereafter. All remaining applications sent by the closing date (Friday 21st May, 5 pm Rome time) will be assessed and results communicated by Monday May 24th.

  5. Are scholarships available?

    Yes indeed. Two different types of scholarships are available:
    ZEROTASSE – 5 scholarships covering tuition fees entirely. These scholarships may be applied for by all School participants who are currently students (ie. undergraduates who will not have yet completed their China-related degree at the time of the School, or applicants who either are studying at the postgraduate level or will be doing so in the 2008-09 academic year).
    FREETORINO – 10 scholarships covering both tuition fees and living expenses in Torino. Those who are awarded a Freetorino scholarship will be lodging at one of Torino’s student halls from June 27th to July 10th. A single en-suite room and meals (half-board) will be provided. These scholarships may be applied for by all School participants who are currently students (ie. undergraduates who will not have yet completed their China-related degree at the time of the School, or applicants who either are studying at the postgraduate level or will be doing so in the 2010-11 academic year). Applicants must not be resident in either Torino or its province.

    See the “Fees and scholarships” section of this site for further information on how to apply for a scholarship.

  6. Who organizes the Summer School?

    The Summer School is organized by TOChina. TOChina is part of TOAsia, a working unit of the Faculty of Political Sciences of the University of Torino especially set up to deal with contemporary Asian affairs. The 2010 TOChina Summer School is at its 4th edition and as from this year it will be run in partnership with Twai, the Torino World Affairs Institute. Fabio Armao, professor of IR and Deputy Dean of the Faculty is the director of the School, while Dr. Giovanni Andornino, a Lecturer in the IR of East Asia, is its scientific coordinator. Dr. Giuseppe Gabusi, a Lecturer in the Political Economy of East Asia is responsible for the School management, assisted by Mr. Stefano Robino. The School’s office is run by Mrs. Annarita Letizia.

  7. What themes are treated in the programme? And who are the lecturers?

    The short (2 to 5 hours) courses taught at the School range from Chinese politics, to the philosophy of Chinese strategic thinking and the political economy of China’s growth. This variety is designed to provide the students with a valuable, cross-field set of tools whatever their primary interest may be in the wider realm of China’s politics, international relations and political economy.

    The programme is a learning experience made unique by the diverse mix of participants and instructors, drawn from the best universities, institutions and think-tanks in the world. Lecturers are top experts in their chosen fields and are committed to providing scientifically rigorous classes while addressing key themes of contemporary relevance. 

    All Summer School participants are considered part of the wider Torino University community and are afforded the same rights and privileges as regular students. The atmosphere around campus is convivial and interactive, making it easy to develop friendships which will last well beyond the programme. TOChina’s coordinator Giovanni Andornino too has a tradition of keeping in touch with former colleagues and students in the later stages of their careers.

  8. When is the School held?

    Induction will take place at 9am on Monday 28th June 2010. The final exam and aperitivo will be on Friday 9th July.

  9. What is the venue hosting the School?

    Most lectures will be held in the Conference Room of T.wai, the Torino World Affairs Institute at the following address: Via Ponza 4 (see map). Special activities taking place elsewhere in Torino or outside town will be notified on June 28th.

  10. What are lecture times?

    11. Lectures are held Monday-Friday from 9.30am to 4.30pm. A lunch break is scheduled between 12.30am and 2.30pm.

  11. What expenses should I expect in order to participate?

    Tuition fees are 450€ for students and 750€ for professionals (VAT included). The cost of a single room at one of the University students halls is in the region of 30€ per night. TOChina staff can help you with reservations and info on how to save money for meals and transports. For these logistical reasons too it is best to apply as soon as possible so as to be part of the April 23rd selection round. More information can be found in the “Living in Turin” section of this website.

  12. How can I apply? 

    13. Just follow the online procedure by clicking on the “How to apply” section of this site.

  13. Can I get some sort of official certification when I complete the course?

    Alumni who successfully complete the School (ie. participate to a minimum of 42 out of the 50 hours of lectures/seminars and pass the final exam) are awarded an official certification by the Faculty of Political Sciences, University of Torino. The certificate will indicate the title of the School, the sessions attended and the grade obtained at the final exam.

    Italian students might wish to know that the TOChina Summer School certificate may be used to claim CFUs. The Faculty authorities will be happy to send all necessary documents to other universities for the CFUs to be awarded to their students too.