Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Wang Foundation?
The Wang Foundation was created by WSU alumni Peter Wang to alleviate poverty in rural China. The Wang Foundation, partnered with the prestigious Tsinghua University in Beijing and several American universities, sends Chinese and American students to economically disadvantaged counties in China to help fight poverty through English education. Please visit the Wang Foundation at http://www.wangfoundation.net/ for more information.
What are the costs?
The Wang Foundation and the Chinese government will cover all of the student’s in-country expenses. We are currently trying to create scholarships to cover student airfare to China. However, students should prepare to cover the cost of airfare (approximately $800-$1,000). Students should also budget for passports ($97) and shots (~$300 Hepatitis A & B, Typhoid). All efforts are being made to keep costs to a minimum.
Who is eligible?
The program is open to all WSU students in good standing. A 3.3 GPA and a strong background or interest in social justice, activism, and/or community service is recommended.
Are there any required courses?
Yes, there are two required courses for this service learning experience. In the winter semester, CHI 1005 will cover basic Chinese language and culture. This course is required for students without a background in Chinese language or culture. CHI 3990 is the Spring/Summer component of the program. The trip to China is the focus of the course in addition to attending two orientations before the trip.
What are the basics of the trip?
Students will travel to Tsinghua University in Beijing for a one-week orientation where 200 American students from 25 universities will partner with over 800 Tsinghua University students. During orientation, students will be broken down into groups of 10 which travel to underprivileged locations throughout China’s countryside. The groups will work with students to improve basic English skills for two weeks. Students return to Beijing for the final week to share their unique experiences in the countryside.
How can English education address poverty in China?
A Chinese student’s admission into a university is solely based on their entrance exam, which is comprised of 700 points including 150 points of English comprehension. The goal of the Wang foundation is to provide educational resources to the poorest areas where access to native English speakers and Western materials are extremely limited. Greater access to college allows these rural students to obtain high paying jobs. It should be noted that Chinese culture differs greatly in regards to the sharing of resources within an entire family. By lifting one person out of poverty, you are, in effect, lifting an entire family from poverty.
But how can I make a difference in only two weeks?
In terms of actual English education, you can’t. But by reaching out and making a connection with these students --most have never met a foreigner or a Tsinghua student-- you can help inspire them. This program’s goal is to use this inspiration to get these kids past potential problems and into college; to show a pathway out of poverty.
How do I apply?
The application can be found at http://studyinchina.wayne.edu and is due by November 27th. The applicants will be interviewed by professors, honors staff, and students from last year’s trip.
I still have more questions.
We’d be happy to answer them. Please e-mail studyinchina@wayne.edu