ZHONGHUA SCHOLARSHIP 2001: UPDATE (3/30/2001)
This is the last update for the Zhonghua Scholarship Program before the application deadline (4/20/2001 by postmark). A brief description for the Scholarship is attached at the end of this message for those who missed the announcement. You can also contact the ZSP Coordinator directly for the original announcement and earlier updates.
TEACHING EFL VS LEARNING CHINESE: The ZSP is am international cultural exchange program that combines studying abroad, teaching practicum and cultural education. The focus is an alternative way of learning Chinese that emphasize language acquisition in its natural contexts rather than formal classroom instruction. A designated personal tutor will spend an average of 8 hours per week with the participant to follow an individualized study plan jointly worked out by the tutor and the learner. The amount of EFL teaching time is limited to 18 hours per week to K-12 students.
COLLEGE CREDITS: Since participants in this program do not pay tuition to their home schools in their home countries, credit transfer is not automatic. It depends on the individual school to decide whether or not the credits in Chinese and teaching practicum will be accepted. It is most likely, however, for participants to be exempted from certain courses due to the improved proficiency in Chinese after learning Chinese in China for one year. The ZSP administration, upon request, will also provide an official letter in support of a participant's application for credit.
ARRANGEMENTS FOR APPLICANTS WITH DEPENDENTS: Participants who are married can bring their spouses with them at their own expenses. Housing will be provided by the host school in China. It is the responsibility of the participant for other living expenses and medical insurance. Since such expenses may differ from place to place, it is not clear at this stage how much it will be. Spouses who are also native speakers of English, if qualified, are encouraged to apply as a participant.
========== ZHONGHUA SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM (ZSP) ==========
The ZSP, originally established by WCCEC in the US and educational institutions in China in 1994, is an independent exchange program for all native speakers of English who are interested in various aspects of China and the Chinese language. The program offers an opportunity for the participants to learn Chinese and live in China for one year. Each participant is provided with (a) round trip travel expenses to and from the host school in China; (b) room and board (single occupancy in shared apartment with modern facilities; (c) one-to-one Chinese study under the Personal Tutorial System (PTS); (d) limited responsibilities in teaching English to K-12 students; (e) a paid cultural tour (6-9 days) at the end of the program; (e) a paid winter vacation (about 3 weeks) around the Chinese New Year; (f) minor medical insurance (NOT covering hospitalization and major surgery); and (g) a monthly stipend (2,500 Yuan, about the salary of a professor in China). For more information, please contact Ms. Weihua Hu, ZSP Coordinator, 5B University Residence #3, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, N.T., Hong Kong SAR (Fax: 852-26036912).