Frequently Asked Questions
This page answers the 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. Sonia Cordera (see details in the “Contact us” section of this website).
- Who can apply for the Summer School?
- 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 (i.e. students who will not have a degree at the start of the School) who are enrolled in an area-studies university course focussing on China are also encouraged to apply, 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 25th June 2012.
What is the ratio of successful applications?
Competition for admission to the TOChina Summer 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.
What is the closing date for applications?
Candidates may apply until Monday 21st May 2012, 5 pm Rome time. Late applications will not be considered.
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 13th 2012 5pm (Rome time) will be evaluated by Monday April 23rd and official confirmations will be sent individually immediately thereafter. All remaining applications sent by the closing date (Monday 21st May, 5 pm Rome time) will be assessed and results communicated by Monday May 28th 2012.
Are scholarships available?
Yes indeed. Two different types of scholarships are available: ZEROTASSE – scholarships covering tuition fees entirely. These scholarships may be applied for by all School participants who are currently students (i.e. undergraduates who will not have 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 2012-13 academic year). FREETORINO – scholarships covering both tuition fees and living expenses in Torino. Those who are awarded a Freetorino scholarship will be lodged at one of Torino’s student halls from June 24th to July 7th. A single or double (depending on availability) en-suite room and one meal per day (dinner) will be provided. These scholarships may be applied for by all School participants who are currently students (i.e. undergraduates who will not have 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 2012-13 academic year). Applicants must not be resident in either the city of Torino or its province. See the “Fees and scholarships” section of this website for further information on how to apply for a scholarship.
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 Science of the University of Torino, especially set up to deal with contemporary Asian affairs. The 2012 TOChina Summer School is at its 6th edition and it is run in partnership with T.wai, the Torino World Affairs Institute. Fabio Armao, professor of International Relations and Dean of the Faculty of Political Science is the Director of the School, while Dr. Giovanni Andornino, Assistant Professor of International Relations of East Asia, is its scientific coordinator. Dr. Giuseppe Gabusi, Adjunct professor of International Political Economy and Political Economy of East Asia is in charge of the School administration, assisted by Ms. Sonia Cordera, the TOChina program officer.
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 development. This variety is designed to provide the students with a valuable, inter-disciplinary set of tools whatever their primary interest may be in the wider realm of China’s politics, political economy and foreign policy. The program 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 world-class 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 last well beyond the program’s conclusion.
When is the School held?
Induction will take place at 9am on Monday 25th June 2012. The final exam and farewell will be on Friday 6th July.
What is the venue hosting the School?
Most lectures will be held in the Conference Room of the Department of Political Studies at the following address: Via Giolitti 33, 1st floor (see map). Special activities taking place elsewhere in Torino or outside town will be notified on June 25, during induction.
What are lecture times?
Lectures are held Monday-Friday from 9.30 am to approximately 5 pm. A lunch break is scheduled between 12.30am and 2.30pm.
What expenses should I expect in order to participate?
Tuition fees are 450€ for students and 700€ for professionals (VAT included). TOChina staff can help you with reservations and info on how to save money for meals and transport. For these logistical reasons too it is best to apply as soon as possible so as to be part of the April 13th selection round. More information can be found in the “Living in Turin” section of this website.
How can I apply?
Just follow the online procedure by clicking on the “How to apply” section of this website.
Can I get some sort of official certification when I complete the course?
Participants who successfully complete the School (i.e. 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 School of Political Sciences, University of Torino. Such 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 School staff will be happy to send all necessary documents to other universities for the CFUs to be awarded to their students too.
