West Lake Experience
This programme is open to students who wish to spend 4 weeks in Hangzhou, enrolled at Zhejiang University as
Mandarin Chinese language students. Classes are held daily and a rich programme of extra-curricular activities is provided.
The activation of the program in 2012 is currently being discussed. The program was not activated in 2011, after two very successful intakes in 2009 and 2010.
When active, this programme is available for a maximum of 10 students.
Among benefits enjoyed by students joining the programme are privileged access to ad-hoc instructors and special assistance by a dedicated local member of staff.
The fee for this scheme is 1.100€, comprehensive of
- 4 weeks of intensive language tuition
- a rich programme of extra-curricular activities
- trips in and around Hangzhou
- accommodation at the local international university dormitory
- meals at the university canteen
- the possibility to share the room with a Chinese roommate (if requested)
Flights to and from Hangzhou are the only major cost that is not included in the fee (a return flight from Italy is usually around 650€ – 750€; early booking is advisable).
In 2010 the Faculty of Political Science offered 5 scholarships for this programme, covering the entire 1.100€ fee.
This programme is available exclusively for current students and recent graduates of the Laurea Magistrale in Scienze Internazionali at the Faculty of Political Science, University of Torino.
Upon attendance of the program and successful sitting of the final tests, participants will be awarded 9 CFU, counting as Esame a scelta in their Piano di studio. Grades will be issued in the usual /30 format.
Students are reminded that competition for securing a place can be very intense. The Selection Committee considers the following factors in reaching a decision: academic transcript, personal CV, proficiency in English, participation to activities organized within the Scienze Internazionali degree programme, previous knowledge of Chinese mandarin language (beneficial but not compulsory). Potentially successful candidates are interviewed individually before a final decision is taken. Interviews are conducted in English.
For further information on how to apply, please check this FAQ list.
WLE info updated 14th January 2012.
