Chinese Program

Study Abroad

The Study Abroad in China Program for UVM students is managed by the Chinese program and university partners in China, including the International Education Exchange Center of Yunnan University (1999-2001), the Institute of Chinese and International Studies of Yunnan Normal University (2002-2010), the College of International Students of Yunnan University (2011-2016), and Shandong University of Science and Technology (2017-). The program offers courses on Chinese language and courses conducted in English on subjects like Chinese culture and cross-communication strategies, Chinese minority nationalities, Chinese religion, Chinese philosophy and Sino-American Business Relations. This is a valuable opportunity for students to immerse themselves in the Chinese culture and language. Learn more about study abroad opportunities at UVM. 

 

Special Events

Learning doesn’t begin and end in the classroom. As part of the Chinese language community at UVM, there are many activities and events that build on your language skills in a relaxed and informal atmosphere. Chinese Tea Hour is held every Friday afternoon. Events throughout the year, like the annual Chinese student talent show, celebration of Chinese New Year, Chinese films, acrobatic or martial arts shows, and music and dance performances by Chinese artists, enhance the learning experience.

 

Japanese Program

Study Abroad

Study abroad is not only for learning language but also a wonderful eye-opening experience. Spending one semester or two in Japan during your college days will provide an added dimension and depth to your resume. There are three UVM Exchange Programs in Japan: Aoyama Gakuin University and Rikkyo University in Tokyo and Kansai Gaidai University in Osaka.  Often UVM or associated organizations can provide financial support for studying abroad. Learn more about study abroad opportunities. Contact the Office of International Education for further information.

Advancing Language Skills

Our enthusiastic Japanese faculty members have many years of teaching experience. While Japanese is often considered one of the more difficult languages to master, our students are able to conduct simple conversations, read and write during the very first semester. At more advanced levels, original sources such as newspaper articles, films, TV news and contemporary novels are used.

Academic and Cultural Events/Clubs

Student performing Taiko Performance

There is a variety of events offered through the UVM Japanese Program including academic presentations by guest speakers, study sessions, calligraphy workshop, cooking activities, film screenings, taiko performance, and Our Common Ground card-making event. We also have interest groups that are official Student Government Association clubs. These include the Japanese Language and Culture Club, Taiko Club, Anime Club, and Kendama Club.

Service Learning / Community-Engaged Learning

Two person standing in front of their project

Veronica Ruth (right) and Kazuko Suzuki Carlson-sensei at the showcase of Community-Engaged Learning. - Photo by Andy Duback

Are you interested in serving in the local community? Are you planning to teach in the future? The Japanese Program provides opportunities to participate in Service Learning through teaching Japanese language and culture at local schools. You may also present your study abroad experiences or research with the community. Students obtain transferrable skills to teach while sharing and applying their learning in the community.

Collaborative Online International Learning

Group of people in zoom meeting
UVM students and Tottori University students along with faculty members, Akio Kajitani from Tottori Prefectural Government (top row, middle) and Tim Tierney from VT Agency of Commerce and Community Development (2nd row, 2nd from left).

As part of Tottori Prefecture and the State of Vermont sister-state efforts, Kazuko Suzuki Carlson-sensei offers Collaborative Online International Learning projects with Tottori University, Tottori Prefectural Government Office, and Vermont state agencies. UVM students work with Tottori University students as a team to conduct research, work on a collaborative project, and present their final products. They use their target language and work from October through January.



Scholarship Opportunities

The Asian Languages and Literatures Program encourages student to apply for scholarships that fund opportunities to practice Chinese and Japanese skills, attend graduate school or engage in service projects abroad. Many of these opportunities provide special consideration to students with limited financial means. Because faculty scholars at UVM are closely connected with many of these organizations, they can provide you guidance in planning and applying.