Study Tour 2012-2013

Join the Confucius Institute at the University of Adelaide and Shandong University from 1 December to 15 January on a 6 week study tour to North-East China for some intensive language instruction, whilst soaking up the culture, meeting the locals, enjoying Chinese cuisine, and taking in the sights of Shandong, Beijing and Shanghai.

Participants undertake 5 weeks of intensive language study and will be streamed into classes suitable to their own level of Chinese, so beginners to advanced Chinese learners are all catered for. Participants do not have to be currently enrolled at the University of Adelaide to take part. The 6 week trip also includes one week of guided tours around Shandong, Beijing and Shanghai.

Some of the happy Study Tourers from 2007

The cost of the tour includes tuition, accommodation, tours and transport in China (excluding international airfares).

This Study tour is a great way to consolidate the Chinese you have already learnt, or is the best way to get ahead if you have not studied before.

If you are a student at the University of Adelaide and would like to claim credit for your Chinese language studies during the tour you will need to enrol in Chinese In-Country (Summer School). This is a 3 unit course. Make sure you check with your Faculty to confirm this course fits in your program.

No prior Chinese experience necessary - anyone is welcome to join.

Further Information

For further information please contact the Confucius Institute on +61 8313 4798.

Useful links: Shandong Weather | Shandong Info | China Travel Advice

On December 1 participants will arrive and assemble in Shanghai. Two days are spent touring the famous sights of Shanghai.

From Shanghai the group travels to Jinan, where students will be paired for their twin-share accommodation at the University of Shandong. Those with some background in Chinese will undertake a Chinese Proficiency Test to be streamed into suitable classes. Chinese classes start the next day, every week day (mornings only) until noon.

On weekends students are free to explore Jinan and surrounds and practice their newly acquired Chinese language skills! Christmas day will be a holiday for students to get together.

After Christmas students will be taken on a tour around Shandong, including the ancient home town of Confucius.

Chinese classes resume after the tour for another two weeks, after which students will conclude their studies with a Chinese test and a Graduation ceremony.

The group then departs Jinan by train to Beijing, to see the famous sights of the Great Wall, the Summer Palace and the Forbidden City. After the tour concludes on January 15 participants depart Beijing for return to Australia (or stay on in China if you prefer).

The tour fee covers most costs in China. This includes all accommodation (twin share), transport, tuition fees, entry tickets to tourist sites and food while travelling. Food on campus at Shandong University will be extra, but is very reasonably priced.

If you would like a room to yourself for either the travel or the study section of the Study Tour (or both), please contact the Confucius Institute.

Other costs not included in the up front fee: international airfares, travel insurance, Chinese visa and all other spending - how much this is depends on how much shopping you do!

Step 1

Simply fill in the registration form, and return it with the deposit of $200.

The deposit will be fully refunded if the tour does not go ahead for any reason. The tour may be cancelled if the minimum number of participants is not reached.

Step 2

When the tour is confirmed we will ask for you to pay the balance of the fee.

You can then make arrangements for your air travel from Australia to Shanghai and from Beijing back to Australia.

During this time you will also need to arrange your travel insurance, any necessary vaccinations, and your Chinese visa. We will provide you with advice about how and when to apply for your visas.

Step 3

Meet in Shanghai in December, and start the fun!

Shandong is situated in the north-east of China, bordering seas in the east that overlook the Korean Peninsula and the Japan Archipelago. The total population of Shandong is 90 million. Shandong is the birthplace of Confucius. Confucianism, founded by Confucius, is a philosophy that dictated much of Chinese traditional society and still holds many influences over Chinese society today.

Qingdao - a former German concession and seaside city that is a popular beach resort. The home of the famous brand of Chinese beer (originally manufactured with a German recipe)!

Jinan – Jinan is often referred to as the ‘city of springs’, it has more than 100 natural springs to swim, soak and detox in!

Longshan Ancient city ruins – Longshan is considered the earliest city in China.

Great Wall – Part of the great wall in Shandong was built during the Qi State period, and is believed to be the most ancient part of the Great Wall in China.

Confucius Temple, Confucius Mansion and Confucius Cemetery in Qufu – see where Confucius, the great thinker, educator and statesman in China, and the pillar of traditional Chinese culture, was born. The temple, mansion and cemetery have been listed on the China World Cultural and Natural Heritage List by UNESCO.

Mount Taishan and Mount Laoshan – see the beautiful landscapes that Mount Taishan and Laoshan have to offer.

Shandong is also considered to be the birthplace of China’s pottery (the inscription on clay pots unearthed at Dawenkou and Dinggongcun are believed to bear the earliest Chinese written language. Tourists will find plenty of traditional items to add to their shopping lists such as the porcelain of Zibo, the clocks and watches of Yantai, the kites of Weifang and shell-carving.